Birgunj is a city in Parsa district, Nepal.
The city is located on the borders with the Indian state of Bihar, and is a major point of entry for goods coming from India and also the port of Kolkata.
Though it is not a tourist hot spot, you can see Lord Buddha stupa on a tiny hillock called Vishwa. Apart from this, Gadhi Mai is a well known Hindu Goddess temple which holds a mighty fair every five years. Hindus from all over the world come here to sacrifice animals to show thankfulness to the goddess.Animal sacrificed on this occasion is one of the highest amount in the world. To the west of Birgunj, Bindawasni mai is another historical and religious place. Jang Bhandur Rana, the first Rana prime minister held a massacre in which hundreds of people died as a result of royal conspiracy. To the north of the city there is Parsa Wildlife Reserve & Chitwan National Park, two of the biggest national parks having 100s of endangered species. Tigers,elephants,musk deer, Gharials, Red hornedbills Etc. are main attractions.
- Parsa Wildlife Reserve. Once a hunting ground for the royalty, Parsa Wildlife Reserve is now a protected area and national park. Many animal species can be spotted including gaurs, leopards, elephants, sambar chital and a variety of birds.
- Ghadiarwa Pokhari. A pretty lake and garden though the water sometimes turns a murky brown. A popular place to hang out among the Nepalese youth.
Parsa Wildlife Reserve. Once a hunting ground for the royalty, Parsa Wildlife Reserve is now a protected area and national park. Many animal species can be spotted including gaurs, leopards, elephants, sambar chital and a variety of birds.
Ghadiarwa Pokhari. A pretty lake and garden though the water sometimes turns a murky brown. A popular place to hang out among the Nepalese youth.
There are a few restaurants in Birgunj that are not part of any hotels. Example : Shri Riddhi Siddhi, Anmol Sweets, Kanchha Sweets, Mangalam Sweets, Paratha House, Biriyani House, Hukka Bar, etc. Apart from these, good Hotels do have attached Restaurants in them. Some of them are : Hotel Makalu Restaurant, Hotel Pujan Restaurant, Hotel Vishwa Restaurant, Hotel Himal Restaurant, Hotel Shah Paradise Restaurant, Hotel Suraj Restaurant, Hotel Ichchha (at airport city in Jeetpur Simara) etc. These restaurants serve a variety of western, Indian and Nepali food in the city.
Birgunj has a nice blend of local and Indian street food available. Most hygienic ones are situated on the Main road, Maisthan and in Adarshnagar area.
- Magic Bells, Geeta Mandir Rd, +977 51-520888. Fast food and Indian. They makes a delicious black forest cake. The staff are accommodating towards dietary and allergy restrictions.
Magic Bells, Geeta Mandir Rd, +977 51-520888. Fast food and Indian. They makes a delicious black forest cake. The staff are accommodating towards dietary and allergy restrictions.
There are many takeaway alcohol stores on side streets, a block either side off the main road. Otherwise hotel restaurants serve alcohol.
If you're looking for a local Ncell SIM card, Birgunj has an official Ncell store halfway up the main road on the right from the border as you walk towards the large tower in the middle of the road. They speak perfect English! For more information about telecommunications in Nepal, have a look under the 'Contact' section in Nepal.
To get to Kathmandhu, your only options are private bus or jeep (sumo). Buses leave 6AM-10AM, then 7PM-10PM, with a 'deluxe' bus leaving daily at 7PM. Sumo's/Jeeps's can usually be taken from 6AM-3PM, and cost Rs 500 NPR per person in a ten person shared Jeep, or Rs. 6000 NPR for a whole private jeep to yourself or your travelling companions. To get either a bus or jeep, you'll need to go to the bus station, which is located just off the main road. Keep going north (3 km from the border) until you reach a large tower in the middle of a round-a-bout. Take a right hand turn and the bus stop is 50m down that road. While it's little more than a dirt patch in the north of town, you'll know you got there as there are always plenty of buses parked. A cycle rickshaw should be about NPR 80 for the distance. Jeeps leave when full, from near the road (not towards the back of the bus stop) so expect to wait up to an hour.
For information on crossing the border into India, you may find the information under the 'Go Next section of Raxaul useful.