Birāṭnagar, Nepal
Region: Province No. 1
Geographic Coordinates: 26.454200, 87.279700
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 35.0°C (59°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 242548
Language: Nepali
Birāṭnagar is a city in southeastern Nepal, Situated near the border of India. It is the second-largest city in Nepal and serves as a major gateway to Nepal from its southern neighbor. The city has a rich history and culture that dates back to ancient times. Birāṭnagar is famous for its bustling markets, Vibrant nightlife, And delicious food. The economy of the city largely depends on trade with India, Making it an important commercial hub in Nepal. The streets are lined with shops selling everything from clothes and electronics to spices and handicrafts.
One of Birāṭnagar’s most popular attractions is Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Which covers an area of 175 square kilometers and is home to over 500 species of birds as well as several endangered animals such as wild water buffalo and Gangetic dolphins. Another must-visit destination in Birāṭnagar is Baraha Chhetra, One of the four holy Hindu sites dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple complex attracts thousands of pilgrims every year who come here to offer their prayers and seek blessings.
The city also boasts several parks such as Birendra Aishwarya Park which provides a perfect place for relaxation amidst lush greenery after exploring the busy streets or visiting temples nearby. One can also indulge in some adventure activities while staying at Birāṭnagar by taking part in river rafting on Koshi River or trekking through nearby hills offering scenic views all around. Overall, Birāṭnagar offers visitors a unique blend of modernity combined with ancient traditions that make it an interesting destination worth exploring during your visit to Nepal.
- Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
- Biratnagar Airport
- Baraha Chhetra Temple
- Haat Bazaar
- Jute Mill Museum
- Gograha Lake and Park
- Birāṭnagar is the second largest city in Nepal and a major industrial hub.
- The city boasts of several industries and businesses, including:
- Jute industry producing bags, carpets, ropes and mats
- Textile industry producing garments, fabrics and other textile products
- Food processing units producing packaged foods like noodles, biscuits and snacks
- Plastic manufacturing units producing products like pipes, bottles and containers
- Chemical and pharmaceutical companies producing various types of medicines and chemicals
- Construction materials such as cement blocks manufactured here to cater to the growing demand for housing projects across Nepal
- Trading & export business serving as an important center between India & Nepal with exports ranging from textiles to food items being exported across the border into India or other countries via Kolkata port or Haldia port (both located within 200 km radius)
- The establishment of Birāṭnagar as a municipality in 1948.
- The construction of Koshi Barrage in 1958, which helped to control floods and irrigate farmlands in the region.
- The establishment of Birat Medical College and Teaching Hospital in 1996, which has become one of the leading medical institutions in Nepal.
- The birthplace of prominent Nepali political leader Madan Bhandari, who played a key role in shaping Nepali politics during the 1980s and early 1990s.
- The site where King Mahendra announced his plan to abolish democracy and establish Panchayat system (one-party rule) in Nepal on December 15, 1960.
- The location where former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala launched his political career by winning his first election from Birāṭnagar constituency in 1959.
- The host city for various cultural festivals such as Maithili-Bhojpuri festival, Holi Festival, Dashain Festival etc., that attracts tourists from all over Nepal and India every year.
- Biratnagar Jute Mills
- Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
- Baraha Chhetra Temple
- Biratnagar Airport Tower
- Kali Mandir Temple
- Gograha Pokhari
- Ghantaghar Clock Tower
- Basantapur Durbar Square
- Buddha Subba Temple and Park
- Hanuman Chowk Market
- Biratnagar Kings: The Biratnagar Kings is a franchise cricket team that competes in the Everest Premier League (EPL) of Nepal. The team was established in 2017 and emerged as champions in the inaugural edition of the EPL in 2018.
- Morang Football Club: Morang Football Club is a football club based in Biratnagar, Nepal, that was founded in 1996. The club plays its home matches at the Anfa Technical Center Ground.
- Eastern Warriors FC: Eastern Warriors FC is another football club from Biratnagar that participates in the Martyr’s Memorial A-Division League, which is Nepal’s top-tier football league.
- Sunsari Cricket Association: Sunsari Cricket Association (SCA) is an organization dedicated to promoting cricket within Sunsari district, which encompasses Biratnagar as well as other nearby cities and towns.
- Mechi Netralaya Basketball Team: Mechi Netralaya Basketball Team represents Mechi Netralaya Eye Hospital & Research Center located at Bhadrapur Municipality-11, Jhapa district near to bordering town Kakarvitta with India.
These are just a few examples of sports teams with notable histories from Birāṭnagar, Nepal.
- Birat Mahotsav is an annual festival celebrated in Birāṭnagar, featuring cultural events, music concerts, and exhibitions.
- Holi is a colorful festival celebrated with enthusiasm in Birāṭnagar where people playfully smear each other with colored powder and water.
- Teej is an important festival for women in Nepal where they fast and offer prayers to Lord Shiva for the long life of their husbands.
- Dashain is the biggest festival in Nepal, lasting 15 days with feasting, family gatherings, and rituals honoring the goddess Durga.
- Tihar or Diwali is a five-day-long celebration involving lighting lamps and candles to welcome prosperity into homes.
- Buddha Jayanti honors Lord Buddha’s birth anniversary on the full moon day of May.
- Janai Purnima involves men changing their sacred thread (Janai) while women tie a sacred thread around their wrist for protection from evil spirits.
- Chhath Puja is a four-day-long Hindu festival dedicated to worshipping the Sun God by offering prayers and offerings at sunrise and sunset every day.
- Maghe Sankranti Mela takes place on January 14th every year when people take a holy dip in rivers early morning followed by feasting on traditional food items like ghee-chiura (beaten rice mixed with clarified butter).
- Poush Mela is held at Pashupati Nagar near Biratnagar during December-January months as a month-long fair celebrating local culture through music performances, dance shows, etc.
- Momos – steamed or fried dumplings filled with meat or vegetables.
- Sel roti – a sweet, ring-shaped bread made from rice flour and sugar.
- Kwati – a soup made from mixed beans and spices.
- Choyla – marinated grilled meat served with beaten rice.
Some popular restaurants in Birāṭnagar, Nepal include:
- Hotel Namaskar – known for its traditional Nepali thali and momos.
- Cafe Deja Vu – offers a mix of Nepali and international cuisine along with coffee and desserts.
- Alfa Beta Restaurant & Bar – serves Indian, Chinese, and Nepali dishes along with drinks.
- The Yellow House Cafe & Restaurant- offers organic food made from locally sourced ingredients.
- Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is a protected area that offers bird watching and wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Biratnagar City Park is a public park that features playgrounds, walking tracks, and picnic areas.
- Barahachhetra Temple is a religious site with a large pond that visitors can use for boating and fishing.
- Basantapur Durbar Square is an ancient palace complex that holds significant historical and cultural value.
- Rani Sati Temple is a popular Hindu temple known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful surroundings.
- Ghaila Ghari Community Forest provides visitors with forested areas where they can enjoy hiking, camping, or nature walks.
- Gokarna Safari Park serves as an amusement park offering rides, games, and entertainment options suitable for all ages.
- Suryodaya Park is another public park located in Biratnagar city center that provides recreational activities such as jogging or cycling paths and children’s play areas.
Note: Due to COVID-19 restrictions, some of the above-mentioned parks may have temporary closures or limited access hours; it’s always advisable to check before visiting them in person.
