tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21634909150190895582024-02-18T21:48:12.637-08:00travellingSarojhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02400762487989241872noreply@blogger.comBlogger10125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2163490915019089558.post-9004089140244313432010-12-04T22:17:00.000-08:002010-12-04T22:17:01.025-08:00Nepalgunj<b>Nepalgunj</b> also spelled <b>Nepalganj</b>, is a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_in_Nepal#Alphabetical_list" title="List of cities in Nepal">municipality</a> in <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banke_district" title="Banke district">Banke</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Districts_of_Nepal" title="Districts of Nepal">District</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepal" title="Nepal">Nepal</a> on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terai" title="Terai">Terai</a> plains near the southern border with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahraich_district" title="Bahraich district">Bahraich district</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uttar_Pradesh" title="Uttar Pradesh">Uttar Pradesh</a> state, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India" title="India">India</a>. It is 16 km south of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohalpur" title="Kohalpur">Kohalpur</a> and the east-west <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahendra_Rajmarg" title="Mahendra Rajmarg">Mahendra Highway</a>.<br />
Nepalgunj is the administrative center of <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banke_district" title="Banke district">Banke</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Districts_of_Nepal" title="Districts of Nepal">District</a> as well as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bheri_Zone" title="Bheri Zone">Bheri</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zones_of_Nepal" title="Zones of Nepal">Zone</a>. It's also the main transport hub for Nepal's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid-Western_Region,_Nepal" title="Mid-Western Region, Nepal">Mid-Western</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Far-Western_Region,_Nepal" title="Far-Western Region, Nepal">Far-Western</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Regions_of_Nepal" title="Regions of Nepal">regions</a>. The nearest Indian border crossing is about 8 km south and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahraich" title="Bahraich">Bahraich</a> city is about 55 km south.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHU1mL0VW02sQtTNlTHNoqpDs5Xz2Rwru8vQrtJy5Kv-Dr9ABG7ez3-puOwhoqiv-OjlnGLPN4iJNWfuIkNHRK8gy5mHvkVVyKo0F7e_wwy84ZyOnzs130550po5T88le_S-Q75ee2scQ/s1600/300px-Nepal_location_map.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHU1mL0VW02sQtTNlTHNoqpDs5Xz2Rwru8vQrtJy5Kv-Dr9ABG7ez3-puOwhoqiv-OjlnGLPN4iJNWfuIkNHRK8gy5mHvkVVyKo0F7e_wwy84ZyOnzs130550po5T88le_S-Q75ee2scQ/s1600/300px-Nepal_location_map.svg.png" /></a></div><br />
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<h2><span class="mw-headline" id="Population">Population</span></h2>The 2001 census<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepalgunj#cite_note-0"><span></span><span></span></a></sup> counted 57,535 inhabitants, with 20% growth since 1991. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepali_language" title="Nepali language">Nepali</a> is spoken natively by <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pahari" title="Pahari">Paharis</a> as well as by virtually everyone as the national language and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lingua_franca" title="Lingua franca">lingua franca</a>.<br />
<h2><span class="mw-headline" id="Culture_and_Religion">Culture and Religion</span></h2>Nepalgunj has a diverse culture. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu" title="Hindu">Hindus</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muslim" title="Muslim">Muslims</a>, <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhist" title="Buddhist">Buddhists</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian" title="Christian">Christians</a> and <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atheist" title="Atheist">Atheists</a> all live here. Similarly people of different ethnicity have traditionally lived harmoniously together.<br />
<div class="thumb tright"> <div class="thumbinner" style="width: 222px;"><a class="image" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Destroyed_tribhuvan_s_statue.jpg"><img alt="" class="thumbimage" height="175" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/22/Destroyed_tribhuvan_s_statue.jpg/220px-Destroyed_tribhuvan_s_statue.jpg" width="220" /></a> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify"><a class="internal" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Destroyed_tribhuvan_s_statue.jpg" title="Enlarge"><img alt="" height="11" src="http://bits.wikimedia.org/skins-1.5/common/images/magnify-clip.png" width="15" /></a></div>Mutilated statue of Tribhuvan at Tribhuvan Chowk Nepalgunj.</div></div></div>This tradition was badly disturbed by a riot in the last week of December 2006 causing violence between Nepal origin (people mainly from the hills) and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madhesi_people" title="Madhesi people">Madhesi people</a> of ganga river origin. At least one person was killed and dozens injured. A mob destroyed the statue of late King <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tribhuvan" title="Tribhuvan">Tribhuvan</a> and attempted to rename the chowk (intersection) as <i>Kamal Madheshi Chowk</i> after a person killed in the violence. The local administration had to impose a curfew and later formed a commission to investigate the causes of the riot.<br />
<h2><span class="mw-headline" id="Transport">Transport</span></h2><ul><li> <div class="thumb tright"> <div class="thumbinner" style="width: 222px;"><a class="image" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Nepalgunj_airport.jpg"><img alt="" class="thumbimage" height="161" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/70/Nepalgunj_airport.jpg/220px-Nepalgunj_airport.jpg" width="220" /></a> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify"><a class="internal" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Nepalgunj_airport.jpg" title="Enlarge"><img alt="" height="11" src="http://bits.wikimedia.org/skins-1.5/common/images/magnify-clip.png" width="15" /></a></div>Nepalgunj airport</div></div></div><b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepalgunj_Airport" title="Nepalgunj Airport">Nepalgunj Airport</a></b> is 6 km north from Birendra Chok. The airport was officially named Mahendra Airport after the late <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahendra_of_Nepal" title="Mahendra of Nepal">King Mahendra</a>. It has flights to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tribhuvan_International_Airport" title="Tribhuvan International Airport">Kathmadu</a> and to airports in less developed western districts like <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dolpa_Airport" title="Dolpa Airport">Dolpa</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jumla_Airport" title="Jumla Airport">Jumla</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mugu_District" title="Mugu District">Mugu</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rukumkot_Airport" title="Rukumkot Airport">Rukum</a>.</li>
</ul><br />
<ul><li>A branch of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Railways" title="Indian Railways">Indian Railways</a> reaches the border at Rupaidiha immediately opposite Nepalgunj. It would involve possible train changes at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gonda,_India" title="Gonda, India">Gonda</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahraich" title="Bahraich">Bahraich</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanpara" title="Nanpara">Nanpara</a>. It is also possible to take an express train to <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucknow" title="Lucknow">Lucknow</a></i>, then a direct bus to Nepalgunj.</li>
</ul><ul><li>Long-distance buses to road destinations in Nepal depart from Dhamboji </li>
</ul><span class="mw-headline" id="Economy"></span><br />
