Places to Visit in Jhapa

Jhapa lies in the easternmost part of Nepal and lies under fertile Terai plains. It is surrounded by Illam in the north, Morang in the west, India in the south, and east. Jhapa covers the area of 1,606 km2 and lies on 87º39’ east to 88º12’ east longitude and 26º20’ north to 26º50’ north latitude. The altitude variation of this district is the lowest 56 meters and the highest is 500 meters from sea level.

Jhapa is the most diverse district comparison to other districts in casts and ethnic groups. Alone in Jhapa, there are about 110 ethnic groups including endangered Santhal and Ganesh (Gangai) tribes. Each society found in Jhapa is culturally diverse and colorful as the next. Festivals such as Siruwa, Dadikado, and Gafu are exclusive to Rajbanshis, Dashayen, Sorahaya, and Gaguwa are exclusive to Santhals. Including the vibrant culture, Jhapa is home to many religious destinations and wetlands too. 

For a wholesome experience here are some best places to visit in Jhapa

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Satasidham

This Dham is located in the Shivasatakshi Municipality. It lies around 4 kilometers North of Mahindra highway and 38 kilometer northwest of Bhadrapur Airport. And you need to stop at the Jhilijhile station. This Dham is popular as “second Janakpurdham”.  This Dham came alive during the Bala Chaturdasi festival where people pay homage to their family members and relatives who have died the preceding year. 

Satasidham has an appealing and majestic waterfall which attracts the tourists. Further, there is an ample amount of attraction like ponds, gardens, and caves. Other famous attractions are Pandav Bagaicha, Pandav Yagyakunda, Draupadi Lake, and Parbati cave.

Arjundhara Dham

Arjundhara Dham is the spiritual site that is located in the south-eastern part of Nepal. It’s 45 minutes in flight from Kathmandu and 30 minutes ride from Bhadrapur to Arjundhara. Locally, this place is also popular as Pashupatinath of the east. Those people who cannot visit Kathmandu will go here to Arjundhara Dham for worship. You can also see Gurukul, cow farms, and different statues of Lord Shiva and Lord Hanuman. Arjundhara has more visitors from Darjeeling, Sikkim, and north-east Indian states. 

Kichakavadh

This is another major touristic destination in the Jhapa district which lies 10 kilometers from Bhadrapur Airport. This place is rich in religious and historic destinations. You can see famous ponds, temples, and statues of various gods and goddesses in the Kichakavadh area. According to locals, Kichakavadh is named because in past demon names Kichak was killed here. It is also said that King Birat had constructed Natya Ghar during his reign. A team of archaeologists had found 8 room building remains which were 2,000 years old.

Biratpokhar

Biratpokhar is a historical tourism destination in the Jhapa district. There are seven ponds of various sizes here. According to legend, those ponds have been in place since the time of the Mahabharata. Legend has it that King Birat would come to the ponds here to relieve his thirst. This place is also equally important to maintain the ecology of the region. Biratpokhar is one of the most noted sites in Birtamod Municipality and lies just about 4km far from Birtamod city.

Krishnathumki

Krishnathumki is surrounded in rich alluring legends. Locals talk about the stories through ages about Lord Krishna used to graze his cows here. So it is said that the place was named after a hill Krishna was particularly enamored of grazing his cows on. Krishnathumki makes for a great viewpoint to see Mirik and Kurseong in the Darjeeling district in West Bengal, India. There are other five hills abutting Krishnathumki. These peaks together are known as Pandavthumki.

Jamunkhadi Wetland

In season, more than 3,000 domestic and international visitors each day in Jamunkhadi Wetland. This place is famous for the locals living around as picnic spots. This wetland is rich with deer, leopards, porcupines, pangolins among others. Boat ride on Jamunkhadi wetland will give you a glance into the natural habitat of wildlife. During the holiday, many peoples come here with packed foods with a picnic basket and hang out here. This area was developed as a wetland area some 11 years ago.

Hiledhap Wetland

Hiledhap is a group of seventeen ponds with more than 1.5 million fish living inside this lake. You can also see the group of turkey, roosters nad duck playing in the surrounding of this Wetland. Until now, there is no boating facility but they are planning to operate in the future. This helps tourists to have a better view of nature.

Kankai River Or Mai Khola

Kankai River is another religious attraction of Hindu peoples. This river is a groundwater feed. It is the second Grade river of Nepal. Hindu believe that worshipping in this temple fulfills the wishes. Thousands of the divine Hindu visit this river every year. Further, Mage Mela which occurs in the month of January marks the spike in the number of visitors in this river.