Kankai Mai
In Nepali: कन्काई माई
A broad river beach and temple where the Kankai leaves the hills, a favourite picnic and pilgrimage spot of Jhapa.
The Kankai river flows out of the Ilam hills onto the plains near Surunga, and here the goddess Kankai Mai is worshipped at a temple on its banks. The wide sandy beach and clear water make it the most popular picnic spot in Jhapa, especially in winter.
Large fairs are held at Makar Sankranti in January, when people bathe in the river. Upstream, the Kankai flows through a gorge with forest on both sides.
What to see and do
Relax on the sand and gravel beach, wade in the shallows in the dry season, and visit the Kankai Mai temple. Upstream, walks along the river lead into forest and gorges.
Good to know
The river rises quickly in the monsoon; do not swim then. It is very crowded around Maghe Sankranti and on winter weekends.
Quick answers
- Where is Kankai Mai?
- Kankai Mai is in Jhapa district, Koshi Province, in the Terai belt of Nepal.
- How much does it cost to visit Kankai Mai?
- For a 3-day trip from Biratnagar, about NPR 5,000 (≈ US$37) per person on a budget, or NPR 13,500 (≈ US$100) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 5,000 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
- How many days do I need for Kankai Mai?
- Plan 1 night there; with travel from Biratnagar and back, about 3 days in all.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Kankai Mai?
- No special permit or ticket is normally needed.
- When is the best time to visit Kankai Mai?
- November–March; Maghe Sankranti
- How do I get to Kankai Mai?
- A short drive north from Surunga on the East–West Highway. It is about 64 km (straight line) from Biratnagar.
- What is Kankai Mai called in Nepali?
- कन्काई माई
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