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<h2><span class="mw-headline" id="Climate">Climate</span></h2>The climate is sub-tropical. Temperatures sometimes exceed 40°C (104°F) from April to June. During the rainy season—arriving in June and lasting into September—it is less hot but sometimes very humid. Winter is usually pleasant while the sun is out. It sometimes is foggy and overcast; then it can be chilly with temperatures below 10°C (41°F) but no frost.Sarojhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02400762487989241872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2163490915019089558.post-17622283491389107362010-12-04T22:02:00.000-08:002010-12-04T22:02:28.758-08:00Dhankuta<b>Dhankuta</b><span lang="ne"></span> is a hill town with about 20,000 inhabitants, located in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhankuta_District" title="Dhankuta District">Dhankuta District</a> in the eastern part of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepal" title="Nepal">Nepal</a>. Until about 1963 Dhankuta Bazaar (the town) was the administrative headquarters for the whole of north-eastern Nepal. Located a half mile above the town were the buildings of the <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bada_Hakim" title="Bada Hakim">Bada Hakim</a>, the feudal district governor of the whole north-eastern region, a man with enormous power. The town also had the regional jail and army post. Because of Dhankuta's isolation from the lowland Terai and from Kathamandu, it was in many ways a self-governing area.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ReferenceA_0-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhankuta#cite_note-ReferenceA-0"><span></span><span></span></a></sup><br />
Income to purchase items (cloth, kerosene, batteries, medicines, etc.) that could not be produced locally came from a combination of sales of hill produce (tangerines, potatoes, etc.) and funds repatriated back into the hills by Gorkha soldiers serving first in the British and then more-often in the Indian armies.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ReferenceA_0-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhankuta#cite_note-ReferenceA-0"><span></span><span></span></a></sup><br />
The first five (3 male; 2 female) American Peace Corps Volunteers arrived in Dhankuta Bazaar in Fall, 1962 to work as teachers in the two high schools. In October, 1963 three male PCV's arrived to help establish the new Panchayat Development program.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ReferenceA_0-2"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhankuta#cite_note-ReferenceA-0"><span></span><span></span></a></sup><br />
From 1963 Nepal was divided into 75 Panchayat Districts, and the traditional Dhankuta administrative region was divided up into about six of the panchayat districts. The power of the Bada Hakim was transferred to the central government's appointed Panchayat Development Officer and each district's elected Panchayat President.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-ReferenceA_0-3"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhankuta#cite_note-ReferenceA-0"><span></span><span></span></a></sup><br />
During the pre-panchayat period Dhankuta Bazaar prided itself as being in the cultural vanguard, a relatively progressive community with its own "intellectual" elite. Dhankuta Bazaar, already in the 1930s, had the only high school in Nepal to be located outside of the Kathmandu Valley. Early on it added a girl's high school and a two-year college.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhankuta#cite_note-1"><span></span><span></span></a></sup><br />
Then and now there is a sharp contrast between Dhankuta Bazaar and the surrounding rural villages. The town is a commercial center and has a population that is primarily <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newar" title="Newar">Newar</a>. The surrounding area is agricultural and the population is made up of many caste/tribal groups, notably <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rai_%28ethnic_group%29" title="Rai (ethnic group)">Rai</a> (aathpaharias), <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limbu_people" title="Limbu people">Limbu</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamang" title="Tamang">Tamang</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibetan_people" title="Tibetan people">Tibetan</a>.<br />
Dhankuta Bazaar, on the North-South Koshi Highway, is now the administrative headquarters for the Eastern Development Region, and is home to a number of offices for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-governmental_organization" title="Non-governmental organization">NGOs</a> and aid agencies serving in the area. The large bazaar of Hile further up the road, is an important trading centre and major road head, serving the remote hinterlands of the Arun valley and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhojpur,_Nepal" title="Bhojpur, Nepal">Bhojpur</a>. Villagers walk for many days from surrounding districts to trade in Hile and Dhankuta bazaars, although road building in the district may reduce the importance of these centres.<br />
The vegetation zones in the district range from sub-tropical Sal forest along the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tamur_River" title="Tamur River">Tamur</a> and <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arun_River_%28Nepal%29" title="Arun River (Nepal)">Arun</a> rivers, and cooler temperate forests on some of the high ridges that mark the watershed between the two catchments. The altitude ranges from around 300m to 2500m. The majority of the population are involved in agriculture and crops include <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maize" title="Maize">maize</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rice" title="Rice">rice</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millet" title="Millet">millet</a>. Important cash crops include citrus fruits, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cauliflower" title="Cauliflower">cauliflower</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cabbage" title="Cabbage">cabbage</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginger" title="Ginger">ginger</a>, and in recent years, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea" title="Tea">tea</a>. A well-preserved forest (Rani Bhan - Queen's Forest) spreads along a ridge line on the northwest side of the village, with well-developed mature stands of rhododendron and pine trees.Sarojhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02400762487989241872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2163490915019089558.post-1276181799205218212010-12-04T21:57:00.000-08:002010-12-04T21:57:30.831-08:00Damak<b>Damak</b> is a town and municipality in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jhapa_District" title="Jhapa District">Jhapa District</a> in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mechi_Zone" title="Mechi Zone">Mechi Zone</a> of south-eastern <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepal" title="Nepal">Nepal</a>. It is situated between the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratua_Khola" title="Ratua Khola">Ratuwa River</a> in the east and the <a class="new" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mawa_Khola&action=edit&redlink=1" title="Mawa Khola (page does not exist)">Mawa River</a> in the west. As of 2001 census total population of city is 35,009. At the time of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1991_Nepal_census" title="1991 Nepal census">1991 Nepal census</a> it had a population of 41,321 people living in 7,644 individual households.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damak#cite_note-0"><span></span><span></span></a></sup><br />
Damak was changed to a municipality from a VDC (Village Development Committee) in the year 1982 AD. The Damak municipality consists of 19 wards which also includes the large Himalayan Tea State (हिमालय गूडरिक) where the Ex-Royal Family has also invested. The municipality covers an area of 7,513 hectares and is at an average of 100 meters above the sea level. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakhanpur" title="Lakhanpur">Lakhanpur</a> in to the east, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urlabari" title="Urlabari">Urlabari</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rajghat" title="Rajghat">Rajghat</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madhumalla" title="Madhumalla">Madhumalla</a> in the west and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chulachuli" title="Chulachuli">Chulachuli</a> (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ilam,_Nepal" title="Ilam, Nepal">Ilam</a>) and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kohabara" title="Kohabara">Kohabhara VDC</a> in the north and the south, respectively.<br />
According to the census of 2001, Damak had 7,178 households containing about 35,000 people. The total area is 7,513 hectares out of which 1406.7 hectares is covered by residential area whereas 5,586.30 hectares is used for agriculture. The market area consists of 400.00 hectares, 215 hectares as forest plant area and 265.00 hectares is used in other purposes. In 056/057 there was 1 Health post, 1 Hospital (AMDA) and 1 Nursing Home (Life Line) which contains 50 beds in total. The Population Growth Rate is 5.14 per annum as per 2047/48 census. As per 056/057 census, there were about 88 industries, 1011 shops, 244 hotels and 9 financial institutions. Black topped road were 29 km, graveled roads were 150 km and earthen road were 500 km. In addition to it, the drainage runs 3.5 km through the main highway. There are 512 street lights and 1,114 telephone lines to public.Three bhutanse refugee camp(beldangi 1, 2, and 3) was also settled in damak in 1992.<br />
