Ilam

Ilam
Ilam is the district headquarters of Ilam district at a distance of 675 kilometers from Kathmandu. Situated in far eastern region, Ilam is called the place of sunrise because geographically it is the first place in Nepal to touch the sunrays of dawn. Ilam attracts many researchers who come here toresearch on rare birds and the Red Panda. Ilam stretches from Terai belt to the upper hilly belt of this Himalayan nation.

The name Ilam is derived from a Limbu language meaning “Ii” means twisted and “Lam” means Road. Ilam was one of the ten self ruling states of Limbuwan before the unification of Nepal; its ruler King Hangshu Phuba Lingdom of Lingdom dynasty was ruling Ilam as a confederate state of Limbuwan until 1813 AD. Ilam was the last of ten Kingdoms of Limbuwan to join the union of Nepal

Ilam is today one of the most developed places in Nepal. Its tea ILAM TEA is very famous and exported to many parts of Europe. The main source of income in this district is tea, cardamom, milk,ginger and potato.

Two kilometers drive towards north of Ilam takes one to Mai Pokhari lake, situated at an altitude of 2500 meters. It is situated at peaceful place surrounded by rhododendron
bushes amidst lush green forest. Lake captivates the sightseers with jade clean water and multi-color fishes flashing brilliantly. Small thatched huts of sages, temple of Lord Shiva, Mai temple, Satya Dhuni (incessant bonfire) guest house and Sanskrit School are situated nearby. Occasions like Hari Bodhini Ekadashi (the beginning of wakening of Lord Vishnu, according to Hindu mythology) see busy human activities in this otherwise peaceful and secluded place.

In the Hamang village development committee, near thetemple of Myangmalung lake, with the peripheral area of2.5 square kilometers, Hamang ko Pokhari is located amidst the bushes of rhododendron and other flowering plants. With the lake being surrounded by dense forest, wild animals and birds like pheasants, wild-cock, deer, rabbits and panthers can often be seen. In addition of the lakes described above there are many other smaller but attractive ponds and lakes in Ilam.

Jhyaun Pokhari, lying at 1500 meters above the mean sealevel, is situated in west of Ilam Bazaar. Peripheral area of 6 Tourism Products of Nepal the lake is 2 square kilometers at a distance of 30 kilometers from main bazaar. There is a 10-meter tall mound at the middle of the lake. Temples of Dattatraya (a deity of the Hindus) and Dutta Falguna (a deity of the Mongols) stand on one side while Damain Danda surrounds the lake on the other.

Sandakpur at an altitude of 3650 meters above the sea level is 4 kilometers from Ilam Bazaar. This hill touches the border of India and Nepal. In addition to the breathtaking experience of sun-set and sun-rise, panoramic view of Kanchanjunga, Machhapuchhre, Mt. Everest and the Himalayan ranges can also be seen from the place.

Situated at an altitude of 1677 meters, Shree Antu Danda is an ideal place for viewing sunrise and sunset. Forest and the ponds of the area are very attractive. This also offers the panoramic view of the Mt. Everest and Kanchanjangha of Nepal, and Darjeeling, Khersang and Mirik of India.
Because of its topography and scenic beauty it is compared with Darjeeling. A motorable road connects Ilam bazaar with Chipitar and from here, Antu Danda is at four-hour track walk.
Siddhi Thumka, 1700 meters above the sea level, can be reached through 15 kilometers foot-trail and 30 kilometers motorable road from Ilam Bazaar.

The Cave of Khandrung is at an altitude of 1500 meters. The places like Siddithumka, Jhayaun Pokhari and Damain Danda are nearby. The cave comprises of cabins of different shapes and sizes. The opening of the cave is wide enough for a person to enter and surprisingly the exit holes open at
the peak of the hill.

The Cave of Pang is at an altitude of 1500 meters. There is a black hole underneath. Splashing sound can be heard when stones are thrown into it. Many myths exist in the locality about the pond.
Pushe Cave is at the distance of 4 hours walk from Ilam Bazaar. There is a temple of Siddhi Devi (a goddess of Hindu) inside it.

The cave of Evang can be approached from Bhedetar of Dhankuta and Ilam. In the nearby area there are ponds, dense forest and the hills of Myangmalung. The cave comprises of various interesting things and its opening is wide enough for a person to enter. It takes more than 30 minutes to walk from the opening to the end. Ruins of alleged Limbu kingdom are said to be found in the vicinity.
Ilam is the core area for tea plantation. In spite of granule tea, Ilam produces best quality tealeaves.

There are more than a score of tea-estates, big and small, of great economic values that add impressive beauty to the place.