Nepalgunj is one of Nepal’s major cities, located in the western part of the country in Province No. 5 in the Banke district. It is approximately 520 km from Kathmandu, 16 km south of the Mahendra Highway, and 6 km north of the Indian border. Nepalgunj is not only famous for exciting treks to the Dolpa plateau and Jumla region, but also as a major transport hub of the country and for various attractions in the place. The topography is as flat as a pan, as the southern strip of Nepal is the northern extension of the great Gangetic plain, called ‘Avadh’ or in Nepali Terai.
Because of the close proximity to India, supplies are quite cheap. So, many Nepalese cross the border to shop in Rupaidiha, a small market town just across the border. The town has a rich culture and tradition, and the people in this region practice Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and Christianity in harmony. Although, being a small city, there is a lot to explore, do activities and see around the place, taste the local cuisines and talk with the humble Nepalgunj people.
Visit the National Parks
In the periphery of the city, there are two national parks i.e. Bardiya National Park and Banke National Park. The national parks are home to some of the most exotic and endangered species of animals like Gharila, Tiger, Four-Horned Antelope, Ruddy Mongoose, Rhinoceros, Wild Elephant, Gangetic Dolphins, and many more. These areas are also a paradise for bird watchers as about 400 species of birds are found in the park. The park was created with the sole purpose of preserving and conserving natural habitats and the green environment. The beauty of nature and wildlife are ready to still your heart.
Bageshwori temple
Bageshwori Temple is the oldest temple in the Banke district which is dedicated to the goddess Bageshwori(Durga). The main attraction of the temple is Lord Shiva with a mustache which is one of the only two such temples in Nepal. It is believed to have been built after a group of yogis resting here on their way to Lord Pashupatinath in Kathmandu dreamt of Sati Devi telling them that it was here that her tongue fell off and that it could be found inside a pit close by. The next day, the yogis discovered the goddess’s tongue exactly as she’d described it, and a temple was later built in her honor. There are several other small temples with their own significance within the temple area, including the temple of Lord Buddha, the statue of Lord Ganesha, and the temple of Lord Hanuman.
Visit Grasscutters’ Lane
Grasscutters’ Lane is an old section of Nepalgunj that gives you a taste of the traditions and lifestyle of rural Nepal. So, if you want to get a true taste of Nepalese country life, the grasscutters’ lane in Nepalgunj is a place that should not be missed.
Enjoy Some Street Food
Nepalgunj is one of the best places to extract a wide range of street foods with distinct flavours and textures. Samosas, chaat, katti roll, golgappas, and sekuwa from Nepalgunj are regarded as the best throughout the country. It is also well-known for its ravadi(milk product). If you are strolling down Eklaini Alley, it is highly recommended that you try the Mubarak biryani, which is one of the best biryani stalls in Nepalgunj. Similarly, the Surkhet road in Nepalgunj serves delectable sekuwa(grilled meat), which consists primarily of simply grilled meat, mostly chicken. With a few condiments and a lot of spices. This delectable food at roadside stalls tempts you to return for more.
Other
Some other highlights of the city are Rani Talau, Mahendra Park, Hadiya Baba Temple, Ram Janaki Temple, Rapti river, Muslim Bazar, Sadar Line, Koreanpur, Belaspur, and Puraini Park. Aside from visiting these places, you can also go on a shopping spree because its proximity to the border allows you to get good bargains and a variety of products at low prices.
(Photo Credit: Nepal Visitor)
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