It is one of the important trade center in eastern part of Nepal. There are many international organizations such as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Organization_for_Migration" title="International Organization for Migration">IOM</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Nations_High_Commissioner_for_Refugees" title="United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees">UNHCR</a>, OX-FARM, LWF, NRCS, AMDA,CARITAS NEPAL etc. who are working for the refugees here in Damak.<br />
<h2><span class="mw-headline" id="Education">Education</span></h2>According to 2001 census literacy rate of city is 88 %.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damak#cite_note-1"><span></span><span></span></a></sup><br />
<b>Damak Multiple Campus</b> is oldest campus in the city established in 1981. Its only the campus offering education up to Master's Degree. Other well known colleges include <b>Model Campus Damak</b> and <b>Unique College</b> having program up to Bachelor's Degree. Damak Multiple Campus and Model Campus Damak are affiliated to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tribhuvan_University" title="Tribhuvan University">Tribhuvan University</a> whereas Unique college is affiliated to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purbanchal_University" title="Purbanchal University">Purbanchal University</a>, Nepal.<br />
<h2><span class="mw-headline" id="Entertainment">Entertainment</span></h2>Damak has three <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Movie_theater" title="Movie theater">film halls</a> namely,<br />
<ul><li>Pathibhara Chalchitra Bhawan, Ward no 10</li>
<li>Damak Chitramandir, Ward no 11</li>
<li>Nilkantha Chitra Mandir, Ward no 12, Bazar</li>
</ul>Pathibhara & Nilkantha most of the time shows nepali movies, & Damak chitra mandir most of the time new Hindi movies. Damak is very good market for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinema_of_Nepal" title="Cinema of Nepal">Nepali film</a> industries.<br />
<h2><span class="mw-headline" id="Communication">Communication</span></h2><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepal_Telecom" title="Nepal Telecom">Nepal Telecom</a> Damak Branch serves as the center for Telecommunication and Cellular. Whereas Spices Nepal's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ncell" title="Ncell">Ncell</a> is also popular in the city.<br />
Damak has two FM stations named Saptarangi FM and Pathibhara FM.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-2"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Damak#cite_note-2"><span></span><span></span></a></sup> But national radio station Radio Nepal and other surrounding FM stations Kanchanjungha FM, Saptakoshi FM, Kantipur FM can clearly be heard in the city.Sarojhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02400762487989241872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2163490915019089558.post-30080676150965909122010-12-04T21:50:00.000-08:002010-12-04T21:50:49.252-08:00Birgunj<b>Birganj</b> is a sub-metropolitan municipality and border town in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parsa_District" title="Parsa District">Parsa District</a> in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narayani_Zone" title="Narayani Zone">Narayani Zone</a> of southern <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepal" title="Nepal">Nepal</a>. It lies 90 km south of the capital <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathmandu" title="Kathmandu">Kathmandu</a>, 2 km north of the border of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India" title="India">Indian</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/States_and_territories_of_India" title="States and territories of India">state</a> of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bihar" title="Bihar">Bihar</a>. As an entry point to Nepal from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patna" title="Patna">Patna</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kolkata" title="Kolkata">Calcutta</a> it is also known as the gateway to Nepal. The town has significant economic importance for Nepal as a large part of goods enter Nepal through Birganj via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raxaul" title="Raxaul">Raxaul</a> on the Indian side. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tribhuvan_Highway" title="Tribhuvan Highway">Tribhuvan Highway</a> links it to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathmandu" title="Kathmandu">Kathmandu</a>.<br />
According to the 2001 census of Nepal it has a population of 112,484, there are several languages spoken in the town including <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhojpuri" title="Bhojpuri">Bhojpuri</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepali_language" title="Nepali language">Nepali</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maithili_language" title="Maithili language">Maithili</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newari" title="Newari">Newari</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marwari_language" title="Marwari language">Marwari</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindi" title="Hindi">Hindi</a>. It is the biggest city in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narayani_Zone" title="Narayani Zone">Narayani Zone</a> and is a headquarter of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parsa_District" title="Parsa District">Parsa District</a>.<br />
Birganj is a major business centre of Nepal, especially for trade with India. Important industries are sugar refinery, cigarette manufacture, drugs<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birgunj#cite_note-0"><span></span><span></span></a></sup>, and fish-breeding.<br />
<h2><span class="mw-headline" id="Transport">Transport</span></h2>Birganj was served by a station on a branch of Indian Railways which extended to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amlekhganj" title="Amlekhganj">Amlekhganj</a> (Nepal).It was built in 1927 AD by the British and discontinued in early 1990s.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birgunj#cite_note-1"><span></span><span></span></a></sup> It is also served by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tribhuvan_Highway" title="Tribhuvan Highway">Tribhuvan Highway</a> extending from the Indian border at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raxaul" title="Raxaul">Raxaul</a> through Birganj and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hetauda" title="Hetauda">Hetauda</a> to Kathmandu with frequent bus service. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simara_Airport" title="Simara Airport">Simara Airport</a> -- 18 km (11 mi) north near the highway in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pipara_Simara" title="Pipara Simara">Pipara Simara</a>, <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bara_district" title="Bara district">Bara district</a> offers scheduled flights to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathmandu" title="Kathmandu">Kathmandu</a>.<br />
<h2><span class="mw-headline" id="Educational_institutions">Educational institutions</span></h2><b>Tribhuvan University, Thakur Ram Multiple Campus</b> is the oldest institution in the Terai. The Golden Jubilee of this campus was celebrated in 2003. It has one institute Science and Technology and three faculties Arts, Commerce and Education in one campus.<br />
The National Medical College, affiliated to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tribhuvan_University" title="Tribhuvan University">Tribhuvan University</a> is also there. Spread out over a huge campus and also having a 1000 bedded hospital adjacent to the medical college, it is one of the premier medical colleges in the country. It has a large number of intermediate colleges and various other professional institutions.Sarojhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02400762487989241872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2163490915019089558.post-29841701913010969442010-12-04T21:48:00.000-08:002010-12-04T21:48:18.653-08:00Biratnagar<b>Biratnagar</b> is a sub metropolitan city in south east <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepal" title="Nepal">Nepal</a> which is named after the historical King Birat and is considered the second largest town after <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathmandu" title="Kathmandu">Kathmandu</a>. In Nepali "Birat" means big and "Nagar" means a place or a city. Biratnagar has given many influential leaders in Nepalese politics including <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bishweshwar_Prasad_Koirala" title="Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala">Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girija_Prasad_Koirala" title="Girija Prasad Koirala">Girija Prasad Koirala</a>, <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manmohan_Adhikari" title="Manmohan Adhikari">Manmohan Adhikari</a> and Kirtinidhi Bista. Biratnagar is an industrial power house of Nepal with most of the country's industries located in and around its suburbs. It is in <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koshi_Zone" title="Koshi Zone">Koshi Zone</a> - one of the fourteen administrative zones of Nepal and is also the district capital of <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morang" title="Morang">Morang</a> district. Its geographical location is 26°28'60"N 87°16'60"E.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biratnagar#cite_note-0"><span></span><span></span></a></sup><br />
