Dang District is part of Lumbini Province in Nepal’s Inner Terai region. The Deukhuri valley is surrounded by the Shivalik Hills and the Mahabharata Range. It is the region’s capital and Asia’s second-largest valley. Ghorahi is Dang’s district headquarters which is Nepal’s sixth-biggest city & largest sub-metropolitan city.
The second-largest city of Dang is Tulsipur, an important transportation centre with concrete roadways and aviation networks. The area has a population of about 548 thousand people and occupies an area of 2,955 square kilometres (2011 census). The Dang Deukhuri area is among the city’s most important culturally diverse neighbourhoods, with several temples and gumbas dedicated to puranic mythologies like Mahabharata, Shaivism, Shaktism, & Gorakhnath.
Because of the discovery of ancient apes & early human bones, the Dang region has been widely studied archaeologically since the eighteenth century. The area is the epicentre of Nepalese Sanskrit.
Dang Tourism
Dang is also known as Dang Deukhuri, which is surrounded by valleys, mountains, & rivers and attracts visitors from all over the world. Dang is located in the Inner Terai Valley, and travellers can enjoy the region’s spectacular scenery and the lush vegetation that surrounds the area. Dang is ideal for trekking and climbing, and the region is home to various Hindu temples.
List of the 10 Famous Places to Visit in Dang, Nepal:
1. Lake Jakhera
The English definition of “Jakhera” is a collection point for rainfall. This lake is situated in Dang’s Lamai Municipality-5. Near the lake, two major temples are dedicated to Siddeswor Mahadev and Lord Ganesha. This temple is about 35 kilometres from Ghorahi. Lake Jakhera is approximately 12 hectares in area and 6 feet deep.
The gorgeous scenery and magnificence of the lakes attract many travellers here.
Greenwoods, gorgeous lakes, and clean air enhance this environment. Jakhera Lake’s main attractions include picnics, water rides, jungle safaris, and animal gazing. To reach the temple by boat, you must pay between Rs. 70 and 100 per person. Locals estimate that 200 to 300 people arrive here daily for various reasons.
2. Daha Barhakune (Baraha Chhetra)
Barhakune Daha, which means “twelve-edged ponds”, is only 3 kilometres north of Ghorahi. The location is culturally and artistically significant and protects endangered bird species. You can relish the Jungle Safari feelings. The lake’s water comes from the surrounding hills and mountains. It is dedicated to Lord Bishnu and includes five temples across 5 hectares.
The priests are selected from the Magars. A costume is provided for offering a light lamp to Baraha. It is claimed that those who bathe or cleanse in the lake & worship Lord Baraha are freed from their sins. A big fair is held on the last day of Paush and the first day of Magh.
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3. Temple of Ambikeshwori
The Ambikeshwori temple is situated in the Dang district’s valley. This temple is also a popular religious destination for visitors from the Midwest. The temple is also known as Maiko, which is located to the north of Ghorahi.
According to Swasthani’s old tales, when Mahadev was carrying Satidevi, her ear fell off at this place. As a result, this location is also known as Dang’s Shaktipeeth. Devotees primarily assemble at this temple during the Shrawan month or the Teej festival.
4. Ghorahi Dang- Charinge Daha
Charinge Daha is located in Rampur municipality seven which lies in the eastern part of Dang. The BP route takes you 9 kilometres from Ghorahi to this location. The lake is located in the heart of the forest on 2 hectares of land, and its water is mostly used for irrigation & fish farming by the natives.
The lake’s source is historically significant since it is the source of the Sarayu River. It is said that during the Treta Yuga, Lord Sita did penance here to get Shree Rama as her husband and that they eventually met here when Lord Ram visited the spot. Sita cave may also be found at an elevation of 950 metres. It is well-known as a picnic destination because of its amazing beauty and tranquil surroundings.
