Nepalgunj
| Nepalgunj नेपालगञ्ज |
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| — Municipality — | |
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 Nepalgunj
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| Coordinates: 28°03′N 81°37′E / 28.05°N 81.617°ECoordinates: 28°03′N 81°37′E / 28.05°N 81.617°E | |
| Country |  Nepal |
| Development Region | Mid-Western |
| Zone | Bheri |
| District | Banke |
| Municipality | Nepalgunj |
| Government | |
| • Mayor of Nepalgunj | |
| Elevation | 150 m (492 ft) |
| Population (2007) | |
| • Total | 64,400 |
| Time zone | GMT+5:45 |
Nepalgunj (Nepali: नेपालगञ्ज or नेपालगन्ज [nepaːlɡəndʒ]), also spelled Nepalganj, is a municipality in Banke District, Nepal on the Terai plains near the southern border with Bahraich district, Uttar Pradesh state of India. It is 16 km south of Kohalpur and the east-west Mahendra Highway.
Nepalgunj is the administrative center of Banke District as well as Bheri Zone. It's also the main transport hub for Nepal's Mid-Western and Far-Western regions. The nearest Indian border is about 8 km south and Bahraich city is about 55 km south of the city center.
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[edit] Overview
Nepalgunj is an important business centre for at least 5 zones of Nepal: Bheri, Rapti, Mahakali, Karnali and Seti. The heart of the city- Dhumboji, where lies the center and perhaps the most important traffic junction of the town referred to as Birendra Chowk, is the main business hub with several banks,book shops,lodges, motor-parts and hardware dealears, and other general home appliance distributors. The 24 km long Surkhet Road, starting from Mahendra Chowk in Kohalpur and terminating at the Nepal-India Border, runs through the middle of the city passing through Birendra Chowk and two other important junctions- Pushpalal Chowk and BP Chowk, creating a network of roads that cover the major portion of city's industrial and residential areas.
Tribhuvan Chowk is famous for its commodity and fancy shops along Sadar Line and Ek-Laineeh, and for its garment stores. The zonal hospital of Bheri Zone- Bheri Hospital is located a few hundred meters south, and most of the important government offices like Chief District Office, Telecommunication Office, Post office, etc. are located within a radius of a few kilometers around it. Another famous area called New Road, while still under development, is emerging as a major attraction for its modern fashion retail shops, hotels and restaurants.
Restaurants in Nepalgunj are famous for its samosas, chaat, golgappas,dahibada, momos (Nepalese-style Dumplings), sekuwa (fry dried-meat), biryani and chilled beer. Samosas, chaat, golgappas and sekuwa from Nepaljung are considered to be the most delicious in all Nepal.Its famous for ravadi (milk item) allover Nepal.
The city is also popular for its religious significance. Bageshwori temple is renowned temple for hindu devotees. Hinduism and Islam are two major religions in Nepalgunj with Hindus comprising larger percentage of the population.
There are a lot of other areas in Nepalgunj that are developing rapidly and attracting new residents and industries. The city is developing fast due to relocation of mid-hill migrants. It is also a center for business for vicinity zones and their districts. The is a high possibility of Nepalgunj being developed into a major IT city in Nepal since a large population of young generation are showing keen interest and motivation towards new computer technology and internet-world. Adoption of new technologies and marketing into new sectors have shown a promising future for this city.
Nepalgunj is considered the hottest place in Nepal, with temperature rising well above 40°C in summer.
[edit] Population
The 2001 census[1] counted 57,535 inhabitants, with 20% growth since 1991. Nepali is spoken natively by Paharis as well as by virtually everyone as the national language and lingua franca.and the mother tongue for the old residents is still awadhi understood and normally spoken by the entire population of the district.
[edit] Culture and Religion
Nepalgunj has a diverse culture. Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and Atheists all live here. Similarly people of different ethnicity have traditionally lived harmoniously together.
This tradition was badly disturbed by a riot in the last week of December 2006 causing violence between Nepal origin (people mainly from the hills) and Madhesi people of Ganges-river origin. At least one person was killed and dozens injured. A mob destroyed the statue of late King Tribhuvan and attempted to rename the chowk (intersection) as Kamal Madheshi Chowk after a person killed in the violence. The local administration had to impose a curfew and later formed a commission to investigate the causes of the riot.
[edit] Transport
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Nepalgunj Airport is 6 km north from Birendra Chok. The airport was officially named Mahendra Airport after the late King Mahendra. It has flights to Kathmandu and to airports in less developed western districts like Dolpa, Jumla, Mugu and Rukum.
