Happy TravellerIlam Municipality, located in the Mahabharata hilly range of Province No. 1, eastern Nepal, is a hidden gem that is often overlooked by tourists in favor of more popular destinations. However, Ilam has a lot to offer visitors, from its stunning natural scenery and landscapes to its diverse agricultural economy and rich cultural heritage. In this article, we will explore the many treasures of Ilam Municipality and reveal why this enchanting destination should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
Tea Farms and Horticultural Crop Production
Ilam is the largest producer region for Nepali tea, and its tea farms are a major tourist attraction in Province No. 1. Tea production in Ilam started as early as 1863, when the Chinese government offered then Prime Minister Jung Bahadur Rana tea saplings that were then planted in Ilam. In 1868, the Ilam tea factory was established, and tea plantations covered over 135 acres of land. In 2010, the tea factory was privatized, and is currently not under operation. However, tea production continues in Ilam in other forms. Many local people get employment from this. In 2010, the total tea production of Nepal is 16.23 million kilograms per annum; a majority of this amount is produced in Ilam. Ilam is also famous for its diverse agricultural economy which specializes in horticultural crop production.
Natural Scenery and Landscapes
Ilam is famous for its natural scenery and landscapes. The topography of Ilam aptly depicts several winding paths crisscrossing. The total area of the municipality is 173.32 square kilometres (66.92 sq mi), and it is divided into 12 wards. The municipality is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including rare and endangered species. Visitors can explore the lush green forests, rolling hills, and sparkling rivers that make up the stunning landscape of Ilam.
Cultural Heritage
Ilam has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its architecture, art, music, and festivals. The main inhabitants of Ilam are Limbu, Rai, Yakkha, Lepcha, Newar, Magar, Tamang, Chettri, Bahun, Sunuwar, and Gurung. Visitors can explore the unique customs and traditions of these ethnic groups by visiting local museums, art galleries, and cultural centers. Ilam is also home to many religious sites, including temples, monasteries, and shrines, which are important pilgrimage destinations for both locals and tourists.
Education
Ilam has many educational institutions, including Mahendra Ratna Multiple Campus, a first QAA certified constituent campus of Tribhuvan University. It has four faculties; Science, Humanities, Education, and Commerce. Ilam is also home to the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, MRM Campus, which offers bachelors degrees in Science in Horticulture. In addition to these, there are other institutes which provide higher education such as Adarhsa HSS, Modern Campus, Ilam Technical college, Heritage National Academy, Ilam Vidya Mandir. Green Valley Academy which provides secondary level education is regarded as one of the best schools in eastern Nepal due to its high-ranking SLC result.
Transportation
Ilam Bazaar is located about 700 km (430 mi) east of Kathmandu. Regular buses are available from New Buspark, Koteshwor and Kalanki of Kathmandu which takes to Ilam after a bus ride of about 16 hours. An airport is under construction at Sukilumba Danda. Daily Bus/Bolero is available from Ilam to Taplejung, Phidim, Birtamod, Chandragadhi, Kakarbhitta, Siliguri (West Bengal), Pashupatinagar, Damak, Itahari, Dharan and Biratnagar. A new buspark is being constructed at Sera. Besides these, Bus/Bolero also goes to all the VDCs of Ilam district.
Environmentalism in Ilam
Ilam municipality is also known for its innovations in environmentalism. In 2010, the municipality became the first one in Nepal to ban plastic bags from the market, this is the great success all over the Nepal. The district also set aside 38 ropanis (>19,000 square metres) of land in the same year for processing degradable waste. In addition, Ilam’s network of microhydropower produces more reliable electricity than is available in the rest of Nepal.
In conclusion, Ilam Municipality is a hidden gem in eastern Nepal that is waiting to be discovered. With its stunning natural scenery, diverse agricultural economy, rich cultural heritage, and innovative environmentalism, Ilam has something to offer every traveler. Whether you are interested in exploring the tea farms, hiking through the lush green forests, or learning about the unique customs and traditions of the local ethnic groups, Ilam is the perfect destination for your next adventure.
