The Beauty of Ilam-Nepal

Ilam is a small hilly district, which is located in Eastern Development Region of Nepal with an area of 1703 sq. km. extending from 260.40′ to 270.8′ north latitude and 870.40′ to 880.10′ east longitude. The altitude of this district ranges from 250 meter to 3636 meter above from the sea level. Ilam is charming because it is unspoiled by modernity, pollution and urban bustle. Ilam is multicultural district. Ilam is very rich in terms of natural, cultural and environmental perspective. Ilam has various nature resources, greeny forests, rivers, lakes, mountains, holy sites, tea gardens and hospitable people. Being these all assets, Ilam can provide an eco tourism destination for the nature lovers.Concept of Ecotourism In general, Ecotourism is the best available option to develop tourism product with minimum of negative impacts, which is instrumental in opening an access to new and virgin natural regions but steered with an objective to conserve vegetation, its habitant and also by developing linkages to bring forth the welfare and well being of local residents.

Main Attraction of Ilam

Shriantu:

 Antu Hill situated in the far east of Ilam, famous for viewing sunrise. Most of the flat land of the Terai, Mirik, Kurseong, darjeeling along with beautiful tea gardens can be seen from this place.

Sandakpur: 

Situated in the north of Ilam, Sandakpur is the main touristic place. Sunrise, sunset, Mount Kanchenjunga, Mount Everest, all parts of Ilam district and Darjeeling in India can be viewed from this place. various kinds of animals like musk deer and red panda and rare species of birds like pheasant can also be seen here.

Siddhithumka: 

This place is also famous for panoramic views of sunrise and sunset and most of the flat land of the terai.

Mangmalung: 

This is situated in the middle of the forest at the upper part of Ibhang and is the important religious place for the Kiratis. This place is regarded as the origin of the Kirat religion. There is also a cave of Matrika Kirateswar and a festival is observed every year with a great pomp and show.

Chhintapu: 

Mt. kanchenjunga along with most parts of Ilam can be viewed from here. 11 types of rhododendron, rare birds, butterflies important for research study, important herbs like yarshagumba (aphrodisiac) and Paanch Aaulay and rare animals like red panda and musk deer are found in here.

Maipokhari: 

This pond is situated at the top of Maipokhari and Sulubung. It is 188 sq. hec. in area with a radius of 750m and it has nine corners. This pond, situated in the middle of forest with rhododendron and magnolia campbelli (chhap) is important from the point of view of natural scenery, religious importance and pilgrimage to goddess.

Gajurmukhi:

 Gajurmukhidham situated on the bank of Deumai River, one of the four rivers of Ilam is an important religious place.

Pathibhara: 

Pathibhara situated at teh top of Kutidanda and Haaspokhari in Mechi Highway is called as small Pathibhara regarded as the younger sister of Pathibhara in taplejung district. From this hill covered with green forest one can have a view of Terain plains, Mahabharat Range and Mt. Kanchenjunga.

Ilam Bazaar: 

It is the district headquarter of Ilam and is situated at the altitude of 1208m. This is the city of houses and temples that reflects its own originality and geo-structure and old tea gardens. The oldest tea factory and tea gardens in Nepal exist here. Small cozy and economic wooden houses which reflect their originality and rich sculptural tradition are the center of attraction.

Pashupatinagar: 

Pasupatinagar is adjoined with Darjeeling of India situated in the far east of district. This place is one of the entry points to India. The cheese factories here are very famous.

Fikkal:

 Fikkal is situated in the east of Ilam Bazaar and lies along the Mechi Highway. It is one of the oldest market places of Ilam and is being developed as a main business center for agricultural products.

Mangalbare:

 This is one of the main markets situated at the south of Ilam. This place is also the collection and distribution center of all the agricultural products of Ilam.

Todke Waterfall:

 The highest waterfall in Ilam district is Todke Waterfall located in Maimajhuwa VDC in the north of the district headquarter. This waterfall is 285 ft. high and is very fascinating.