Nepalgunj airport
- A branch of Indian Railways reaches the border at Rupaidiha immediately opposite Nepalgunj. It would involve possible train changes at Gonda, Bahraich and Nanpara. It is also possible to take an express train to Lucknow, then a direct bus to Nepalgunj.
- Long-distance buses to road destinations in Nepal depart from Dhamboji.
[edit] Border crossing
While India and Nepal have an open border with no restrictions on the movement of people on either side, there are 22 agreed transit and customs posts along the Nepal-India border for the purposes of trade. These are: 1. Pashupatinagar / Sukhiapokhari 2.Kakarbhitta / Naxalbari (Panitanki) 3. Bhadrapur / Galgalia 4. Biratnagar / Jogbani 5. Setobandha / Bhimnagar 6. Rajbiraj / Kunauli 7. Siraha, Janakpur / Jayanagar 8. Jaleswar / Bhitamore, Sursand 9. Malangawa / Sonbarsa 10. Gaur / Bairgania 11. Birganj / Raxaul 12. Bhairahawa / Nautanwa 13.Taulihawa / Khunwa 14. Krishnanagar / Barhni 15. Koilabas / Jarwa 16. Nepalgunj / Rupaidiha (Nepalgunj Road) 17. Rajapur / Katerniyaghat 18. Prithivipur / Sati (Kailali) / Tikonia 19. Dhangadhi / Gauriphanta 20. Mahendranagar / Banbasa 21. Mahakali / Jhulaghat (Pithoragarh) 22. Darchula/Dharchula.[2]
There are six immigration points along the Indo Nepal border for the entry and exit of nationals from third countries. These are: Banbasa, Dhangadhi, Nepalganj, Bhairahawa (Sunauli), Birganj and Kakarbhita.[2]
[edit] Infrastructure
- Bheri Zonal Hospital
- Fatah Bal Eye Hospital
- Nepalgunj Medical College
[edit] Climate
The climate is sub-tropical. Temperatures sometimes exceed 40°C (104°F) from April to June. During the rainy season—arriving in June and lasting into September—it is less hot but sometimes very humid. Winter is usually pleasant while the sun is out. It sometimes is foggy and overcast; then it can be chilly with temperatures below 10°C (41°F) but no frost.
[edit] Hotels
With the opening of the tourist industry after the change over in the political scenario of Nepal in 1950, hotel industry got a boost. Now, Nepalgunj boasts of several good hotels such as Sneha, Batika, Traveller's Village, Siddhartha, etc. According to the tourists survey in 2010, among all, Traveller's Village was regarded the best in the town. According to Heather, an American Jounalist, "Traveller's Village is a Nepalgunj 5-star. Now, "Nepalgunj 5-star" is a denomination by itself... At least among the four best hotels, in town, if I may say so, stars probably not ready for awarding yet, but simply the best, still.... And in terms of ease, Traveller's Village is the best. They have good accommodation, good food, good air con, good mosquito protection, good just about everything. Quiet location away from minarets, hollering military personnel, dusty roads and screaming buses. There is a very nice and peaceful garden with chairs, tables - good for breakfast or evening beer. Price is also affordable. When I visited last time in June 2010 the kitchen was up for renovation. So it may get even better".
[edit] Places of interest
- Bageswory temple in Nepalgunj is one of the most important temples for Hindus. It is a sacred temple for Bageswory mata (Goddess Bageswory). Opposite the main temple, is another temple for Lord Shiva. This temple is surounded by an artificial pond and in the center is a statue of Lord Shiva, which possesses a moustache. It is often referred to as Junge Mahādeva (Nepali: जुंगे महादेव) and is the only one of its kind.
- Nepalgunj has one of Nepal's best Women's cricket teams. An international stadium is under construction.
- Banke National Park
- Bardia National Park is an hour's drive west.
- Karnali River is 90 minutes drive west.
- Tharu villages in Deukhuri Valley to the east along the east-west highway.
- Surkhet, an Inner Terai Valley north of Nepalgunj.
[edit] References
- ^ http://www.citypopulation.de/Nepal.html
- ^ a b "Nepal-India Open Border: Prospects, Problems and Challenges". Nepal Democracy. http://www.nepaldemocracy.org/documents/treaties_agreements/nep_india_open_border.htm. Retrieved 2012-01-02.
[edit] External links
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