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About
Biratnagar |
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Biratnagar is a sub-metropolitan city in southeast Nepal. It
is the third largest city ,after Kathmandu with total area of
58.48 sq. km and population is about 205,000. In Nepali "birat"
means huge and "nagar" means city. In the past, the region had
a king whose name was Birat and the ruins of whose palace can
be seen. The name "Biratnagar" for the city comes from the
name of King Birat. Biratnagar is situated within one of the
most ethnically diverse regions of Nepal, and the rural
hinterland is home to a diverse cross section of Tarai
communities.Geographical location of Biratnagar is 26°28'60"N
87°16'60"E. |
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Culture of Biratnagar |
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The
Culture of Biratnagar is the blend of Indian and Nepalese
cultures. A lot of festivals are the same but only the manner
in which they are celebrated differs among Nepalese and
Indians living in Biratnagar. Biratnagar is equally famous for
its high-spirited festival celebration. In Nepal's biggest
festival, large number of people including young persons visit
the Kali Mandir, a temple that lies in the heart of the town.
Some of the popular festivals are listed below.
Krishna Janma Asthami
Krishna Janma Asthami or the birthday of Lord Krishna is
celebrated actively and together by both Nepalese and Indian
communities. People tend to open small stalls everywhere where
they keep a statue of lord krishna. Anyone visiting the stall
gets little bit of prashad(some fruits). Also there is a culture
of Jagram(staying awake all night) on Janma Asthami night. On
the day there is also a tradition of Rath Yatra(Chariot
pulling). Its basically like a parade, where a chariot is pulled
by people and basically whole of Biratnagar turns up to witness
the event. The next day is a bit gloomy as all the statues of
Lord Krishna are taken to the River nearby called Singya and
given away to the river. The process is called "Murti Selaune".
Dashain
Dashain is celebrated mainly by the Nepalese communities.
Generally there are ceremonies in the Kali Temple on the main
street. The event lasts for 15 days.
Tihar Festival
In Tihar festival of lights the residents line their homes with
diyo (an earthen oil lamp), candles and decorative electrical
lamps during the two days of celebration and there is decoration
in main road which includes use of Banana tree and Bamboo in all
shops. Crackers are band in Nepal. |
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Location of Biratnagar |
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Biratnagar is located in the Gangetic plains and the land is
very fertile. Hence Biratnagar has traditionally been an
agricultural hub and is home to many industries based on
agriculture. It is located at the border with India and is
therefore a major centre for trade and commerce with India. A
rail line ends in Jogbani, India on the border. Biratnagar has
many small villages nearby which is very good for tourism
purpose. It is also nearby from Illam, a main town which has
many tea plantations for tea.
The second largest city in Nepal, Biratnagar is primarily known
as the industrial center of the country. Located in the Morang
district, this place attracts a number of tourists with its
laid-back appeal, colourful festivals and a unique culture. On a
trip to Biratnagar, visitors can discover the ruins of a
wonderful palace built by King Birat; enjoy bird watching in the
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve; shop for local handicraft, spices
and other local produce in the Haat Bazaar or visit the
classical Kali Mandir, located in the heart of the city. There
are a number of worth-exploring places near this city. |
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Tourist Attractions in Biratnagar |
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Biratnagar is not a typical tourist city but is a huge center to
explore the interesting places in eastern Nepal like Ilam. There
are many things to do in the city. One can wander along the
unique market that is along a straight road and branches out and
savour the street food. A number of colourful haat bazaars
(weekly markets) are held each week in different parts of the
town, where farmers from the rural surroundings set up stalls to
trade agricultural produce, spices and handicrafts.Biratnagar is ideal as a hub for travel plans in Eastern Nepal.
Tourist Attractions of Biratnagar are -
Tea gardens of Ilam - The beautiful tea gardens of Ilam
are just 4 hours' drive away. Another place of interest is the
hilly district of Dhankuta with its orange orchards.
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve - Koshi Tappu Wildlife
Reserve is well-known for its wildlife, especially for
bird-watching enthusiasts, is a mere 90-minute drive from the
city. It is also home to the endangered wild buffaloes called "Arna"
in Nepali.
Biratnagar Haat Bazaar- Biratnagar Haat Bazaar is a
weekly open-air market mainly for selling and buying of
vegetables, meat and other essentials, take place every Mondays,
Wednesdays and Saturday in different parts of Biratnagar.
Koshi Barrage - The Koshi Barrage on the Koshi river
(two-hour drive) is a remarkable sight. Biratnagar is the hub of
air routes in eastern Nepal.The largest rhododendron forests of
Tinjure, Milke and Jaljale can be reached in about 3-4 hours.
Scenic treks with views of Mt. Makalu and Kanchenjunga can be
started from the small towns of Basantapur or Tumlingtar.
Dharan - Dharan is about 50 km from north of Biratnagar.
Dharan is famous for Dantakali temple, Pindeshwar temple, Budha
Subbha temple and Panch Kanya and is surrounded with hills and
Bhedetar is famous view point.
Jogbani
Jogbani is a city which serves as a border between Nepal and
India. It is a main shopping destination for people of
Biratnagar as well as nearby cities like Dharan and Dhankuta.
Baraha Kshetra
It is an important Hindu pilgrimage site which is located at the
convergence of Koka and Sapta Koshi rivers. According to Hindu
legend, Lord Vishnu as His fourth avatar Lord Nrsimhadeva came
down to earth and destroyed Hiranyakashipu, an evil demon at
this very spot.
Birateswar
Birateswar is an endangered heritage of Nepal. King Birat ruled
over this region in historic period and even there we can find
the palace of king Birat.
Trekking
For adventure-seekers, trekking through the winding trails in
the small towns of Basantpur and Tumlingtar that present
wonderful views of Mount Makalu and Mount Kanchenjunga can be
absolutely wonderful. Luring visitors with an interesting array
of attractions, this city is the perfect place where the natural
beauty and culture of Nepal can be seen at its best. |
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How To Reach Biratnagar |
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By
Rail
It is also easy to travel to and from India by trains from
Jogbani railway station, just across the border in India. There
are direct trains to Kolkata and the Indian capital New Delhi
from Jogbani. The border crossing from Jogbani has a customs
checkpoint. A survey for an extension of the railway track from
Jogbani to Biratnagar has been done.
By Road
Biratnagar is well connected to other parts of the country
through buses. Road transport is the most significant mode of
transport to the city Biratnagar .
By Air
Biratnagar Airport is one of the busiest airports in Nepal
with most flights to Kathmandu. Biratnagar is also linked to
Kathmandu and some hilly places by air transport.
Intercity
The best way of getting around the city is by using cycle
rickshaws and taxi. There are also auto rickshaws running short
distances but they don't operate in the main market area. For
easy roundabout of the city there are tempos and rickshaws. |
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