Live Free in the Spirits of Birgunj

Birgunj, the second largest city in Nepal, is the focal point for trading and commercial activities. The city has unique sightseeing experiences for the visitors. The modest individuals and farmers provide the tourists a chance to accustom themselves with the way of Terai life of Nepal. It is situated about 3 KM from the Indian northern perimeter Raxaul. It is the focal entry point to Nepal from India through road transport. Majority of all the foreign goods shipped to Nepal by sea go through Calcutta (Haldia Port) to Raxaul to Birgunj then reach to main cities like Kathmandu. Hence, Birgunj is an important land entry point for goods to Nepal.

The population of Birgunj is about four hundred thousand (400,000). Many multi lingual and multi ethnic groups reside here. The city is simply taken as a stop-over place for travelers, businessmen and pilgrims going to other destinations in Nepal as well as India. In the northwest part of Birgunj, Town Hall or City Hall has been uniquely built. Its architecture combines the traditional Nepalese temple design, with those of a modern civic utility which was built in the year 1975-76. In the environs, one can find the swimming pool complex which is of International standards, along with a play ground. Nearby is a large pond, popularly known as Ghadiarba Pokhari Udyan, with a walkway leading to a Hindu temple, Surya Mandir in the middle. The main attraction of this place is beautiful musical fountain, boat-ride, green belt, walkway and a lot more. The Ghantaghar (clock tower) in the middle of the city is a dominant milestone. From here, the road to newly built bus park, which was shifted in 1994 from the old location, of the city is linked. In the out-skirts of the city, one can find the Vishwa Buddha Bihar. The term Vishwa is derived from the word Vicchu-wa which is translated as a resting place for vicchu(s) or Buddhist monks. The term Vishwa thus means a resting place. In the ancient times the pilgrims stopped at Birgunj in the midst of their journey between Lumbini and Bodh Gaya (India). Vishwa is actually shaped like a stupa and has engravings of Lord Buddha facing the cardinal directions of the universe. This place has a tranquil ambiance and it attracts those tourists who want to flee the bustling life of the city. 

Landlocked Nepal’s 'only' rail-connected Inland Clearance Depot (ICD) at Sirsiya became fully operational during 2005, as a result of an agreement reached with India on rail access. The rail link is a 5.4 km long spur from the border town of Raxaul. It is a multicultural city where Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists and other ethnic communities live together in peace and harmony. Hindus and Muslims constitute the major portion of its population. It is a multilingual city, the residents of which speak Nepali, Bhojpuri, Hindi, Urdu, English, Newari and other local parlances. Places of worship like temples and mosques can be found at short distances in the city.

Apart from the Indian railway, this city has good links of roads by which all the Indian Metropolitan cities have become quite accessible. Simra is the nearest Airport from where one can fly and reach Kathmandu in about 15 minutes. Likewise, 24 hour bus services are readily available to and from Kathmandu. As for the climate, it is temperate with 8 degrees lowest in the winter and 37 degrees highest in the summer and the average rain fall registered during the rainy season is 80mm. Nice hotels and shopping centers can be found in the city. Royal Chitwan National Park is about 4 hours drive from here where one can go to enjoy the wildlife of Nepal.