Since it is situated in the Terai- north-most section of the Gangetic plains of South Asia, the lands are very fertile and hence Biratnagar has traditionally been an agricultural hub and is home to many agriculture based industries of the country. It is located near the border of India and is therefore a major center for trade and commerce with India. Biratnagar is linked with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathmandu" title="Kathmandu">Kathmandu</a> by roadways and airways. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biratnagar_Airport" title="Biratnagar Airport">Biratnagar Airport</a> is the regional hub for vital air services serving the Eastern part of the country.<br />
<h2><span class="mw-headline" id="Transport">Transport</span></h2>The major mode of transport to the city is road transport. It is well connected to other parts of the country through buses. Biratnagar is also well connected to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathmandu" title="Kathmandu">Kathmandu</a> and some hilly places by air transport. Biratnagar airport is one of the busiest airports in Nepal with most flights to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathmandu" title="Kathmandu">Kathmandu</a>.<br />
It is also easy to travel to and from India by trains from the bordering Indian city of Jogbani. There are direct trains to the city of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kolkata" title="Kolkata">Kolkata</a> and the Indian capital <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Delhi" title="New Delhi">New Delhi</a> from Jogbani. In 2008, a survey for a railway extension from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India" title="India">India</a> was done. <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biratnagar#cite_note-1"><span></span><span></span></a></sup>It was completed in 2009.<br />
The best way of getting around the city is by using cycle rickshaws. There are also auto rickshaws running short distances but they don't operate in the main market area. Actually one can easily get around the city on foot.<br />
<h2><span class="mw-headline" id="Tourism">Tourism</span></h2>Biratnagar is not a typical tourist city but is a great hub to explore the interesting places in eastern Nepal. However, there are many things to do in the city. You can stroll along the unique market which is along a straight road and branches out and savor the street food. You can try your luck at the newly opened casino at Hotel Ratna, or head to the small but beautiful Complex, with swimming pool and a garden. <br />
For the food lovers, don't miss the tasty barbecues (called "sekuwa" in Nepali) and other local delicacies or satisfy your sweet tooth with tasty sweets in one of many sweet shops in the main market.<br />
As a hub for your travel plans in Eastern Nepal, Biratnagar is ideal. The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koshi_Tappu_Wildlife_Reserve" title="Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve">Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve</a>, is a mere 90 minute drive from the city and is famous for its wildlife, especially for bird-watching enthusiasts. It is also home to the endangered wild buffaloes called "Arna" in Nepali.<br />
The largest rhododendron forests of Tinjure, Milke and Jaljale can be reached in about 3-4 hours. Scenic treks with views of Mt. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makalu" title="Makalu">Makalu</a> and <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanchenjunga" title="Kanchenjunga">Kanchenjunga</a> can be started from the small towns of Basantapur or Tumlingtar.<br />
The beautiful tea gardens of Ilam is just 4 hours drive away. Another place of interest is the hilly district of Dhankuta with its orange orchards.<br />
<h2><span class="mw-headline" id="Education">Education</span></h2>Biratnagar is the centre of education in the eastern Development Region of Nepal. People in Biratnagar give more importance to education followed by business, industry and politics although Biratnagar was politically very active in the past. The teaching medium of education is English in all the private schools, colleges and universities whereas Nepali medium in government schools up to secondary level.<br />
<h2><span class="mw-headline" id="Recreation_and_Entertainment">Recreation and Entertainment</span></h2>People of Biratnagar usually recreate during Hindu festivals. During festivals they play cards, kouda (Juwa; a local Nepali game), dice (a local game), carroms (a local game), etc. Man usually go out to drink with friends. The common drinks are Carlsberg, Tuborg, etc in beer, and Vodka, Jack Daniels, etc in liquor. But, local alcohol called "raksi" prepared locally by local people is very cheap and common among the people around the city. Young boys entertain in dance parties organized in clubs, bars or hotels during festivals although no proper discos and KTVs are in the city. Some school kids enjoy watching TV and listening to local FM at home.<br />
<h2><span class="mw-headline" id="Religion_and_Culture">Religion and Culture</span></h2>The major religions of the city are Hinduism, Islam (Muslim), Om Santi , Sai Baba, Christianity and Buddhism. The main culture deeply rooted in the city people comes from Hinduism. They have 4 castes and 36 sub-castes system with upper, medium, lower and lowest caste/ class people. Untouchability still exists in huge population. There are several temples of Hindu, the famous is "kali Mandir"; several meeting places of Om Santi, one temple of Sai Baba and unclear meeting place of Christians and Buddhists.Sarojhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02400762487989241872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2163490915019089558.post-29018599297080458502010-12-04T21:40:00.000-08:002010-12-04T21:40:10.540-08:00Dharan<b>Dharan</b><span lang="ne"></span> is a major city in eastern <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepal" title="Nepal">Nepal</a>, in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunsari_District" title="Sunsari District">Sunsari District</a>, situated on foothills of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himalayas" title="Himalayas">Himalayas</a> with southern tip touching the edge of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terai" title="Terai">Terai</a> at an altitude of 1148 ft (349m). It serves as a trading post between the hilly region and the plains of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terai" title="Terai">Terai</a> region. It was once the location of a British <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurkha" title="Gurkha">Gurkha</a> recruitment center, opened in 1953. The recruitment center is closed and the campus is now the home of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B.P._Koirala_Institute_of_Health_Sciences" title="B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences">B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences</a> since 1993.<br />
<h2><span class="mw-headline" id="History">History</span></h2><div class="thumb tleft"> <div class="thumbinner" style="width: 222px;"><a class="image" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dharan_limbuwan_strike.jpg"><img alt="" class="thumbimage" height="135" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/42/Dharan_limbuwan_strike.jpg/220px-Dharan_limbuwan_strike.jpg" width="220" /></a> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify"><a class="internal" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dharan_limbuwan_strike.jpg" title="Enlarge"><img alt="" height="11" src="http://bits.wikimedia.org/skins-1.5/common/images/magnify-clip.png" width="15" /></a></div>Limbuwan strike at Dharan</div></div></div>Dharan's history can be traced back to 1584 AD, to ten kingdoms of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limbuwan" title="Limbuwan">Limbuwan</a> which was also known as Pallo <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirat" title="Kirat">Kirat</a> Pardesh (a collective of Ten Kirant <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limbu" title="Limbu">Limbu</a> kingdoms). Dharan-Bijaypur was the capital city of the <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morang" title="Morang">Morang</a> kingdom of Limbuwan region. This was prior to conquest and annexation of the Kirat Kingdom by Gorkha King, King <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prithvi_Narayan_Shah" title="Prithvi Narayan Shah">Prithvi Narayan Shah</a>. Dharan was known as Bijaypur until the 1950s when the settlement grew on the southern portion of Bijaypur and took its own name of Dharan.<br />
