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The district is famous for tea and six 'As' - aalu (potato),
alaichi (cardamom), aduwaa (ginger), akabare khursani (red
round chilly), olan (milk) and amliso (a grass from which
brooms are made, Thysanalaena). This district is proceeding
towards modern agricultural business from the traditional
cereal farming. Among the six 'As', potato, ginger,
cardamom, red round chilly and amliso are exported to
Siliguri and Darjeeling in India whereas milk is taken to
Kathmandu via Biratnagar and Tea is exported to foreign
countries. Ilam is inhabited by the people from various
sects and ethnic group and is an interface of different
cultures and religions. Ilam has exciting natural green
hills covered with tea plantation and forest, diverse
climate, simple living style and houses depicting its own
arts and unique style. The following touristic places with
panoramic view are eager to welcome guests:
Shriantu: Antu Hill situated in the far east of Ilam, famous
for viewing sunrise. Most of the flat land of the Terai,
Mirik, Kurseong, darjeeling along with beautiful tea gardens
can be seen from this place.
Sandakpur: Situated in the north of Ilam, Sandakpur is the
main touristic place. Sunrise, sunset, Mount Kanchenjunga,
Mount Everest, all parts of Ilam district and Darjeeling in
India can be viewed from this place. various kinds of
animals like musk deer and red panda and rare species of
birds like pheasant can also be seen here.
Siddhithumka: This place is also famous for panoramic views
of sunrise and sunset and most of the flat land of the terai.
Mangmalung: This is situated in the middle of the forest at
the upper part of Ibhang and is the important religious
place for the Kiratis. This place is regarded as the origin
of the Kirat religion. There is also a cave of Matrika
Kirateswar and a festival is observed every year with a
great pomp and show.
Chhintapu: Mt. kanchenjunga along with most parts of Ilam
can be viewed from here. 11 types of rhododendron, rare
birds, butterflies important for research study, important
herbs like yarshagumba (aphrodisiac) and Paanch Aaulay and
rare animals like red panda and musk deer are found in here.
Maipokhari: This pond is situated at the top of Maipokhari
and Sulubung. It is 188 sq. hec. in area with a radius of
750m and it has nine corners. This pond, situated in the
middle of forest with rhododendron and magnolia campbelli (chhap)
is important from the point of view of natural scenery,
religious importance and pilgrimage to goddess.
Gajurmukhi: Gajurmukhidham situated on the bank of Deumai
River, one of the four rivers of Ilam is an important
religious place.
Pathibhara: Pathibhara situated at teh top of Kutidanda and
Haaspokhari in Mechi Highway is called as small Pathibhara
regarded as the younger sister of Pathibhara in taplejung
district. From this hill covered with green forest one can
have a view of Terain plains, Mahabharat Range and Mt.
Kanchenjunga.
Ilam Bazaar: It is the district headquarter of Ilam and is
situated at the altitude of 1208m. This is the city of
houses and temples that reflects its own originality and
geo-structure and old tea gardens. The oldest tea factory
and tea gardens in Nepal exist here. Small cozy and economic
wooden houses which reflect their originality and rich
sculptural tradition are the center of attraction.
Pashupatinagar: Pasupatinagar is adjoined with Darjeeling of
India situated in the far east of district. This place is
one of the entry points to India. The cheese factories here
are very famous.
Fikkal: Fikkal is situated in the east of Ilam Bazaar and
lies along the Mechi Highway. It is one of the oldest market
places of Ilam and is being developed as a main business
center for agricultural products.
Mangalbare: This is one of the main markets situated at the
south of Ilam. This place is also the collection and
distribution center of all the agricultural products of Ilam.
Todke Waterfall: The highest waterfall in Ilam district is
Todke Waterfall located in Maimajhuwa VDC in the north of
the district headquarter. This waterfall is 285 ft. high and
is very fascinating.
Ilam Tea Garden Sunrise View from Antu Danda
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