Ilam is a hill district in Nepal. The tea gardens are the hill station’s most well-known attraction, located in one of Nepal’s most populous districts. Visitors are drawn to the region because of its natural beauty and wildlife. Ilam is a well-known tourist spot in Nepal’s eastern region.
It is situated between the Himalayan ranges and attracts many visitors due to its many summer attractions. A quick walk through a tea garden, a peaceful picnic, sightseeing stops, short hikes in surrounding forests, or exploring Ilam’s rich environment is all alternatives.
Below, we have listed the Top 10 Places to Visit in Ilam, Nepal:
1. Sandakpur (Sandakphu)
Sandakpur is located at a height of 3,665 metres on the Nepal-India border. In India, it expands to the Darjeeling area of West Bengal. From Ilam, visitors can book a private cab to Maimajhuwa Khorsanitar. After a 5-hour journey, you will finally arrive at Sandakphu.
Sandakpur offers breathtaking views of the world’s tallest mountains, including Mt. Everest (8,848 m), Mt. Makalu (8,485 m), Mt. Kumbakarna (7,710 m), Mt. Kangchenjunga (8,586 m), and Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m).
The area is well-known for bird watching, and it is home to the Danfe (Himalayan monal), which is a Nepali bird. Sandakpur is also home to endangered animals, including musk deer & red pandas.
2. Maipokhari
The Maipokhari Ramsar area is among the most magnificent wetlands in the Midlands, with abundant biodiversity, nature, and tranquillity. About 18 kilometres to the north of Ilam bazaar, there is a star-shaped lake with nine corners that are believed to pay honour to different Gods. As a result, it is a sacred site for Hindus, Kirats and Buddhists. The lake is surrounded by vegetation and is well known for fishing and boating.
According to the Hindu religious book ‘Mahabharata,’ the Pandav brothers walked through Arjundhara, Baraha Chhetra, and Maipokhari during their stay in the forest.
The Nirmal Mai Ashram, Satyadhuni Ashram, Shiva Temple, Tashi Choling Monastery, Bhagwati Temple, and Saraswati Temple are all popular landmarks in Maipokhari. Large fairs are held on Thulo Ekadashi.
Read also: Nepal October Travel: Top Places to Explore
3. Siddhi Thumka
Siddhi Thumka, located at a height of 1,693 metres above sea level, is roughly 18 kilometres from Ilam’s Ajambare Danda.
The location is well-known for its sunset and sunrise views, as well as breathtaking vistas of the Kangchenjunga and Everest summits and ranges like the Mahabharat and Churia ranges.
Other popular Siddhi Thumka destinations include Pankhelung Falls, Khnadrung Cave, Falgunanda Manghim Fulbari, Singhadevisthan, Namthala, and Ratopani Temple.
Paddy rice fields & orange production on the southern side of Siddhi Thumpka are major attractions for agricultural tourism.
4. Forests of Sanketham and Choyatar
Sanketham is a popular destination for environment lovers and peace activists. It is 2170m above sea level in the northeast of Ilam in Jamuna, VDC.
What else? Fresh, chilly, and frequently changing weather, opaque fog, melodiously chirping birds, lush woodlands, and views of the majority of Ilam greet you. Here you can see Red Pandas, Thars, Leopards, Black Bears, Charibags, Rajpankhi, and Thakthake. Kandevaccur, Munal, Eagle, Water Duck, and other migratory birds may be seen beside Chap, Rhododendron, Bante, Sunakhari, Lautsalla, Chiraito, Bajrath, Katush, and other plants.
The beautiful environment of Northern Pond is very close to Naya Bazar. This is also a major and well-known Buddhist pilgrimage site. Thumke is situated on the eastern side of Naya Bazar and is widely known for sunrise, Red Panda watching, and trekking.
5. Chintapu
Chhintapu is Ilam’s second-highest peak at 3,400 metres above sea level. You can reach it after 3 hours of trekking. Chintapu offers visitors amazing views of the Himalayan range.
The vistas from Mt. Kumbhakarna, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Everest, and other ranges of the Himalayas in Bhutan, Nepal and India are stunning.
Darjeeling, Sikkim, Panchthar, Ilam bazaar, Ilam, Terai’s flat plain, Panchthar, and the hills reaching towards Taplejung are also visible, as are barren villages on the distant slopes. This area is home to eleven distinct types of rhododendron, as well as uncommon flora and animals like the musk deer & red panda.
