Biratnagar is a metropolitan city in Nepal, which serves as the capital of Province No. 1. It is the largest city in the province and also the headquarters of the Morang district. Biratnagar is located 399 km east of the capital, Kathmandu, and 6 km north of the border town of Jogbani in the state of Bihar, India. The highest peak in the world, Mount Everest, is situated 174 km (108 mi) north of the city. Biratnagar is the fourth-most populated city in the country after Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Pokhara, and Bharatpur.
The city is home to the Biratnagar Jute Mills, the first large-scale industry of Nepal. Besides being considered the industrial capital of Nepal. The city is the birthplace of five prime ministers of Nepal. Biratnagar serves as an entry point to eastern Nepal as well as north-eastern India. It is the second Nepalese city, after Janakpur, to have a connection with the Indian Railways and the only city other than Birgunj to operate an integrated check post (ICP) on the Indian border. The old name of Biratnagar was Gograha Bazaar.
The ruins of temples, palaces, and ponds are scattered in a vast area to the south of the current city, in Vedhyari, Buddhanagar. The preservation of these heritages has been a major problem citing the encroachment by newcomers into the city. In 1914, Colonel Jit Bahadur Khatri, the then district governor, laid the foundations of modern Biratnagar by moving the hospital, post office, prison, and the customs, land registry, forestry, and auditor offices to Gograha Bazaar from Rangeli, the then district capital of Morang.
The town was named Biratnagar in 1919 by Keshar Shamsher Rana after ruins of a palace, thought to be of King Virat, and other objects of historical importance were found. The ruins of the palace along with stone carved tools, idols, and household objects can be seen preserved to the south of Biratnagar, close to the border. In Nepali, Birat means “Huge” and Nagar means “City”. well connected by air, road, and train Biratnagar is the economic center of eastern Nepal. Biratnagar is a hub for tourists who want to places like Ilam, Taplejung, Sankhuwasabha and Panchthar in eastern Nepali.
The city is most famous for the colorful haat bazaarsor weekly markets held each week in different parts of the town, where farmers from various parts of Eastern Nepal set up stalls to trade everything from agricultural produce, spices, and handicrafts. There are also numerous shopping malls. There are several gardens, temples, and places of religious importance in Biratnagar. Gopal garden, located near Hathkhola, and Hridreyandra Bal Udhhyan near Thulo Mill are two main gardens. Tourism in Biratnagar is not limited to the city but a visit to the Dharan 46 km and Itahari 24 km north of Biratnagar are the most famous locations people in the city go out to for enjoyment, weekend leisure trip including Taltalaiya, Ocean Park, Gokulam Resort.
There are temples like Dantakali Temple, Pindeshwor Temple, Budha Subba Temple, and Panch Kanya. The hill station of Bhedetar that offers a viewpoint is also nearby. The tea gardens of Ilam are approximately 4 hours’ drive away. Another place of interest is the hilly district of Dhankuta famed for its orange orchards. The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, popular with birdwatchers enthusiasts, is 90-minute away. It is home to the endangered wild buffaloes called “Arna” in Nepal. The largest rhododendron forests of Tinjure, Milke, and Jaljale can be reached in about 3–4 hours. Biratnagar is also the starting point for trelkking expeditions for a view of Mt. Makalu and Kanchenjunga Biratnagar is the center of education in eastern Nepal and is home to t a number of colleges and educational institutes.
Biratnagar has been the ground for many literary personalities. Some of the prominent books in Nepali literature have emerged from Biratnagar like Bholi Basne Bihan by Krishna Bhushan Bal and Jeevanko Chheubaata by Suman Pokhrel were published here Biratnagar is the sports hub of Nepal with cricket and football being most popular. Chisapani, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, and Kosi River are major tourism attractions in Biratnagar. Also trips to small towns of Basantapur or Tumlingtar and Janakpurdham are very popular. There are numerous hotels, resorts that offer luxurious, mid-range, and budget accommodation. The restaurants serve a variety of Nepali, Indian, and Chinese cuisine. Overall a visit to Biratnar is a must for anyone visiting Nepal.
