Introducing The Terai & Mahabharat Range
Hanging out in the plains might not be the first thing that comes to mind when visiting the world's most mountainous nation, but the Terai is a fascinating and varied place and most people see only a tiny fraction of it as they rush between the Indian border and the hills. There are plains and jungles, forts and temples, ancient monuments and national parks, wilderness and bustling bazaars, plus the lush green landscape of the Chure and Mahabharat hills. If you thought the Terai was all pancake flat, prepare to be pleasantly surprised.
The vast majority of travellers follow a well-established route through the Terai, from Kathmandu or Pokhara to Royal Chitwan National Park and on to the Indian border crossing at Sunauli. However, more and more people are escaping this touristy circuit and discovering the cities of the Terai - places like Janakpur and Tansen - and the historical birthplace of the Buddha at Lumbini. If you're heading to India, don't restrict yourself to Sunauli - there are four other border crossings between India and Nepal, providing easy access to Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, Lucknow and Darjeeling.
Tourism to the Terai dropped off markedly in the early years of the Maoist uprising, but visitor numbers seem to be slowly creeping upwards. However, the situation remains volatile and the long-term future of tourism in the Terai depends on the government and Maoists finding a political solution to their grievances. At the time of writing, the most obvious signs of the insurgency were the army roadblocks along major highways, but it's essential to check the latest security situation before you visit.
Activities in The Terai & Mahabharat Range
Central Terai
Bound by the winding Tribhuvan Hwy from Kathmandu to Hetauda and the dramatic Siddhartha Hwy from Pokhara to Butwal, the central Terai is far and away the most visited part of the plains.
Lumbini
As the historical birthplace of Gautama Siddhartha Buddha, Lumbini is one of the most important religious sites in the world.
The Terai & Mahabharat Range destination guides
Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park has long been regarded as Nepal's third biggest attraction after trekking and the Kathmandu Valley.
Hotels in The Terai & Mahabharat Range
Budget Hotels & Hostels in The Terai & Mahabharat Range
Guesthouses and B&Bs in The Terai & Mahabharat Range
The Siddhartha Highway
Most travellers heading north from Sunauli to Pokhara follow the Mahendra Hwy to Narayangarh then the Prithvi Hwy from Mugling to Pokhara, but a more interesting route is the dramatic Siddhartha Hwy, which winds through a series of...
Eastern Terai
Bound by the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal, the eastern Terai is broadly a mirror image of the west.
Shopping in The Terai & Mahabharat Range