Illam
Ilam is a municipality and tea-producing town in Nepal. It
is in Ilam District which is in hilly Eastern Region of Nepal. It is famous for
its natural sceneries and landscapes.
Ilam is a small hilly town with pristine landscapes of
sloped tea gardens, thick natural forests, holy sites and unique culure. Ilam
offers an excellent getaway from city life for romantic sunrise and sunset, a
brisk walk in the tea garden, tranquil picnic and sightseeing spots, short treks
along gentle slopes or a trudge into the nearby woods. If spiritual instinct
calls there are several holy sites one can visit in and around the area. Thus,
Ilam is a much sought after tourist destination for travelers of all kinds. It
is also famous all over the world for its special brand Ilam Tea.
Access: Ilam
Bazaar is in Ilam district Mechi Zone. It is approximately 700 kilometers and
18 hour-drive to east of Kathmandu. Daily bus services ply for Ilam from
central Bus Station, Gongabu, in Kathmandu. Buses are also available from the
major cities. There are flights from Kathmandu to Biratnagar and Bhadrapur from
where Ilam can be driven to via Birtamod.
The famous Darjeeling city of India isjust 2-hours drive
from Pashupatinagar on the Nepal-India border of Ilam district. Nepali
nationals and Indians can commute by the land to India from Pashupatinagar in
Ilam. However, this entry/exit poin is for local use and Indian tourists only.
Entry and exit from the eastern point for other travelers is allowed from
Kakkarbhitta in Jhapa.
Food and
Accomodations: Good to moderate facilities are available for food and
accommodation in Ilam Bazaar. Besides home-stay facilities are also available
in selected areas; telephone, medical and other tourist facilities are also
available in Ilam Bazaar.
When to visit:The subtropical climate of Ilam ensures good weather throughout the year. The
best time to visit Ilam is between October-December, or from April-February.
People from different parts of Nepal visit Maipokhari in Ilam for an annual
festival on Kartik Ekadasi which falls in October or November. Thousands visit Mai Beni during Maghe
Sankranti which falls in January.
Predominant Culture:The main groups residing in Ilam are Brahimins, Chhetris, and Lepchas. A
Lepchas is at initial stage at Antu and is in the process of being extended.
Places to Visit:
Antu Danda offers spectacular sunrise, sunset and views of
the Himalayas. From 2,328 meters, Antu overlooks Terai flatlands, terraced
hills of cash crops, tea gardens and thick forests of pine trees. On a clear
day one can see views as far as Mirik, Kurseong and Darjeeling in the adjoining
Indian part. Antu Danda is an hour drive from Pashupatinagar and about 3-hours
drive from Ilam Bazaar. Home-stay facilities are available at Antu Danda area.
Mai Pokhari is a pristine lake amid natural forest. The pond
surrounded by the thick forest of fir, juniper, birch and pine is home to a
variety of flora and fauna. Various species of orchids, rhododendron, herbs;
rare animals like musk deer, leopard, porcupine, jackal; numerous migratory
birds and rare insects, are found in the region. The lake is also considered
holy as the abode of Goddess Bhagabati. An annual fair is held here every
autumn around the month of October or November. Mai Pokhari is about 18
kilometers from Ilam Bazaar which is about 30-minute drive.
Sandakpur at 3,636 meters on the international Nepal-India
borderline provides majestic view of the Himalayas, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt.
Kumbhakarna, Mt. Makalu, and Mt Everest. Rare wildlife like red panda, musk
deer, and wild bird Danphe can be seen in the forest of this area. From Ilam
Bazzar one can go upto Maimajhua Khorsanitar via Mai Pokhari in a vehicle. From
here one has to trek for about 5 hours to reach sandakpur.
Kanyam and Fikkal have large estates for which Ilam has been
famous for the last 140 years. These tea plantation areas are popular among
tourists for picnicking, sightseeing, and taking photographs. Fikkal is a
business center in the area. It falls on the Mechi highway on the way to Ilam.
Siddhi Thumka offers good views of sunrise and sunset from
its elevation of 1800 meters. One can also see the Terai flatlands, the
Mahabharat range and the Churia mountain range from this area. Siddhi Thumka is
3 hour trek away from Ilam Bazaar.
Chhintapu at 3,400 meters is the second highest peak in Ilam
district. The area has natural rich forests of rhododendron, herbal plants and
various species of birds. About 11 varieties of rhododendron are found in the
area. In addition are rare herb Yarcha Gumba, and wild animals like musk deer
and the rare red panda. Good views of the mountains can be seen from different
points of the trek. The peak can be reached by trekking for three hours from
Ilam Bazaar.
Pilgrimage Sites are numerous in and around Ilam. The
popular ones are:
Gajur Mukhi a stone tunnel with carved images of Hindu
deities. It is on the bank of Deumai Khola, west of Ilam Bazaar. Gajur Mukhi is
4-hour drive from Ilam Bazzar.
Pathibhara is in Ilam is believed to be as the younger
sister of Pathibhara Devi in Taplejung. The temple is in Hanspokhari, southeast
of Kolbung VDC and is on the way to Ilam on Mechi Highway.
Mai Beni house the temple of Lord Shiva at the confluence of
rives Mai Khola and Jogma Khola. It is located about 3 kilometers away from
Ilam Bazaar. Thousands of devotees gather here on the day of Maghe Sankranti in
January.
Besides these are: Narayansthan in Ilam Bazaar, where a
special festival takes place on Krishna Asthami; Bhimsensthan near Ilam Chowk;
Singha Bahini in South Ilam, with a beautiful garden in the temple complex; Sati
Devi Temple, on Puwa Khola west of Ilam Bazaar, which is a cultural, religious
and magnificent site for domestic as well as other tourists.
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arrna says "Illam is one of the best hill stations in Nepal. With great scenery and green tea, Illam promises to blow your hot minds with chilly winds. Certainly one of the most romantic destinations in Nepal."