Dharan started as a small trading settlement of Chaubis or Miklung Kingdom of Limbuwan (one of the ten kingdoms of Limbuwan). Over the last couple of decades, the population of Dharan has increased and diversified to include people from various ethnicities like Gurungs, Newar, Brahmins, Chhetris etc.<br />
<div class="thumb tleft"> <div class="thumbinner" style="width: 222px;"></div><div class="thumbinner" style="width: 222px;"><a class="image" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Limbu_flag.jpg"><img alt="" class="thumbimage" height="224" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/8/83/Limbu_flag.jpg/220px-Limbu_flag.jpg" width="220" /></a> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify"><a class="internal" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Limbu_flag.jpg" title="Enlarge"><img alt="" height="11" src="http://bits.wikimedia.org/skins-1.5/common/images/magnify-clip.png" width="15" /></a></div>Limbuwan flag and hoarding in Tinkune, Dharan</div></div></div>The modern Dharan's foundation was laid in 1902 A.D. by prime minister <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chandra_Shamsher_Jang_Bahadur_Rana" title="Chandra Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana">Chandra Samsher</a>. He established a small village at the foot of Vijayapur hillock and named it Chandranagar (now Purano Bajar). The purpose was to supply timber to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_India_Company" title="East India Company">East India Company</a>, who in 1890s had expanded its North Eastern territory and was laying railway tracks. The first government official to be appointed in this small village of Chandranagar was Subba Ratna Prasad. A settlement grew steadily over the course of time. This growing settlement was named Juddha Nagar (now Naya Bazaar) after Prime minister Juddha Samsher. In 1960 Dharan was recognized as a 'municipal town'.<br />
This transformation of Dharan was triggered by the establishment of the British <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurkha" title="Gurkha">Gurkha</a> (GORKHA) recruitment center in 1953. Recruits from all over Nepal flocked to join British Gurkha, thereby drastically altering the face of Dharan. There was a surge in population with recruits bringing their families, and others who came to seek employment and exploit business opportunities. As a result, Dharan has emerged as one of the biggest towns in eastern Nepal. It is in true sense a melting pot of different ethnic groups, languages, dialects and religions.<br />
In 1962, Nepal was divided into 14 administrative zones and 75 districts and Dharan was made the zonal headquarters of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kosi_Zone" title="Kosi Zone">Kosi Zone</a>. Initially, the town was divided into eleven wards, but in 1980 Banjjhogara Gaon Panchayat at the east (which is now the most developed area of Dharan) and Ghopa Gaon Panchayat at the west were added to Dharan Town Panchayat. This expansion led to the reformation of the wards. Now Dharan is divided into nineteen wards.<br />
<h2><span class="mw-headline" id="Games.2F_Sports">Games/ Sports</span></h2>From the very beginning Dharan has been an arena for games and sports. Many of its players have represented Nepal in international competitions. Till now Dharan is a force to recon with in Football, Martial Arts and Cricket. The biggest and probably the best Golf Course of the country (18 hole s) is in Dharan. Buddha Subba gold cup football tournament is co-organised by the municipality every year.<br />
<h2><span class="mw-headline" id="Tourism">Tourism</span></h2>Dharan is a tourist destination in its own right. Communication is mainly in Nepali and English. People who are English speakers should have no problem comprehending many signs and road maps in Nepal.<br />
Beyond Bhedetar lies the eastern hilly district such as Dhankuta, Bhojpur,Phidim, Terathum. Dharan serves as a gateway to some of the remote tourist attractions like Kumbhakarna Himal, <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanchenjunga" title="Kanchenjunga">Kanchenjunga</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Makalu_Barun_National_Park" title="Makalu Barun National Park">Makalu Barun National Park</a>, Arun Valley, Tinjure-Milke (Rhododendron Protection Area), Gupha Lake, Hyatrung Fall, and Sabha Pokhari. They are quite further and therefore require extended day trips.<br />
To the south of Dharan is the city of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biratnagar" title="Biratnagar">Biratnagar</a> and connecting towns, all within an hours drive. The towns of Tararah and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Itahari" title="Itahari">Itahari</a> are popular with the local population of Dharan.<br />
Dharan, with its diverse population has numerous centers of worship i.e. temples, churches and a mosque. Vijayapur hill is of a particular significance, as it has several temples of importance, such as Dantakali temple, Pindeshwar temple, Budha Subbha temple and Panch Kanya. These temples are of historical and archaeological importance in as much as religious. These temples are centers for rituals, fares and events.<br />
Different ethnic groups host their traditional cultural festivities all year around. The Dhan naach and Chyabrum naach of Limbus, Lakhe naach and Gai jatra of Newars, Sakela Sili naach of Rai people, Selo of Tamangs, Rodighar of Gurungs, Baalan and Sangini of Brahmin and Chhetris, all add to the cultural tradition of Dharan.<br />
<h2><span class="mw-headline" id="Transport">Transport</span></h2>There is a transport network bus connecting Dharan to all major cities and local towns. The local transport consists of cars, auto-rickshaws and rickshaws. Sharing a ride with other passengers is the most economical mode of transport.Sarojhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02400762487989241872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2163490915019089558.post-70183673686149516862010-12-04T21:35:00.000-08:002010-12-04T21:35:36.947-08:00Janakpur<b>Janakpur</b>, also known as <b>Janakpurdham</b>, is one of the historical and religious city of Nepal. Janakpur is the administrative headquarter of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dhanusa_District" title="Dhanusa District">Dhanusa District</a> of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janakpur_Zone" title="Janakpur Zone">Janakpur Zone</a> and has a population of approximately 80,000.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-JICC_0-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janakpur#cite_note-JICC-0"><span></span><span></span></a></sup> The city is located about 400 km south-east of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathmandu" title="Kathmandu">Kathmandu</a>, 20 km from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India" title="India">Indian</a> border<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-JICC_0-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janakpur#cite_note-JICC-0"><span></span><span></span></a></sup> at 26° 42' 44" N, 085° 55' 18" E<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-WAD_1-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janakpur#cite_note-WAD-1"><span></span><span></span></a></sup> Janakpur has a substantial tourist industry due to its significance in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism" title="Hinduism">Hindu</a> religion<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Samiti_2-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janakpur#cite_note-Samiti-2"><span></span><span></span></a></sup> and is home to the only operational railway in Nepal, the <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janakpur_Railway" title="Janakpur Railway">Janakpur Railway</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUv2O97ri-HVrWWacL9pi-YsaG3244PeMa7H3uc20YECRirJI20yk8V1rFGoHcflFdJbsHupxgtYOR_N0-P4bXP1Aw-OlH2R95XbMKdgzWuE3Kq5xv-Xjl6A7W6I2FcmoAdqS8qkNNiE/s1600/250px-2009-03_Janakpur_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtUv2O97ri-HVrWWacL9pi-YsaG3244PeMa7H3uc20YECRirJI20yk8V1rFGoHcflFdJbsHupxgtYOR_N0-P4bXP1Aw-OlH2R95XbMKdgzWuE3Kq5xv-Xjl6A7W6I2FcmoAdqS8qkNNiE/s1600/250px-2009-03_Janakpur_11.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<h2><span class="mw-headline" id="History">History</span></h2>Janakpur, historically called <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mithilanchal" title="Mithilanchal">Mithilanchal</a>, is the centre of the ancient <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maithili_language" title="Maithili language">Maithil</a> culture, which has its own language and script.<br />
