Bettiah, India

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Bettiah, India

Region: Bihar


Geographic Coordinates: 26.801400, 84.502800
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 414453
Language: Hindi

Bettiah is a town located in the West Champaran district of Bihar, India. It is situated on the banks of the Gandak River and is surrounded by lush green fields and hills. The town has a rich history dating back to the 16th century when it was ruled by the Bettiah Raj, One of the most powerful Rajput clans in India. The town is known for its beautiful temples and historical landmarks. The most famous temple in Bettiah is the Thakur Raghunathji Temple, Which was built during the reign of Maharaja Ramanuj Singh.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and attracts thousands of devotees every year. Another popular attraction in Bettiah is the ancient ruins of Lauriya Nandangarh, Which date back to 250 BC. These ruins are believed to be remnants of an Ashokan pillar that once stood at this site. Bettiah also has a rich cultural heritage with several festivals celebrated throughout the year. One such festival is Chhath Puja, Which involves offering prayers to Lord Surya (the Sun God) for good health, Prosperity, And happiness.

The town also has several educational institutions including schools and colleges that cater to students from all over Bihar. Many students come here from neighboring towns and villages for higher education opportunities. In recent years, Bettiah has seen significant development with improved infrastructure facilities such as better roads, Electricity supply, Water supply systems etc., Making it an attractive destination for investors looking to set up businesses here. Overall, Bettiah offers visitors a unique blend of history, Culture and natural beauty making it an ideal place for tourists seeking an authentic Indian experience away from crowded cities like Delhi or Mumbai.



Important Landmarks

  1. Valmiki National Park
  2. Someshwar Nath Temple
  3. Moti Mahal
  4. Ram Janki Mandir
  5. Bhitiharwa Ashram
  6. Chaurasi Kos Yatra
  7. Kunauli Dam
  8. Nauka Vihar Park
  9. Bagaha Bird Sanctuary

Primary Industries

  1. Bettiah, a small city in Bihar, India, thrives on various industries and businesses.
  2. The primary occupation of its people is farming, making agriculture the backbone of the town’s economy.
  3. Bettiah produces crops like paddy, wheat, maize, sugarcane and vegetables.
  4. The handicrafts industry in Bettiah has gained recognition for producing bamboo baskets, mats and decorative pieces made from jute.
  5. The textile industry also contributes to the town’s economy with small-scale mills that produce fabrics such as cotton sarees and dress materials.
  6. Education plays a crucial role in Bettiah’s growth with several schools and colleges catering to students from nearby areas.
  7. Retail shops selling clothes, household goods and other consumer products are also present in the town.
  8. Small-scale manufacturing units producing items like soap or food processing units such as papad making provide additional employment opportunities for locals.
  9. Transportation services like buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws also offer jobs to people residing in Bettiah.

Noteable History

  1. Bettiah Raj was a princely state in India that existed from the 17th century until Indian independence in 1947. It was ruled by the Bhumihar Brahmin dynasty of Chauhan Rajputs.
  2. Maharaja Sir Harendra Kishore Singh, the last ruler of the Bettiah Raj, was a philanthropist and educationist who founded several schools, colleges, and hospitals in Bihar.
  3. Kunwar Singh was a freedom fighter who played an important role in India’s struggle for independence against British rule by leading an armed rebellion known as the Sepoy Mutiny or First War of Independence.
  4. Ramdhari Singh Dinkar spent some time during his childhood in Bettiah and is considered one of modern Hindi literature’s greatest poets and essayists.
  5. The Champaran Satyagraha movement started by Mahatma Gandhi had a significant impact on India’s freedom struggle against British rule where peasants protested against oppressive indigo planters.
  6. Vishnu Prabhakar hailed from Bihar’s Simaria village near Bettiah town and authored more than 50 books including novels like ‘Amar Bel’, ‘Muktibodh’ etc., making him a renowned Hindi writer.
  7. Kanhaiya Kumar is a prominent Indian politician who hails from Begusarai district close to Betia town. He rose to fame after his speech at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) following Rohith Vemula suicide case gained national attention. He contested Lok Sabha elections from Begusarai but lost to BJP candidate Giriraj Singh.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Kesaria Stupa is an ancient Buddhist monument that history buffs and architecture enthusiasts should not miss.
  2. Ram Janaki Temple is a popular pilgrimage site in Bettiah, dedicated to Lord Rama and his wife Sita.
  3. Bhitiharwa Ashram was established by Swami Sahajanand Saraswati, founder of the Kisan Sabha movement, and now serves as a museum showcasing his life and work.
  4. Bettiah Raj Museum holds a collection of artifacts related to the history and culture of Bihar, housed in the former palace of the Maharaja of Bettiah.
  5. Motijheel Lake provides a scenic spot for picnics and boating amidst lush greenery.
  6. Gopal Narayan Singh University Museum contains collections related to archaeology, anthropology, art, and more on the campus of GNSU.
  7. Shri Siddheshwar Nath Mahadev Mandir is believed to be one of the oldest temples in Bettiah dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  8. Gandhi Sangrahalaya showcases Mahatma Gandhi’s life and teachings through photographs, artifacts, and exhibits at this museum dedicated to him.
  9. Betla National Park offers stunning natural beauty with wildlife sightings including tigers, elephants, deer etc., though it’s located about 150 km away from Bettiah itself.



