Ilam

Ilam is a picturesque hilly town adorned with sloped tea gardens, dense natural forests, sacred sites, and a vibrant culture. It serves as an ideal retreat from city life, offering serene experiences such as romantic sunrises and sunsets, brisk walks in the tea gardens, tranquil picnics, sightseeing, and short treks on gentle slopes. For those drawn to spirituality, Ilam is home to numerous holy sites, making it a popular destination for travelers worldwide. Additionally, Ilam is renowned for its globally acclaimed Ilam Tea.

Access

Ilam Bazaar lies in the Mechi zone, about 700 km or an 18-hour drive east from Kathmandu. Travelers can reach Ilam via Birtamod, Biratnagar, or Bhadrapur. The Nepal-India border town, Pashupatinagar, is just a 2-hour drive from Darjeeling, India. While local transit through Pashupatinagar is allowed for Nepali and Indian nationals, international travelers must use Kakkarbhitta in Jhapa for entry/exit.

Food and Accommodation

Ilam Bazaar offers a range of food and accommodation options, from moderate hotels to home-stays in selected areas. Basic amenities like telephone and medical facilities are also available.

When to Visit

The subtropical climate ensures pleasant weather year-round. However, the best time to visit Ilam is between October-December or April-February. Cultural festivals like Kartik Ekadasi in October-November and Maghe Sankranti in January attract thousands to sites like Maipokhari and Mai Beni.

Culture

The major ethnic groups in Ilam are Brahmins, Chhetris, and Lepchas. A Lepcha museum in Antu is under development, showcasing the community's heritage.

Places to Visit

1. Antu Danda: At 2,328 meters, Antu offers stunning views of the Himalayas, Terai flatlands, and Indian towns like Mirik and Darjeeling. It’s an hour's drive from Pashupatinagar or a 3-hour drive from Ilam Bazaar. Home-stays are available.
2. Mai Pokhari: This serene lake is surrounded by dense forests and rich biodiversity, including orchids, rhododendrons, musk deer, and leopards. Located 18 km from Ilam Bazaar, it’s a 30-minute drive away.
3. Sandakpur: Perched at 3,636 meters on the Nepal-India border, Sandakpur offers breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Everest. Rare wildlife like red pandas can be spotted here. From Ilam Bazaar, visitors can trek from Maimajhua Khorsanitar, a 5-hour journey.
4. Kanyam and Fikkal: These large tea estates, famous for over 140 years, are perfect for picnicking, sightseeing, and photography. Fikkal is a commercial hub on the Mechi Highway.
5. Siddhi Thumka: At 1,800 meters, Siddhi Thumka offers views of Terai plains and mountain ranges. It’s a 3-hour trek from Ilam Bazaar.
6. Chhintapur: The second-highest peak in Ilam, at 3,400 meters, boasts lush rhododendron forests and rare herbs like Yarcha Gumba. Trekking from Ilam Bazaar takes about 3 hours.

Pilgrimage Sites

1. Gajur Mukhi: A stone tunnel with Hindu deities carved along Deumai Khola, 4 hours from Ilam Bazaar.
2. Pathibhara Temple: Located at Hanspokhari, southeast of Kolbung, it’s a revered site along the Mechi Highway.
3. Mai Beni: A Shiva temple at the confluence of Mai and Jogmai Rivers, 3 km from Ilam Bazaar. Devotees gather here for Maghe Sankranti.

Other notable sites include Narayansthan in Ilam Bazaar, Bhimsensthan, Singha Bahini Temple, and Sati Devi Temple near Puwa Khola.