The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_millennium_BC" title="1st millennium BC">first millennium BC</a> text <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shatapatha_Brahmana" title="Shatapatha Brahmana">Shatapatha Brahmana</a> tells that the king <a class="new" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=M%C4%81thava_Videgha&action=edit&redlink=1" title="Māthava Videgha (page does not exist)">Māthava Videgha</a>, led by his priest <a class="new" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gotama_Rahugana&action=edit&redlink=1" title="Gotama Rahugana (page does not exist)">Gotama Rahugana</a>, first crossed the Sadānirā (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gandaki_River" title="Gandaki River">Gandaka</a>) river and founded the kingdom of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Videha" title="Videha">Videha</a>, whose capital city was Mithila. As Gotama Rahugana composed many hymns in the <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rgveda" title="Rgveda">Rgveda</a>, these events must date to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedic_period" title="Vedic period">Rgvedic period</a>.<br />
The most important historical reference to Mithila/Janakpur is in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu" title="Hindu">Hindu</a> epic <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramayana" title="Ramayana">Ramayana</a>, where Lord <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rama" title="Rama">Rama</a>'s wife <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sita" title="Sita">Sita</a> Devi (also called Janaki) is said to have been the princess of Videha. Her father, King <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janak" title="Janak">Janak</a>, found baby Sita in a furrow of a field and raised her as his daughter. When she grew up, the king announced that she should be wed by whoever was able to string the divine bow of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiva" title="Shiva">Shiva</a>. Though many royal suitors tried, Lord <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rama" title="Rama">Rama</a>, prince of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayodhya" title="Ayodhya">Ayodhya</a>, alone could even lift the bow. As Rama and Sita are major figures in Hinduism, Janakpur is an important <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pilgrimage#Hinduism" title="Pilgrimage">pilgrimage</a> site for Hindus.<br />
In addition, both the great saints <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gautama_Buddha" title="Gautama Buddha">Gautama Buddha</a>, founder of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism" title="Buddhism">Buddhism</a>, and Vardamana <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mahavira" title="Mahavira">Mahavira</a>, the 24th and final <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tirthankara" title="Tirthankara">Tirthankara</a> of the <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jain" title="Jain">Jain</a> religion, are said to have lived in Mithila/Janakpur. The region was an important centre of Indian history during the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_millennium" title="1st millennium">first millennium</a>.<br />
<h2><span class="mw-headline" id="Transport">Transport</span></h2><h2><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Janakpur has an airport with connections to </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathmandu" style="font-weight: normal;" title="Kathmandu">Kathmandu</a><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-supportnepal_3-3" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janakpur#cite_note-supportnepal-3"><span></span><span></span></a></sup><span style="font-weight: normal;"> The narrow-gauge </span><a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Janakpur_Railway" style="font-weight: normal;" title="The Janakpur Railway">Janakpur Railway</a><span style="font-weight: normal;"> is the only operational railway in Nepal.</span><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-supportnepal_3-4" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janakpur#cite_note-supportnepal-3"><span></span><span></span></a></sup><span style="font-weight: normal;"> It connects Janakpur to the Indian town of Jaynagar. Frequent bus service operates between Janakpur and other cities of Nepal.</span><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-supportnepal_3-5" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janakpur#cite_note-supportnepal-3"><span></span><span></span></a></sup> Within the city, travellers may hire manually pulled <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycle_rickshaw" style="font-weight: normal;" title="Cycle rickshaw">cycle rickshaws</a><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></h2><h2><span class="mw-headline" id="Education">Education</span></h2>Janakpur has good educational facilities and several elites of the country including the first president of the Federal Republic Of Nepal, Dr. Ram Baran Yadav was schooled in Janakpur. There are many private schools, government schools and government colleges located in the metropolitan of Janakpurdham. The most popullar campus of janakpur are R.R.M. campus and Janakpur Campus of education faculty.<br />
The Rajarshi Janak or Dhanusha University is proposed but not yet built.<br />
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="Temples_and_festivals">Temples and festivals</span></h3><div class="thumb tright"> <div class="thumbinner" style="width: 222px;"><a class="image" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Janki_Mandir_of_Janakpur_Dham%28Nepal%29.jpg"><img alt="" class="thumbimage" height="124" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fa/Janki_Mandir_of_Janakpur_Dham%28Nepal%29.jpg/220px-Janki_Mandir_of_Janakpur_Dham%28Nepal%29.jpg" width="220" /></a> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify"><a class="internal" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Janki_Mandir_of_Janakpur_Dham%28Nepal%29.jpg" title="Enlarge"><img alt="" height="11" src="http://bits.wikimedia.org/skins-1.5/common/images/magnify-clip.png" width="15" /></a></div>Janaki Mandir, Janakpur</div></div></div>The centre of Janakpur is dominated by the impressive <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janaki_Mandir" title="Janaki Mandir">Janaki Mandir</a> to the north and west of the bazaar. This temple, one of the biggest in Nepal, was built in 1898 (1955 in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepal_Sambat" title="Nepal Sambat">Nepali calendar</a>) by Queen Brisabhanu Kunwar of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tikamgarh" title="Tikamgarh">Tikamgarh</a>.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-HT_4-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janakpur#cite_note-HT-4"><span></span><span></span></a></sup> It is also called "Nau Lakha Mandir" after the cost of construction, said to be nine (nau) <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakh" title="Lakh">lakh</a>. The oldest temple in Janakpur is <a class="new" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ram_Mandir&action=edit&redlink=1" title="Ram Mandir (page does not exist)">Ram Mandir</a>, built by the <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurkhali" title="Gurkhali">Gurkhali</a> soldier <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amar_Singh_Thapa" title="Amar Singh Thapa">Amar Singh Thapa</a>.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-HT_4-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janakpur#cite_note-HT-4"><span></span><span></span></a></sup> Pilgrims also visit the more than 200 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_tank" title="Temple tank">sacred ponds</a> in the city for ritual baths. The two most important, Dhanush Sagar and Ganga Sagar, are located close to the city centre. The Vivah Mandap temple is famous for its gardens.<br />
Major religious celebrations include the major Hindu festivals such as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali" title="Diwali">Diwali</a>, and Dhashara.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-HT_4-2"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janakpur#cite_note-HT-4"><span></span><span></span></a></sup> followed by specacular Chhath Puja (worship to sun) 6 days after Diwali. On the full moon day of February/March before the festival of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holi" title="Holi">Holi</a>, a one-day Parikrama (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circumambulation" title="Circumambulation">circumambulation</a>) of the city is celebrated. Many people offer prostrated obeisances along the entire eight km route. Two other festivals honour Rama and Sita: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rama_Navami" title="Rama Navami">Rama Navami</a>, the birthday of Lord Rama, in March-April, draws over 100,000 people. And the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vivaha_Panchami" title="Vivaha Panchami">Vivaha Panchami</a> or <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vivaha" title="Vivaha">Vivaha</a> festival re-enacts the wedding of Rama and Sita in the famous Vivah Mandap temple on the fifth day of the waxing moon in November or early December(after Kartik Purnima),where Rama broke the bow of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiva" title="Shiva">Shiva</a>. Over 100,000 pilgrims come for a procession with elephants, horses, and decorated chariots with beating drums.<br />
