East Nepal Tour (ilam tour)

Janakpur is a historical city. It was the capital of an ancient state of Mithila. The name is derived from its king Janak who was father of Sita; it is one of the revered names in Hindu mythology. As the story goes she was married to Ram. Ram is revered as God in Hindu mythology and religion. Therefore the Janaki temple in Janakpur is the central attraction for all Hindus, especially devotees of Ram. The city remains in festive mood during the festival of Bibah (marriage) Panchami; it is celebrated annually to commemorate the marriage ceremony of Ram and Sita. Besides being a religious center it is well known for Mithili culture that extends far south in India.Dhankutta-Basantapur-Hille: The highway to the eastern border -Kakarbhitta turns north at Itahari -a small cross road town - to Dharan and Dhankutta. Dharan lies at the foothill where Terai (plain) starts. The road from this bustling city gradually climbs to Dhankutta. As you leave the hot plain the drive to this hill station is pleasant. The distance from Itahari to Dhankutta is 75 km. There are good view of the eastern Himalayan range on the ridge at Hille and lots of rhododendron flower in spring on Milke danda (hill) on way to Basantapur. Hille is 13 km from Dhankutta and Basantapur is 25km. The area is well known for recruiting of Gorkha soldiers from Rai and Limbu ethnic people. This area used to be important place east of Arun river known is Limbuan or Pallo (other side) Kirat, originally carved out as an autonomous kingdom within Nepal. They established Kirateshor dynasty in 7th century BC in Kathmandu and ruled for 1000 years. Their language is Tibeto-Burman; they worship ancestors. They have Mongoloid features.Tharu Village in Morang-Tarai: Tharus are first ethnic group to inhabit Terai when the entire plain was well known for Malaria spread by mosquito bite. Dhimal, Satar and Rajbanshi are other groups who have been living in this belt. Tharu and all other ethnic group in Terai have their own unique religion; like Kiratis they practice animism. Their physical features is Mongoloid.