5. Tharu Cultural Museum
If you want to learn about the Tharu lifestyle and culture, then Tharu Cultural Museum in Dangisaran-3 Chakhaura Dang is a good place to start. It is located 9 kilometres southwest of Tulsipur. Tharu cultural museum reflects the Tharu community’s lifestyle & identity.
The museum’s surrounding environment depicts the Tharu community’s daily life experiences. The museum’s distinctive characteristics include Tharu traditional clothes, cultural shows, Rana Tharu’s images, photographic documentation, paintings on the wall, vintage equipment, jewellery, and Tharu local cuisine. At the entry, the gate is a statue of King Dangisaran, who governed Dang in the past.
6. Pandaveswar Mahadev Temple in Dharapani
Dharapani is an old temple that attracts people from all across the country. It is said that the Pandavs chanted Lord Shiva in ancient times. As a result, the flow of international tourists has increased with the installation of the world’s biggest Trishul on December 14, 2014. The Trishul weighs around 8,113 kg and is constructed of brass, silver, gold and copper.
Furthermore, during the Sivaratri festival, the temple organises a 5-day bazaar, gathering worshippers from all over the world. The shrine is located 9 kilometres from Dang’s main city, Ghorahi.
7. Waterfall near Purandara
This waterfall is located in Purandhara VDC 8, deep into the jungle. This waterfall has a height of about 45 metres and is located on the Babai River’s bank. This waterfall is about 29 kilometres from Tulsipur and can be reached in an hour’s drive. This fall is formed by the water of the Kalapani River, which flows into the Babai River.
Because these falls are located in the heart of the woods, you will be delighted to hear the chirping of birds and the peaceful sound of the waterfall. This location is appealing because you may experience nature, wildlife, and a secret cave near the waterfall.
The greatest time to see the Purandhara fall is during the monsoons when the scenery is most spectacular. The falls will be enormous, and the scenery will be breathtaking. Locals and visitors used to spend time and take baths in this waterfall.
8. Chillikot, Bijauri
Bijauri is in the Dang Deukhuri district, 28 kilometres from Ghorahi. Vulture restaurant is also situated in Chillikot, 5 kilometres north of Tulsipur, for vulture conservation.
A few kilometres north of Vulture restaurant is an old temple of Malika and Kalika Devi, as well as a devastated ancient palace of a monarch. Nepal Sanskrit University, a famous university, is also located nearby.
9. Park in Ganeshpur
It is ideal for people seeking a peaceful atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the lap of nature. Rapti Peace Park is about 3 kilometres from Tulsipur Chowk and 25 kilometres from Ghorahi.
The park was built near the jungle to preserve natural flora. Furthermore, artificial swimming pools and a children’s theme park have contributed to the allure of this location. As a result, it is one of the most attractive sites to visit in Dang.
10. The Temple of Chaughera
Chaughera Temple is located in Ghorahi, Dang, and is among the most visited Hindu temples. To enter the temple, you must first go through a large multicoloured gate.
Large trees surround a few ancient temples. These vibrant temples are dedicated to sculptures and pictures of numerous gods and goddesses.
The temple attracts a huge number of both local and foreign visitors.
How can you reach Dang?
By Road:
At 5:00 PM, the Kathmandu to Dang bus departs from Gongabu Bus Park. The journey from Kathmandu to Dang is around 450 kilometres long and may take up to ten hours.
You will take the Mahendra highway route, which costs between Rs. 1200 and Rs. 1500 one way. The trip from Kathmandu Muglin will be slow since it is bumpy. The road is smooth when you cross the Muglin.
By Air:
Dang Airport, also known as Tarigaun Airport, is the single airport connecting the western region of Deukhuri. It is situated two kilometres south of Tulsipur and twenty-three kilometres west of Ghorahi.
Conclusion
Several sites in Dang should not be overlooked. However, we have identified the top ten locations to see in Dang to understand better the cultural and natural characteristics of Nepal’s greatest valley. If you haven’t already put Dang on your bucket list, now is the time to do so and experience Nepal’s mid-western area.
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