Birgunj

If something in a Nepali shop was imported, there is a good chance it came through Birgunj. The city faces Raxaul in Bihar across a busy border, and trucks, rail freight and traders make it the commercial heart of Madhesh Province.

A Rana-era town

Birgunj takes its name from Bir Shumsher, the Rana prime minister of the late 19th century. It grew as the gateway to Kathmandu: goods came by rail to Raxaul, then through Birgunj to Bhimphedi and on to the valley by road and on porters' backs.

Nepal's first railway

In 1927 the Nepal Government Railway opened a narrow-gauge line from Raxaul through Birgunj to Amlekhganj at the foot of the hills. It carried passengers and freight until 1965, when roads replaced it. Today a broad-gauge freight line links Raxaul to the Birgunj dry port, handling much of Nepal's container trade.

What to see

The Ghantaghar clock tower is the city's symbol, with the Jame Masjid nearby. The Gahawa Mai temple is Birgunj's most important goddess shrine, busy at Dashain. Ghadiarwa Pokhari becomes a sea of lamps and devotees at Chhath.

Food

Birgunj is proud of its Bhojpuri food: litti-chokha, hot jalebi, kachauri, samosa-chaat and thick lassi. Its bazaars are some of the liveliest in Nepal.