Pilgrims stay in one of the city's five good hotels or small guest houses. There are also five fully equipped <a class="new" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Dharmashalas&action=edit&redlink=1" title="Dharmashalas (page does not exist)">dharmashalas</a> (free lodgings for pilgrims).<br />
<br />
<h2><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><span class="mw-headline" id="Transport"> </span></h2><br />
<h2><span class="mw-headline" id="History"> </span></h2>Sarojhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02400762487989241872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2163490915019089558.post-31079665025208138722010-12-04T21:17:00.000-08:002010-12-04T21:17:29.181-08:00Pokhara<b>Pokhara Sub-Metropolitan City</b> is a city of close to 200,000 inhabitants in central Nepal located at 28.25°N, 83.99°E, 198 km west of Kathmandu. It is the third largest city of Nepal after Kathmandu and Biratnagar. It is the Headquarters of Kaski District, Gandaki Zone and the Western Development Region. Pokhara is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal, noted for its tranquil atmosphere and the beauty of the surrounding countryside. It is also a base for trekkers undertaking the Annapurna Circuit.<br />
<br />
Pokhara lies on an important old trading route between <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China" title="China">China</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India" title="India">India</a>. In the 17th century it was part of the influential Kingdom of Kaski which again was one of the Chaubise Rajaya (24 Kingdoms of Nepal) ruled by a branch of the Shah Dynasty. Many of the mountains around Pokhara still have medieval ruins from this time. In 1786 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prithvi_Narayan_Shah" title="Prithvi Narayan Shah">Prithvi Narayan Shah</a> added Pokhara into his kingdom. It had by then become an important trading place on the routes from Kathmandu to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jumla" title="Jumla">Jumla</a> and from India to Tibet.<br />
Originally Pokhara was largely inhabited by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brahmin" title="Brahmin">Brahmin</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chhetri" title="Chhetri">Chhetri</a> and <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thakuri" title="Thakuri">Thakuri</a> (the major villages were located in Parsyang, Malepatan, Pardi and Harichowk areas of modern Pokhara) and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Majhi" title="Majhi">Majhi</a> community near the Fewa Lake. Later in the 18th century A.D the newars of Bhaktapur migrated to Pokhara and settled near main business locations such as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bindhyabasini_temple" title="Bindhyabasini temple">Bindhyabasini temple</a>, Nalakomukh and Bhairab Tole. The establishment of a British recruitment camp brought larger <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magar" title="Magar">Magar</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurung" title="Gurung">Gurung</a> communities to Pokhara. At present the Khas (Brahmin, Chhetri, Thakuri and Dalits), <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurung" title="Gurung">Gurung</a> (Tamu) and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magar" title="Magar">Magar</a> form the dominant community of Pokhara. There is also a sizeable population of <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Newar" title="Newar">Newars</a> in Pokhara. A small <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muslim" title="Muslim">Muslim</a> community is located on eastern fringes of Pokhara generally called Miya Patan.<br />
The nearby hill villages around Pokhara are a mixed community of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khas" title="Khas">Khas</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurung" title="Gurung">Gurung</a>. Small Magar communities are also present mostly in the southern outlying hills. Newar community is almost non-existent in the villages of outlying hills outside the Pokhara city limits.<br />
From 1959 to 1962 some 300,000 refugees fled to Nepal from neighbouring <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibet" title="Tibet">Tibet</a> after it was annexed by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China" title="China">China</a>. Four refugee camps were established in and around Pokhara: <a class="new" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tashipalkhel&action=edit&redlink=1" title="Tashipalkhel (page does not exist)">Tashipalkhel</a>, <a class="new" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Tashiling&action=edit&redlink=1" title="Tashiling (page does not exist)">Tashiling</a>, <a class="new" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Paljorling&action=edit&redlink=1" title="Paljorling (page does not exist)">Paljorling</a> and <a class="new" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jambling&action=edit&redlink=1" title="Jambling (page does not exist)">Jambling</a>. These camps have evolved into well built settlements, each with a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gompa" title="Gompa">gompa</a> (Buddhist monastery), <a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chorten" title="Chorten">chorten</a> and its particular architecture, and Tibetans have become a visible minority in the city.<br />
Until the end of the 1960s the town was only accessible by foot and it was considered even more a mystical place than Kathmandu. The first road was completed in 1968 (Siddhartha Highway) after which tourism set in and the city grew rapidly. The area along the Phewa lake has developed into one of the major tourism hubs of Nepal.<br />
<h2><span class="mw-headline" id="Tourism_and_economy">Tourism and economy</span></h2>After the annexation of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tibet" title="Tibet">Tibet</a> by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China" title="China">China</a> that led to the Indo-China war the trading route to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/India" title="India">India</a> became defunct. Today only few caravans from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustang_%28kingdom%29" title="Mustang (kingdom)">Mustang</a> still arrive in Bagar.<br />
<div class="thumb tleft"> <div class="thumbinner" style="width: 202px;"><a class="image" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pokharastupa.jpg"><img alt="" class="thumbimage" height="150" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/6/6b/Pokharastupa.jpg/200px-Pokharastupa.jpg" width="200" /></a> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify"><a class="internal" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pokharastupa.jpg" title="Enlarge"><img alt="" height="11" src="http://bits.wikimedia.org/skins-1.5/common/images/magnify-clip.png" width="15" /></a></div>Pokhara stupas</div></div></div>Pokhara has become a major tourist hub of Nepal, more than making up for the loss of its trading importance. The city offers a combination of nature and culture and is mostly known as the gateway to the trekking route "Round Annapurana", which is usually a trek of 25 days.<br />
Pokhara is quite a modern city with only few tourist attractions in the town itself. Most interesting is the old centre in the north of the city (Bagar, Purano Bazar) where many old shops and warehouses in the Newari style can still be found. Although more seldom, mule <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caravan_%28travellers%29" title="Caravan (travellers)">caravans</a> still arrive there from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustang_District" title="Mustang District">Mustang</a>.<br />
Temples worth visiting in the older part of town are Bindhyabasini temple and Bhimsen temple. Another temple, Barahi temple, is located on an island in the Phewa lake, accessible only by boats.<br />
The modern commercial city centre at Chiple Dhunga and Mahendrapul (now called Bhimsen Chowk, named after a Shahid (Martyr) in Jana-aandolan II, April, 2006) is halfway between the lake and Purano Bazar, the old centre. Apart from this there are several subcentres in other parts of town: in the north in Bagar, in the south between Prithvi Chok and Srijana Chok (mainly hardware stores), and in the east, on the other side of the Seti, in Ram Bazar.<br />
