Biratnagar
In Nepali: विराटनगर
Biratnagar grew in the early 20th century around jute mills and trade with India, and in 1947 its workers' strike became an early milestone of Nepal's democratic movement. The Koirala family, which gave the country four prime ministers, came from here.
It is a busy, flat city of markets, colleges and hospitals rather than sights, but the old mill area, the Biratnagar Airport and the lively bazaars show modern Nepal at work. The ruins of the legendary King Virat's palace are said to lie nearby, giving the city its name.
What to see and do
Visit the Koshi Province government area, the old industrial district and the busy Traffic Chowk and Main Road markets. Temples such as Kali Mandir and the Biratnagar Ghantaghar are local landmarks, and the city's food scene mixes Maithili, Marwari and hill cuisines.
Good to know
Biratnagar is mainly a transport and business hub. It has the widest range of hotels in the eastern Terai and is a good base for Koshi Tappu, Dharan and the Ilam hills. The Jogbani border crossing to India is just south.
Quick answers
- Where is Biratnagar?
- Biratnagar is in Morang district, Koshi Province, in the Terai belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Biratnagar?
- About 72 m (236 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Biratnagar?
- Getting around Biratnagar is cheap. Budget for a taxi there and back (about NPR 600–1,500, US$5–11) and meals (NPR 1,000–2,500, US$8–19 per person). If you stay in Biratnagar, rooms cost about NPR 1,500 / US$11–NPR 4,500 / US$33 a night.
- How many days do I need for Biratnagar?
- Two or three days covers the town and the sights around it.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Biratnagar?
- No special permit or ticket is normally needed.
- When is the best time to visit Biratnagar?
- October–March
- How do I get to Biratnagar?
- Flights from Kathmandu; on the East–West Highway via Itahari.
- What is Biratnagar called in Nepali?
- विराटनगर
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