Biratnagar
Nepal · Asia
About Biratnagar
Biratnagar (Nepali: विराटनगर) is the capital and largest & fastest growing city of the easternmost Koshi Province, Nepal. The city had a population of 244,750 at the 2021 census. It is also the headquarters of the district of Morang.
Biratnagar was declared a metropolitan city on 22 May 2017 with the merger of additional wards from different local bodies. Based on the 2021 census, it is the sixth largest city of Nepal in terms of population.
As the home to Nepal's first large-scale industry, the Biratnagar Jute Mills, the city is also popularly known as the industrial capital of Nepal. The city has contributed actively to the Nepalese democracy movement by being the birthplace of five democratically elected prime ministers and that of an interim prime minister of Nepal. The latter claim is also evident from the fact that the first labor strike leading to the anti-Rana movement started from Biratnagar.
Modern-day Biratnagar serves as an entry point to eastern Nepal as well as north-eastern India. It is the second Nepalese city, after Janakpur, to have a connection with the Indian Railways and the city operates an integrated check post (ICP) on the Indian border. It is also the starting point of the Koshi highway, which forms one of the three crucial Nepalese north-south corridors that are designed to connect India and China via land.
Biratnagar travel guide
Understand
With a population of over 200,000 in 2011, Biratnagar is near the Terai on the south-eastern border with India.
Getting there
By plane A flight from Kathmandu (290 km) takes 40–45 minutes if there isn't any air traffic, and single tickets cost about US$220 for foreigners and around ₹2860 for nationals on domestic airlines.
By bus It may take 10–13 hours of time for about ₹700-900. There are two ways in travelling by bus: one is in day and other in night. In comparison to day, night buses are safe to travel because at night there are no strikes or road blockades. While travelling by bus you can witness the beauty of various scenes that one misses by aeroplanes. Its good to take food of your own because the hotels on the way serve bad quality food. Only the bus personnel get proper food.
Getting around
Rickshaws and/or walking are good options within the city. Expect to pay about ₹2 per minute if using a rickshaw, depending on how many people you are or if you have a lot of cargo. There are no official taxi service, but taxis are easily available at airport, near Mahendra Chowk and from major hotels. There are city rickshaws around the city that are a cheaper means of transport than all other transportation option. Buses aren't used that frequently for transportation.
See
Biratnagar Jute Mills. The oldest industrial endeavour in Nepal. It's almost nonfunctional now Jana Andolan Chowk, Near Nepal Bazar (about 30 minutes from Jogbani). Anytime. It is the centre of Biratnagar. No cost. (updated Apr 2016) Surya Nepal (near the Gateway Of Biratnagar). Anytime. It is industry which supplies clothes to the residents of Biratnagar add the rest of Nepal No cost for tour. (updated Apr 2016) Sahid Maidan (Sahid Rangasala) (near the office of Nepal Telecom and in front of the Adarsha School). This is the only venue of Biratnagar for hosting different programmes and games. If there is a game, you should pay. (updated Apr 2016) Central Mall is a major shopping and entertainment hub in Biratnagar, featuring multiple retail & brand outlets, entertainment areas, restaurant choices, and a cinema hall. King Birat's Palace near India-Nepal border. It is famously believed to be the place where pandavas stayed during their exile. Dream Garden at Pushpalal Chowk is a spot for relaxation, swimming, and quality family time, featuring food outlets and a fun park.
Buy
An ATM is available on the main commercial avenue. There are a number of ATMs in Biratnagar. You can find ATMs inside the buildings of commercial banks across the city in various areas. Take Main street north from Traffic Chowk (police station), there is one on the right side, then five minutes further north you turn left and find one. Similarly, you can get lot more. For groceries, you can visit Bhatbhateni or Central Mall. For more local items, you can also explore the neighborhood shops in the bazaar.
Eat
Unique Fast Food Restaurant on the main commercial avenue (not the one that comes from the airport) has a clean and simple interior, and decent food. Angan Sweets & Vegetarian Family Restaurant, Main road (straight from traffic chowk,(1/2 km)), ☏ +977 21-512445. Chinese, north Indian, south Indian, Nepalese foods, specialty-offers different kind of sweets. Pizfire Cafe at Pipal Chowk and Golcha Chowk offers a wide range of food options in a pleasant ambiance. Their Nepali dishes are especially good, making it a great place for family and friends to spend time together. Banshiwala Sweets, located in front of Athiti Sadan, is also a good place to enjoy a wide variety of Indian sweets and snacks.
Drink & nightlife
Feel Good Bar and Grill, Airport Mode. Good place to hang out, with good music.
Sleep
Hotel Harrison Palace, Bajrangabali Marg, ☏ +977 21-511034. For when you want to go all out in Biratnagar, because it has a restaurant/bar, spa, and gym. Rs. 3398. Ratna hotel (near the main market area, next to Mahendra Chowk), ☏ +977 21-472455. . A reasonable good business hotel. Good food and ok, although run-down, bar. Wireless internet available for a hefty price of ₹200 for 1 hour, or ₹500 for 24 hours, from the time you begin using the voucher. ₹1500-4000. Eastern Star (south of bus park, take right further down). Basically same standard as Ratna, but further from the market area, and thus a more quiet location. They have wifi. ₹800, ₹1500 (AC).
Overview adapted from Wikipedia, travel guide fromWikivoyage (CC BY-SA)。Photography via Wikimedia Commons.