Birganj is a sub-metropolitan municipality and border town in Parsa District in the Narayani Zone of southern Nepal. It lies 283 km south of the capital Kathmandu, 3 km north of the border of the Indian state of Bihar. As an entry point to Nepal from Patna and Calcutta it is also known as the gateway to Nepal. The town has significant economic importance for Nepal as a large part of goods enter Nepal through Birganj via Raxaulon the Indian side. Tribhuvan Highway links it to Kathmandu.

According to the 2001 census of Nepal it has a population of 112,484, there are several languages spoken in the town including Bhojpuri, Nepali, Maithili, Newari, Marwari and Hindi. It is the biggest city in Narayani Zone and is a headquarter of Parsa District.

Birganj is a major business centre of Nepal, especially for trade with India. Almost all trade with India occurs through this route. the bordering town Raxaul(India) has become one of the busiest town for heavy transportation due to high trade volume. Also the 29 KM distance from Birgunj to Pathlaiya is the Busiest highway in Nepal. Important industries are sugar refinery, cigarette manufacture, drugs manufacture, chemical industries, paper manufacturing and fish-breeding.

Transportation in BirgunjBirganj was the only door to and out of Nepal by road at first. It was the only city that connected the country with India.Birganj was served by a station on a branch of Indian Railways which extended toAmlekhganj (Nepal).It was built in 1927 AD by the British and discontinued in early 1990s. talks are being held to reopen the route because of the socio-economic importance. But goods are still transported by trains at the Birganj dry port, which is a key point of land line cargo delivery to Nepal. This cargo point on the south connects the heart of the country Kathmandu via another key industrial city Hetauda.It is also served by Tribhuvan Highway extending from the Indian border at Raxaul through Birganj and Hetauda to Kathmandu with frequent bus service. Simara Airport -- 18 km (11 mi) north near the highway in Pipara Simara, Bara district offers scheduled flights to Kathmandu.

What to do in Birgunj?

There are quite a number of sightseeing places in Birgunj and as one can explore the magnifcent Birgung the land on foot, and traveller around it will also get acquainted with the life of humble folks and farmers. A land of diversity in terms of the culture, multi ethnic groups and languages spoken, Birgunj offers the visitors a chance to relax and pass quality time. Many on the way halt, to rejoice in the natural surrounding or to tour the land and visit some of the striking tourist attractions in Birgunj.

Apart from the above tourist attractions in Birgunj, getting to know and study the rural lifestyle is also interesting. The humble folks and farmers are surely going to impress you with their age old stories, of their life and their city. Their lifestyle is and will remain a source of much amusement to tourist.

Following are the popular places to visit in Birgunj

Shankar Acharya Gate: The gate is situated close to the Indo-Nepal border servers as the entry and exit point to India. It is the living image of the great Hindu religion that enshrines the spirits of Hindu religion and philosophy. The gate was inaugurated on 1987 by Shree Shankaracharya Shree 1008 Jayendra Sharswati Swami Maharaj. (b)- Buddha Chaitya

Vishuwa is a stupa-like hillock with five huge statues of Lord Buddha facing the four cardinal directions of the universe. The ancient word vishuwa comes from vichuwa. It means a resting place for vicchu-s or Buddhist monks. the ancient pilgrims broke their journey at this very place in Birgunj between their long pilgrimage to Lumbini in Nepal and Bodh Gaya in India.

Lumbini is the birth place of Lord Buddha, and Bodh Gaya is the hallowed ground where Buddha achieved his bodhi or enlightment. Befittingly, this is also a quite and tranquil park like enclave for the city folks of Birgunj to get away from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. People come here to enjoy a clear view of the city from under the foliage of sprawling evergreen banyan tree.

Durga Temple: One of the oldest and most popular Durga temple of the city dating back to 150 years. The temple at the heart of the city has regular flow of devotees through the year. Dashain festival marks the importance of the temple when thousands of goats and pigeons are sacrificed to the deity and where there is a long line of worshippers during that period.

Ghadiharwa Pokhari: Located in the centre of the city. It provides religious as well as recreational facilities. The Surya temple (sun god) in the middle of the pond, and musical fountain on the side, provide an interesting site for the visitors. This venue is popular for walks and relaxation for the locals. Boating by paddle boat is also available here.

Clock Tower: At the centre of the town is the beautiful clock tower standing tall amongest the buildings of Birgunj. It looks as though it is beckoning all the people entering or leaving the town to spend time here.

City Hall: City Hall is built at the centre of the town, with a seating capacity for thousand people. It is popular for holding various programs, functions, seminars and gatherings. This is a fine contribution of the municipality of Birgunj.

Goddess Gadi Mai temple at Kalaiya town (13km from Birgunj). And meet some local folks and farmers and learn about the way of Terai (low altitude, flat land) life of Nepal. A town 13 km as from birgunj with a very famous temple of Devi "Gadi Mai" located near it. Gadi Mai, the temple of devi where it is believed that all your wishesw upon worship to the powerful Devi well be fulfilled. In every five years there is a big Mela(Fair) where more than 20 lakhs people from all parts of Nepal and India come to offer prayers and sacrifice. Buffaloes and goats are sacrificed by the people as an offering to the Devi for the fulfillment of their wishes. During the auspicious day of the Mela around 14000 buffaloes and 30,000 male goats are sacrificed on one day. The fair, the sacrifice, the people and their culture is really a unique experience and very exotic.
Kalaiya is also famous for the Simraungadh palace which is one of the old monuments and a historical site.

Bindabasini Mai:The goddes Bindabasini is popular amongest amongst the devotees. Situated about 6 Km. from the city, the temple is particularly significant for marriages and religious ceremonies for the people of the city.

How to get Birgunj?

Birgunj has a railway connection to Raxaul inlcluding other cities of India. There are several flights operating throught out the day to Kathmandu. The Airport is at Simara, about just 20 km from Birgunj. Air flight from Kathmandu is Simara about 20 minutes. Birgunj is also well connected by road to all cities in Nepal, and the City offers many choices in luxurious to economic accommodation for travelers including modern hotels and Guest houeses.

Travel by Tata Sumo (jeep) from Birgunj to Kathmandu takes 5-6 hours and is a bumpy ride at best--perhaps not for the faint of heart.

Pictures of Birgunj  

Birgunj On the Web

Hotels in Birgunj

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