Cultural Events

  1. Chhath Puja: A significant festival dedicated to the Sun God and celebrated on a grand scale.
  2. Durga Puja: Another important festival celebrated with great enthusiasm in Bettiah.
  3. Holi: Also known as the Festival of Colors, widely celebrated all over India including Bettiah.
  4. Diwali: Marks the victory of good over evil and is an important festival for Hindus.
  5. Makar Sankranti or Uttarayan: Marks the end of winter solstice and beginning of longer days.
  6. Eid-ul-Fitr & Eid-ul-Adha: Two Islamic festivals observed by Muslims living in Bettiah with great fervor.
  7. Christmas Day: Christians residing in this region celebrate Christmas Day on December 25th every year.

Cuisine

  • Litti Chokha: A popular dish made with roasted wheat balls stuffed with sattu (roasted gram flour) and served with mashed potato and brinjal.
  • Bihari Thali: A traditional meal that includes rice, dal (lentil soup), sabzi (vegetable curry), papadum, chutney, and a sweet dish.
  • Raj Darbar: A restaurant that serves a variety of Indian dishes including vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
  • Hotel Shanti Palace: A hotel that offers a rooftop restaurant serving Indian and Chinese cuisine.
  • The Royal Treat Family Restaurant: A restaurant known for its North Indian cuisine including biryani, kebabs, tandoori chicken etc.
  • Cafe Coffee Day – CCD : It is one of the most famous cafe chains in India where you can enjoy coffee along with snacks like sandwiches or cakes.
  • Pizza Hut: This international chain of pizza outlets has its presence in Bettiah as well where you can enjoy pizzas along with other fast food options like pasta etc.

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Bettiah Raj Park is a popular public park in Bettiah that boasts a large green space, walking paths, and a children’s play area.
    2. Ganga Maiya Park is another public park in Bettiah that has beautiful landscaping and offers a peaceful environment.
    3. Bhikhari Thakur Stadium is a sports stadium in Bettiah that hosts cricket matches, football games, and other sporting events.
    4. Kali Mandir Park is a small park located near the Kali Temple in Bettiah that is perfect for picnics and relaxing.
    5. Shiva Temple Park is an open-air park located near the Shiva temple in Bettiah that provides an ideal spot for spending time with family and friends.
    6. Betla National Park, situated approximately 80 km from Bettiah, attracts wildlife enthusiasts who want to see tigers, elephants, deer, birds and other animals up close.
    7. Bhitiharwa Ashram holds significant importance as it was once Swami Sahajanand Saraswati’s ashram; it has now become one of Bihar’s famous tourist spots.
    8. Maharaja Lakshmeshwar Singh Museum houses collections of ancient artifacts like coins, paintings etc., making it an art museum worth visiting.
    9. Bettiah Railway Station holds historical significance as it was constructed by Britishers during their rule over India.
    10. Kunwar Singh Memorial Museum was erected to remember Kunwar Singh who fought against Britishers during Indian Rebellion of 1857; this museum stands as a reminder of his bravery even today!

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