Jewel of Eastern Nepal, Ilam, is a beautiful tea-producing town that lies in the hilly region of Province No. 1 at the elevation range of 140 m to 3,636 m from sea level. The road to Ilam is in excellent condition with full of ups and downs, plenty of switchbacks, vertiginous drops, and valley views that add excitement and thrills on the entire journey. Before reaching Ilam, you shall witness charming wooden buildings, and the ancient style balconies thrust out over the bustling street.
Bordering Darjeeling of India, Ilam shares identical climate, topography, tea culture, and lifestyle with Darjeeling. Known for its tea throughout the country, Ilam offers a carpet of tea fields surrounding the hills and lets one walk through refreshing mountain breeze.
Ilam is 700 km east to the capital and is famous for its scenery, landscapes, sacred pilgrims, diverse economy through agriculture, handicrafts, local sweets, and dairy products, magnificent sunrise and sunset views, and cold weather.
Ilam is one of the famous picnic spots of the East, where people also go sightseeing, hiking, and enjoy cross-culture experience. The treks along the gentle slopes or a trudge into the nearby woods are fascinating. All kinds of travelers visit Ilam as Ilam is a complete package for wanderers.
The sight of the tea pickers, who sing melodious songs while picking the tea leaves, is marvelous. Entire hills are covered with tea plants, and tourists enjoy picking the leaves themselves as it is a fascinating experience. Green is the color of the Ilam District, and the place is travel-perfect throughout the year.
There are several things to do in Ilam. One can try cultural clothes of different ethnic groups like Tamang, Magar, Gurung, Brahmin, etc., try pony riding, enjoy a picnic with family and friends, go camping, stay at a local homestay, try local delicacies and drinks, etc. The destinations like Kanyam and Shree Antu are quite popular in Ilam for a picnic, sunrise view, homestay, camping, and pony riding.
If you are in Eastern Nepal, you should visit Ilam and take back souvenirs like tea. The tea of Ilam is famous all over the country and is also exported to several countries. Similarly, the people in Ilam produce several local products that have broad national and international markets. The sweet of Ilam, chhurpi (stoned ricotta cheese), akabare khorsani (chilly), oranges, dairy products, meat products, and agricultural products and tea are available all over the country in reasonable price. Besides food production, the people are involved in tourism with owing lodges, resorts, teashops, handicraft shops, making handmade shawls, etc. that have made the locals independent of the economy.
The subtropical climate of Ilam is favorable all over the year except during peak monsoon. October to December and February to April are perfect for visiting Ilam. Some must-visit places or structures in Ilam are View Tower, Mai Pokhari, Kanyam Tea Estate, Shree Antu, and Lepcha Museum. One should not miss the sunrise at Shree Antu.
The district produces multiple cash crops like potato, cardamom, ginger, red round chilly (akabare), tea, and broom grass. Ethnic groups like Magar, Rai, Gurung, Limbu, Sherpa, Chhetri, and Brahmin live in peace and harmony in Ilam. The locals of the region are considered one of the friendliest ones who are polite and welcoming.
Place To Visit In Illam
Shree Antu Danda
Shree Antu, a beautiful homestay destination in Eastern Nepal, famous for the first sunrise in Nepal, lies 50 km away from the beautiful Ilam district. Covering an area of 18.8 km2, the place lies at an elevation range of 957 m to 1,800 m from sea level. Lying on the lap of Antu Danda (Antu Hill), the region provides the outstanding panoramic views of the majestic mountains and hills.
The region lets you witness the mind-blowing landscape of Darjeeling, Silliguri, Mirik, and other parts of India and Nepal. Connected to Fikkal via Mechi Highway, Shree Antu, has diversity in ethnic groups with a significant community of Lapcha. Shree Antu produces tea and dairy products along with other agricultural items. The homestays of Shree Antu are gaining a lot of popularity among the locals and tourists. It allows visitors to stay in a local style, learn more about the locals' cultures, enjoy local food, and, most importantly, enjoy the stay at reasonable prices.
The road to Shree Antu is in good condition. One can reach Shree Antu from Birtamod or Fikkal or Illam in a jeep or private vehicle. The best time to visit Shree Antu is from October to December and March to June as the weather is perfect for a clear view of the sunrise and sunset.
The touristic regions of Shree Antu that one must visit are Antu Danda (also known as Dipendra Peak) that lies at the border of Shree Antu and Samalbung VDC, Antu Pond, Gufapatal (at an elevation of 1,827 m from sea level), Mechi River, Nageshowri, Lapcha Museum, tea factories, and other local village areas.
Boating at Antu Pond is quite popular with different colorful fishes under the pond. If you want to learn about Lapcha people, you can visit their community. 38 Lapcha families live in the Lapcha community. They use traditional tools and weapons which were once used in the war between Nepal and Tibet, and have their language and lifestyle.
Another beauty of Shree Antu is the varieties of species of flowers. Locals sell flowers and earn money as well. Different species of Orchid, Godawari, Cactus, Begonia, Cycle-man, Rose, Angelia, Carnation, etc. are available in the gardens of Shree Antu.
If you are looking for an escape from busy cities in the Eastern Nepal, drive to Shree Antu and spend your weekend away from all the pollution. You can enjoy several things in the place like viewing sunrise, staying in a homestay, eating several local delicacies and drinks, hiking on the tea plant areas, smelling the flowers of different local gardens, learning about local communities, and merely enjoying the freshness of nature.
