Top Places to Visit when in Illam

A brisk walk in a tea garden, picnic in the peaceful setting and sightseeing stops, short hikes along gentle hills, or explore the nearby woods – enjoy all this and more in the greenery of Ilam.

An excellent getaway from city life, Ilam is famous for its tea. It is a district largely covered in tea bushes with a hill town right beside a plantation enjoying views of pristine landscapes made up of sloping tea gardens, mountain streams, dense natural forests, holy sites and a unique culture. Using Ilam Bazaar as a base you can take excursions for a day or more. There are many hotels in the town and a few resorts a short distance away in the tea gardens. Source : welcomenepal.com

Here are top destinations in Ilam that you can wander around easily within a day

1. Mai Pokhari

Take a van from Ilam Bazaar or book a jeep from your hotel. It will take you about 1 hour to reach this pristine religious and natural wonder. Don't forget to enjoy the delicious local Thukpa and herbal wine while there.

2. Maisthan Temple (Mandir)

A religious site just a few minutes of walk from most hotels in Ilam including Summit Hotel.

3. Ilam Tea Garden

Take a stroll around the major tourist attraction of Ilam - the tea garden. You can even go to tea tasting tours across the village, if you have pre booked such trips.

4. Bhalu Dhunga

A 15 minute walk from Ilam bazar, this famous touristic spot is famous for big statues of Lord Shiva and a bear. It is believed that the place used to be occupied by bears in the past.

5. Ilam View Tower

Enjoy majestic sunrise, Ilam village and lush green tea garden from an altitude. Visiting Illam View Tower, costs you about Rs. 30 but is worth it especially before sunrise.

Other honorable mention includes Illam Bazaar, famous for Churpi and Local Sweet Shopping. Kanyam Tea Estate and Shree Antu, right in the opposite hill to Illam Bazaar.