Kishanganj, India
Region: Bihar
Geographic Coordinates: 26.079400, 87.937200
Temperature Range: 10.0°C to 35.0°C (50°F to 95°F)
Climate: Kishanganj has a subtropical climate with hot summers and cool winters. The monsoon season lasts from June to September, bringing heavy rainfall.
Population: 105782
Language: Hindi
Kishanganj is a district in the northeastern state of Bihar, India. It shares its borders with Purnia, Katihar, Araria, And Darjeeling and is located on the Indo-Nepal border. The district is famous for its natural beauty and cultural significance. Its history dates back to the ancient period when it was a part of the Pala dynasty. The town of Kishanganj serves as an important commercial center for trade between India and Nepal. It has several markets where traditional handicrafts made by local artisans can be found. The town also has numerous temples that are significant pilgrimage centers for Hindus.
The Hanuman Mandir located in Bahadurganj area is one of the most famous temples in Kishanganj which attracts thousands of devotees every year during Hanuman Jayanti (Hanuman’s birthday). Another notable temple in Kishanganj is the Shiv Mandir located near the railway station which attracts devotees from all over Bihar. Apart from religious sites, Kishanganj also boasts several tourist attractions such as wildlife sanctuaries like Purnea Wildlife Sanctuary and Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary which are home to various species of animals including tigers, Elephants, Deer, Wild boars among others.
In addition to this, There are many beautiful waterfalls such as Bhatkawa Falls which offer breathtaking views to tourists visiting this region. Other popular tourist destinations include Surya Kund Hot Springs which are believed to have medicinal properties due to their high sulfur content. Kishanganj celebrates various festivals throughout the year such as Durga Puja and Diwali among others where people dress up in traditional attire dancing to folk music during colorful processions taken out on streets.
Overall, Kishanganj offers visitors an opportunity to experience India’s rich cultural heritage while exploring its natural beauty through flora and fauna making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking for offbeat destinations in India.
- Pothia Mosque
- Bada Qabristan
- Kali Mandir
- Shiv Temple
- Surya Mandir
- Kishanganj Wildlife Sanctuary
- Jhankar Math Temple
- Barari Park
- Jama Masjid
- Gandhi Maidan
- The major industries and businesses in Kishanganj, India include:
- Agriculture
- Dairy farming
- Small-scale industries such as handloom weaving and handicrafts
- Retail trade
- Transportation
- The district is also known for:
- Tea gardens
- Jute cultivation
- Additionally, the town has a growing education sector with:
- Several schools
- Colleges
- The Battle of Kishanganj: This battle was fought between the British East India Company and the Kingdom of Nepal in 1814. The Nepalese army was defeated by the British forces led by Major-General Ochterlony.
- Maulana Mazharul Haque: He was a prominent Indian independence activist and a leader of the Khilafat movement in Bihar. He also played an important role in establishing Darbhanga College, which later became Lalit Narayan Mithila University.
- Sardar Bahadur Khan: He was a freedom fighter who participated in the Quit India Movement and served as a Member of Parliament from Kishanganj constituency from 1952 to 1967.
- Balraj Sahni: He was a renowned actor who appeared in several Bollywood movies during the 1950s and 60s, including Do Bigha Zamin, Kabuliwala, and Garam Hawa. Sahni’s family originally hailed from Kishanganj.
- Floods of 2008: In August 2008, heavy rainfall caused severe flooding across Bihar, including Kishanganj district. Over two million people were affected by floods that year.
- Establishment of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) campus: In recent years, efforts have been made to establish an AMU campus in Kishanganj district to provide higher education opportunities for students from marginalized communities in Bihar’s border region with West Bengal and Bangladesh.
- Khwaja Ahmad Abbas: He is an Indian film director, screenwriter, novelist, journalist. His father belonged to Kishanganj.
- Pothia Dam
- Kali Temple
- Thakurbari Temple
- Bhairavi Temple
- Badi Dargah Sharif
- Surya Mandir
- Ganga Sagar Lake
- Tewariya Math
These places offer a glimpse into the culture and history of Kishanganj and are worth visiting for anyone interested in exploring this region of India’s rich heritage and natural beauty.
Disclaimer: Please check the latest COVID-19 guidelines before planning your visit to any place mentioned above as they may be temporarily closed or have limited hours due to the pandemic situation around the world.
- Kishanganj Mahotsav is an annual cultural festival that showcases the rich heritage of the region through art forms like music, dance, and theater.
- Chhath Puja is a popular Hindu festival celebrated in Kishanganj with great enthusiasm where people offer prayers to the Sun God and take dips in the river to cleanse their sins.
- Eid-ul-Fitr is an important Muslim festival celebrated after Ramadan in Kishanganj where people dress up in new clothes, exchange gifts and sweets, and offer prayers at mosques.
- Durga Puja is a major Hindu festival celebrated across India including Kishanganj to worship Goddess Durga during Navratri. Pandals are set up all over town for people to celebrate and enjoy cultural programs.
- Holi or The Festival of Colors is also celebrated with great enthusiasm in Kishanganj where people smear each other with colored powder or water as a symbol of love and unity.
- Independence Day & Republic Day are two national holidays celebrated across India including Kishanganj with flag hoisting ceremonies followed by cultural programs showcasing patriotism towards the country’s freedom struggle.
- Ramadan is an Islamic holy month when Muslims fast from dawn until dusk for 30 days as an act of faithfulness towards Allah (God). After sunset, they break their fasts by having Iftar (meal) together with family or friends.
- Biryani: Biryani is a popular dish in Kishanganj, and some of the best places to try it are Al Madina Biryani Centre and Rana’s Biryani House.
- Chaat: Chaat is a street food that is loved by locals in Kishanganj. Some of the best places to try it are Shivam Chaat House and Gopal Ji Chaat Corner.
- Fish curry: As Kishanganj is located near the river Ganges, fish curry is a must-try dish here. Some of the best places to try it are Hotel Swagat Palace and Hotel Raj Mahal.
- Sweets: Sweets like Rasgulla, Gulab Jamun, Ladoo etc., can be found at most sweet shops in Kishanganj but some famous ones include Radhika Sweets & Bakery and Shree Ram Sweet Shop.
- Thali meals: When you’re looking for a full meal experience with multiple dishes served together then you should visit places like Thakur Family Restaurant or New Ashoka Restaurant which offer delicious thali meals with various options.
Note that these are just suggestions based on online reviews/recommendations; individual experiences may vary depending on personal preferences.
- Kishanganj Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area that is perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and bird watchers.
- Mahatma Gandhi Park is a public park that offers walking paths, gardens, and playgrounds for visitors to enjoy.
- Kishanganj Stadium is a sports complex that caters to outdoor games such as football, cricket, and more.
- Hanuman Mandir Park is a religious park with a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman that visitors can explore.
- Rani Sati Dadi Mandir Park is another religious park with a temple dedicated to Rani Sati Dadi where visitors can pay their respects.
- Jheel Park surrounds the beautiful Kishanganj Lake and offers boating facilities along with scenic views.
- Adventure Sports Club of India provides exciting activities like paragliding, trekking, and camping in nearby hills and forests for adventure seekers.
- Gandhi Maidan serves as an open ground where cultural events, fairs, and exhibitions are held throughout the year.
- Bari Masjid Grounds provides an open space used for community gatherings during festivals like Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha in Kishanganj district.
- Indira Gandhi Memorial Library & Museum located in Pothia block of Kishanganj district is dedicated to the life of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi which houses both library cum museum facilities for visitors’ exploration purposes.
