ILLAM

Illam is the far eastern district of the country, inhabited by people of different colors living in peace and harmony. Neighboring the famous Indian hill town of Darjeeling, it is situated on the foothills of Mount Kanchanjunga, The third highest peak in the world. Ilam is adorned with an almost limitless range of lush-green tea gardens. The rolling hills covered with tea leaves are simply majestic. The thick white fogs alternatively descend to veil the gardens and then suddenly vanish. Greenery prevails all over the hills of Ilam all around the year. 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. Ilam Tea Garden located near Ilam Bazaar and Kanyam Tea Garden located halfway between Terai plain and Ilam Bazaar are the major gardens of Nepal 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.

PLACES TO VISIT 

Antu Danda:
       Antu Danda, situated at an altitude of 1677m in Ilam District, is famous for its unique views of Everest and Kanchanjunga. It is the best vantage point for viewing sunrise and sunset. There is a motorable road from Ilam to Chhipitar from where one can reach Antu Danda on foot. This exhilarating trekking along the lush green hills takes about 3 hours.

 Mai Pokhari:
          It is situated at an altitude of 2438 meters, Mai Pokhari is a famous place of pilgrimage in Ilam district. Lying at about thirteen kilometers north of Ilam Bazaar, this beautiful place consists of the pond whose circumference is more than one kilometer. Altogether there are nine ponds in the area some of which are large enough for boats. This place becomes alive every year during 'Harisayam Ekadashi' when a one-night fair is held. This place is a famous picnic spot for nearby people Mai Pokhari can be reached in four hours from Ilam Bazaar in jeep. On the way are the villages of Chureghanti, Bakhaute, Dharapani and Hasbire Bhanjyang, which offer commanding views of the snowy peaks towards north.

Sandakpur

         Sandakpur at 3,636 meters on the international Napal - India borderline provides majestic view of the Himalayas, Mt. Kanchanjunga , Mt. Kumbhakarna , and Mt. Makalu and even Mt. Everest . Rare wildlife like red panda, musk deer and wild bird Danphe can be seen in the forest of this area. From Illam Bazaar one can go up to Maimajhua Khorsanitar via Mai Pokhari in a vehicle. From here one has to trek for about 15 hours to reach Sandakpur.

 Kanyam and Fikkal 
         Kanyam and Fikkal have large tea estates for which Ilam 140 years. These tea plantation areas are popular among tourists for picnicking, sightseeing and taking photographs. Fikkal is a business centre in the area. It falls on the Mechi Highway on the way to Ilam. Siddhi Thmka Siddhi Thamka offers good views of sunrise and sunset from its elevation of 1,800 meters. One can also see the Terai flatlands, the Mahabharat range and the Churia mountain range from this area. Siddhi Thumka is 3 hours trek away from Ilam Bazaar.

Chhintapu
  Chhintapu at 3,400 merets 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 cab be reached by trekking for three hours from Ilam Bazaar.

  
Gajur Mukhi
         A stone tunnel with carved images of Hindu deities, it is on the banks of Deumai Khola, west of Ilam Bazaar. Gajur Mukhi is 4 hours drive from Ilam Bazaar. Pathibhara It 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.