Eastern Terai

Introducing Eastern Terai

Bound by the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal, the eastern Terai is broadly a mirror image of the west. The rolling hills of the Mahabharat Range are squeezed between the dry eastern plains and the Himalaya, and the Mahendra Hwy cuts east to meet the Indian border at Kakarbhitta, providing easy access to Sikkim and Darjeeling.

The eastern portion of the Terai sees more visitors than the west, but it's still a peaceful and untouched region, at least as far as tourism goes. Probably the most famous spot is Janakpur, with its ancient Sita temple and rich tradition of Mithila painting. Politically, things aren't quite so peaceful. Maoist rebels operate in the hills and travel north of the Mahendra Hwy is often impossible due to skirmishes between rebels and government soldiers. Check the security situation before embarking east. This includes the border crossing to India at Kakarbhitta.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009