Koshi: Nature and Pilgrimage Sites in the Surrounding Area

Natural Sites in the Surrounding Area of Koshi

The wider region around Koshi includes natural sites and religious destinations with a range of attractions. Namaste Falls is located in Sangurigadhi Rural Municipality in Dhankuta District. The route passes through Bhedetar and along a section of the Koshi Highway; from the main road, you can reach the waterfall with a walk of about 10 to 15 minutes. Bhedetar, also called Charles Point, offers opportunities for paragliding. This distinguishes two different interests: a visit to a waterfall with a described walking route and an activity located in Bhedetar.

Another natural attraction is Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, which extends across Saptari and Sunsari districts. Its landscape consists mainly of grassland with shrubs, as well as deciduous riverine forests. Around 479 bird species have been recorded there; some species arrive from Siberia in winter. Wildlife watching and birdwatching are among the activities in the reserve. This gives visitors a clear distinction to consider when planning: Namaste Falls centers on a single waterfall, while Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is a protected area with diverse habitats and two forms of wildlife observation. The winter migration of some bird species adds a seasonal aspect.

Pilgrimage Sites and Temple Stories in the Surrounding Area

Several religious traditions and temple stories come together in the wider area. Barah Kshetra is located near Chatara in Sunsari District, on a gently rising hill at the confluence of the Sapta Koshi and Koka rivers. Several temples there are dedicated to Lord Barah, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. An Ardha Kumbha Mela is held at Barah Kshetra every six years.

Pindeshwar Baba Dham is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva near Dharan Bazaar. During the Bol-Bam Tirtha Yatra, thousands of devotees walk barefoot carrying a vessel of water to offer it to the Shiva Lingam in the temple. Dantakali is located in the Bijayapur Hill area of Dharan and is visited by a large number of devotees. According to tradition, a tooth of Satidevi, the consort of Lord Shiva, fell to the ground there; the story is connected with the Swasthani narratives.

Budhasubba is located in the Bijaypur area of Dharan and is revered by the Limbus as Kewasumang. At this site, the focus is on worship by the Limbus; at Dantakali, it is the tradition connected with the Swasthani narratives. Pancha Kanya Temple adds a historical dimension to this group of sites: King Mukund Sen built it in the 17th century AD. For your trip planning, the sites differ in their main focus: temple dedication, pilgrimage ritual, local tradition or building history.

Further Geographic Orientation

Taltalaiya in Itahari covers around 20 hectares in Wards 2 and 3. Visitors come from different parts of Nepal and nearby India. The Bijaypur Hills north of Dharan are connected to Biratnagar by bus.

Discover more destinations: Biratnagar, Koshi.

See the overview of the wider region: Eastern Region.