6. The Temple Gajurmukhi
The Temple Gajurmukhi, which is also recognized as Devisthan, is a well-known religious attraction in Nepal’s Eastern Region, situated on the banks of the Deumai River.
It is located 500 metres above sea level. You can reach Devisthan by renting a vehicle or taking a motorcycle from Birtamode to Illam bazaar, followed by a walk from Ghangre Bhanjyang to Ghoseni.
A new 15 km path from Manglabare’s south has just been constructed to reach the temple. It is claimed that people who worship at the Gajurmukhi Devisthan will be rewarded with a child if they are childless, those who are deaf will be given a voice, and that other miracles will occur. The Deumai River enhances the tranquilly of the environment, and the Temple Gajurmukhi is a work of art on its own. There is also a cave in this location that is approximately 10 feet high & 20 feet long.
This location also features a Shivalaya Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, which attracts many Indian visitors. The Limbu community’s culture and practices have been maintained in this culturally rich region.
7. Shree Antu
Shree Antu is a popular tourist site for seeing the sunrise. Shree Antu Dandais a renowned sunrise-watching location located at an elevation of 2328m above sea level.
The tradition of home staying in this region is believed to have started with Antu. The area’s main attractions are the sunrise vista, Antu Pokhari, sungava cultivation, and Lepcha culture.
The location also provides a stunning view of Mt. Kanchajunga, Indian border regions, and swaths of Ilam and Jhapa. The best time to see the dawn from here is from Kartik to Poush (October to February).
8. Pathivara Temple
Pathivara Temple is among the best places to visit in Ilam. The Temple Pathivara Devi (3794m) is a well-known holy site where pilgrims are believed to get their prayers answered. Hindus & Buddhists both worship Pathivara’s animist divinity.
Pathivara’s Goddess is said to give her devotees long-awaited prayers, such as children for those who do not have children or wealth for the poor.
Pathivara Devi, which is among the “Shakti Peeths”, is worshipped.
Worshippers from India and Nepal visit the temple on special occasions, thinking that a visit will satisfy all of their desires.
Pathibhara’s supporters include members of Nepal’s royal family. When animals are slaughtered, Pathibhara Devi gets gold and silver as offerings.
9. Ilam Tea Estate
Ilam is a complete garden in itself. The origins of tea in Liam can be traced back to the 18th century when Nepal’s Prime Minister was Jung Bahadur Rana. The Chinese government gave tea seedlings to Nepal’s Prime Minister, so tea arrived in the Ilam area.
The Ilam Tea plant was established in 1868 and functioned until 2010. Ilam now contains tea estates ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 feet above sea level.
10. Todke Jharna
A few hours’ journey from the community homestay will lead you to one of Nepal’s greatest and second-longest waterfalls. Many visitors have been attracted to this beautiful 85-meter-long waterfall in Maimajhuwa’s rugged hills and deep forests.
However, well-known among locals, the name Todke Jharna needs to be more well-known among international visitors. When you get to the location, the sight of the huge fall among the beautiful flora is just breathtaking. A refreshing swim in the autumn and the gorgeous surroundings will give you plenty to enjoy.
Numerous amazing views of Gumbas, Sandakpur, and lush green forest await you during the trip.
How Can I reach Illam?
The road connectivity to the Ilam is great. The Mechi highway serves as the district’s entrance and links it to the east-west Mahendra expressway in Jhapa. Ilam municipality is located 78 kilometres by road from Charali, Jhapa, at the crossroads of the Mahendra and Mechi highways. Charali is 12 kilometres from Bhadrapur Airport, which is about an hour’s flight from Kathmandu.
In the Kolbung region, on the border of Jhapa and Ilam, a tourist information counter is open. Pashupatinagar is another significant entry point for Indian visitors from Darjeeling. There is also a regular bus service from Kathmandu to Ilam, which takes about 12 hours.
Conclusion
This small yet picturesque area of Nepal is well-known for its tea gardens. Ilam is a district in eastern Nepal’s Province 1 that is located between the gorgeous mountain ranges and the plains. It is a district with a great combination of varied cultures and picturesque locations. Undoubtedly, it has been a site that has attracted travellers to visit the Eastern zone of Nepal for several years. Ilam is among the sites you must visit this summer if you haven’t visited yet.
To learn more about Nepal:
