8 Best Places to Visit in Illam

The name Illam is derived from Limbu language where “IL” means twisted and “Lam” means road. Illam district covers the total area of 1,702 sq kilometers. The altitude varies from 140 meters to 3,636 meters. This district stretches from Terai belt to Upper hilly of this Himalayan nation. Illam is surrounded by Darjeeling to east, Morang, Dhankuta district to the west, Panchthar to north, and Jhapa to south. The major casts of Illam district are Rai, Tamang, Gurung, Magar, Thami, Yakla, Kumal, Chhetri, and Brahmin. The district has divided into 3 election regions and 11 areas where Illam is the main district.

Illam has a tropical, subtropical, and temperate climate in the southern, central, and northern regions sequentially. Endanger animals like Red Panda, Thar, Black Bear as well as plants like Chap, Simal, Salla, Rhododendron and sal can be found in this district.

Here are some Best Place to Travel in Illam which helps you get some idea.

1. Illam Tea Garden

Venturing into the grassy meadows of Ilam, you can feel the refreshing atmosphere surrounding the small town which is home to some of the most beautiful tea gardens in the world. Sitting peacefully beneath the world’s third-highest mountain- Mt. Kanchenjunga, Nowadays, people start to choose Tea Garden as the best Honeymoon site and this is also the best hill station to travel.

2. Mai Pokhari

Mai Pokhari is the Ramsar site which is one of the beautiful destinations in midland mountains. Enjoying to sparkling and pure lakes of Mai Pokhari provides an immeasurable opportunity for nature lovers. It would be great for those peoples who love to photograph exotic travel destinations. This lake is located about 18 km north to Illam Bazaar. Mai Pokhari lake is a star-shaped lake that has nine corners and also the sacred site for Hindu, Buddhist, and Kirati people. The beauty of this lake is hidden inside the green forest and best known for boating and fishing. During Thulo Ekadashi, a large number of devotees come to worship here and fairs are also organized in this ara.

3. Sandakpur

Sandakpur Peak (3,636 m) is located at the edge of Kanchanjunga National Park and West Bengal, the highest place of Illam district. To reach Sandakpur take a vehicle for Illam Bazar to Maimajhua and then trek for about 5 hours. If you are fond of trekking then you can start your trek from Illam too. The main feature of Sandakur is that you can witness the five world’s highest peaks in the world. They include Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt, Makalu, and Mt. Lhotse. From the top of Sandakpu hill, you can also see 3 countries like Nepal, India, and Bhutan. This virgin trial is slowly being popular and one of the best places for majestic mountains with a view of sunrise. If you are lucky then one can encounter Danphe- the national bird of Nepal.

4. Shree Antu

Shree Antu is another famous destination in Illam for the best view for Sunrise. Antu Hill is an amazing spot located at the altitude of 2,328 meters. You can also experience the Home Stay and experience the local people’s activity from near. Other attractions of Shree Antu are Antu Lake, sungava farming, and Lepcha museum. October to February is the best season to view the sunrise from Shree Antu where you can see amazing Mt. Kanchenjunga and swathes of Illam and Jhapa.

5. Gajurmukhi

Gajurmukhi is a renowned religious place in the eastern belt of Nepal. It lies in the riverbed of the Deumai river and is at an altitude of 500m. There is the belief that people who worship in Gajurmukhi Devisthan will be blessed with a child if they don’t have, those who cannot speak will be given a voice, and other miracles will also be fulfilled. Gajurmukhi Devisthan is 40 km from Ilam via Mangalbare. A huge fair is organized in the area of Kartik Purnima.

6. Siddithumka

Siddithumka is also another best spot for sunrise and sunset view lies at an altitude of 1,693 meters and is 15 km to the west of the capital of Ilam. Also, the magnificent views of Mt. Everest and Mt. Kanchanjunga can be seen from the peak. Some of the most famous destinations here are Khandrung cave, Namthala, Fulbari, Pokharigau, Pankhelung falls, Ratopani, Falgunanda, Singhadevisthan, Jalkanyadevi. Orange and rice farms in the southeast of Siddhithumka are wonderful for agricultural tourism.

7. Todke Falls

Todke Falls is 85 meters long, mesmerizing is the second-longest waterfall in Nepal. This fall is situated in Maimajuwa, which is 40 meters west of Mai Khola (River). It is nestled at an altitude of 1,600 meters over amid rocky hills inside the dense forest. The beauty of this falls is attracting many domestic and international tourists each year. Dhappar Falls is also located in Maimajuwa an also attractive waterfall in this area.

8. Hangetham & Choyatar Forest

People who are nature enthusiasts and conservation activists then this is the right destination for you. This forest is located north-east area of Illam in Jamuna VDC at 2,170 meters. As you enter into the forest you are welcomed with fresh, cool, and frequently varying weather. This forest is rich in both flora and fauna. Animals include Red Panda, Thar, Leopard, Bear, Rajpankhi, Thankthake can be seen. Birds such as Munal, Eagle, Kandevaccur, and migratory birds can be observed alongside flora such as Rhododendron, Chap, Lautsalla, Sunakhari, Chiraito, Bante, Bajrath, Katush, and other herbs.