<div class="thumb tleft"> <div class="thumbinner" style="width: 202px;"><a class="image" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Annapurna_Lamjung_Himal.jpg"><img alt="" class="thumbimage" height="119" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8c/Annapurna_Lamjung_Himal.jpg/200px-Annapurna_Lamjung_Himal.jpg" width="200" /></a> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify"><a class="internal" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Annapurna_Lamjung_Himal.jpg" title="Enlarge"><img alt="" height="11" src="http://bits.wikimedia.org/skins-1.5/common/images/magnify-clip.png" width="15" /></a></div>Phewa lake in 1982</div></div></div><div class="thumb tright"> <div class="thumbinner" style="width: 202px;"><a class="image" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Phewa_Lake_from_Sarangkot.jpg"><img alt="" class="thumbimage" height="99" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c4/Phewa_Lake_from_Sarangkot.jpg/200px-Phewa_Lake_from_Sarangkot.jpg" width="200" /></a> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify"><a class="internal" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Phewa_Lake_from_Sarangkot.jpg" title="Enlarge"><img alt="" height="11" src="http://bits.wikimedia.org/skins-1.5/common/images/magnify-clip.png" width="15" /></a></div>Phewa lake and lakeside view from Sarangkot</div></div></div><div class="thumb tright"> <div class="thumbinner" style="width: 202px;"><a class="image" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seti_gorge.jpg"><img alt="" class="thumbimage" height="150" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/08/Seti_gorge.jpg/200px-Seti_gorge.jpg" width="200" /></a> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify"><a class="internal" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seti_gorge.jpg" title="Enlarge"><img alt="" height="11" src="http://bits.wikimedia.org/skins-1.5/common/images/magnify-clip.png" width="15" /></a></div>Seti gorge in Pokhara</div></div></div>On a hill overlooking Phewa Tal from the south is the World Peace Stupa (at 1,113 m) <a class="external text" href="http://geoimages.berkeley.edu/wwp1206/html/RikkieVreuls.html" rel="nofollow">QTVR</a> built in 1996 with a view of the lake, across the city and of the snow peaked mountain ranges of Manaslu, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himal.<br />
The best viewpoint of Pokhara is Sarangkot (1,600 m) and Thulakot (in Lekhnath a part of famous Royal Trek from where four lakes Phewa, Begnas, Khaste and Dipang and whole Annapurna range can be seen) to the west of the city. Paths and a road lead almost to the top of Sarangkot with an excellent view of the mountains and the city. On the summit of Sarankot there is a Buddhist stupa/monastery, which also attracts many tourists.<br />
The major touristic attractions of Pokhara are its scenic views in and around town and the cable cars. Many of them are not mentioned in guides or maps. The <a class="new" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Seti_Gandaki&action=edit&redlink=1" title="Seti Gandaki (page does not exist)">Seti Gandaki</a> (White Gandaki) and its tributaries have created spectacular gorges in and around the whole city. The Seti gorge runs through the whole city from north to south. At places it is only a few metres wide and the river is so far down below that, at places it is not visible or audible.<br />
In the middle of the city, the gorge widens to a canyon looking like a crater. In the north and south, just outside town, the rivers created canyons, in some places 100 m deep. These canyons extend through the whole Pokhara Valley. Viewpoints are not easy to find. One place is the Prithvi Narayan Campus and the other side at the foot of Kahu Danda, where several rivers and canyons join. Behind the INF-Compound (Tundikhel) one can see the Seti River disappear into a small slit of a wall about 30 metres high which is especially impressive in monsoon. Betulechaur in the far north of Pokhara is known for the musicians caste of the Gain...<br />
<h3><span class="mw-headline" id="Public_transit">Public transit</span></h3><h3><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Pokhara has several bus routes, mainly running the length of the city from north to south. It also has a small airport with regular </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepal_Airlines" style="font-weight: normal;" title="Nepal Airlines">Nepal Airlines</a><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Havilland_Canada_DHC-6_Twin_Otter" style="font-weight: normal;" title="De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter">Twin Otter</a><span style="font-weight: normal;"> flights to </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathmandu" style="font-weight: normal;" title="Kathmandu">Kathmandu</a></span><span class="mw-headline" id="Public_transit"> </span></h3><br />
<h2><span class="mw-headline" id="Education"> </span></h2><h2><span class="mw-headline" id="Education"><br />
</span></h2><h2><span class="mw-headline" id="Education"> </span></h2><br />
<h2><span class="mw-headline" id="Tourism_and_economy"> </span></h2><br />
<h2><br />
</h2>Sarojhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02400762487989241872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2163490915019089558.post-84215229080056074092010-12-03T23:57:00.000-08:002010-12-04T00:24:56.205-08:00Dubai<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1gY-qWlS_xDC2fcdWcVpaAe7SexdKZPhsa1V9PbYp03k_pBF69V3w8zt5AiAmuIGRT66uFb6rd8zAHuuFGaMJejgzSR6ztJjAcn8rEltGSMYbtMY4PuuKicmxgRZAiFAqNr5hDHEP0U/s1600/697px-Map_of_Dubai_blank.svg.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY1gY-qWlS_xDC2fcdWcVpaAe7SexdKZPhsa1V9PbYp03k_pBF69V3w8zt5AiAmuIGRT66uFb6rd8zAHuuFGaMJejgzSR6ztJjAcn8rEltGSMYbtMY4PuuKicmxgRZAiFAqNr5hDHEP0U/s320/697px-Map_of_Dubai_blank.svg.png" width="320" /></a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLG_oIYbNdaO6Fz85vDAWq3E0pN7g8PRwvj8rRqiiZf4TvUOQZ9S3yFPU_jv6cjRykTJ8AprLH2lfGPVYxeB__OKHkgNsyGcsWLP7AhuL7cswjCEirVs-69nIM7UVd0-k35iMRghvW8c/s1600/800px-Dubai_Municipality_on_31_May_2007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQLG_oIYbNdaO6Fz85vDAWq3E0pN7g8PRwvj8rRqiiZf4TvUOQZ9S3yFPU_jv6cjRykTJ8AprLH2lfGPVYxeB__OKHkgNsyGcsWLP7AhuL7cswjCEirVs-69nIM7UVd0-k35iMRghvW8c/s320/800px-Dubai_Municipality_on_31_May_2007.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>In the 1820s, Dubai was referred to as <i>Al Wasl</i> by British historians. Few records pertaining to the cultural history of the U.A.E or its constituent emirates exist and because of the region's oral traditions, folklore and myth were not written down. The linguistic origins of the word <i>Dubai</i> are disputed; some believe it to have originated from the Persian language, while some believe that Arabic is its linguistic root. According to Fedel Handhal, a researcher in the history and culture of the UAE, the word <i>Dubai</i> may have come from the word <i>Daba</i> (a derivative of <i>Yadub</i>, which means <i>to creep</i>); referring to the slow flow of Dubai Creek inland. The poet and scholar Ahmad Mohammad Obaid traces it to the same word, but to its alternative meaning of locust.<br />
Dubai has a hot arid climate. Summers in Dubai are extremely hot, windy and dry, with an average high around 40 °C (104 °F) and overnight lows around 30 °C (86 °F). Most days are sunny throughout the year. Winters are cool and short with an average high of 23 °C (73 °F) and overnight lows of 14 °C (57 °F). Precipitation, however, has been increasing in the last few decades with accumulated rain reaching 150 mm (5.91 in) per year.<br />
Today, Dubai has emerged as a global city and a business hub. Although Dubai's economy was built on the oil industry, currently the emirate's model of business, similar to that of Western countries, drives its economy, with the effect that its main revenues are now from tourism, real estate, and financial services. Dubai has recently attracted world attention through many innovative large construction projects and sports events. This increased attention has highlighted labour rights and human rights issues concerning its largely South Asian workforce. Dubai's property market experienced a major deterioration in 2008 and 2009 as a result of the worldwide economic downturn following the Financial crisis of 2007-2010. <br />
<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-33"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dubai#cite_note-33"></a></sup><br />
<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-etymology2_11-0"></sup><br />
<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-etymology2_11-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dubai#cite_note-etymology2-11"></a></sup>Sarojhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02400762487989241872noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2163490915019089558.post-10754646764871456412010-12-03T23:47:00.000-08:002010-12-03T23:47:41.833-08:00Kathmandu<b>Kathmandu</b><span lang="ne"></span><span class="IPA" title="Pronunciation in IPA"></span> is the and largest metropolitan city of Nepal. The city is the urban core of the Kathmandu Valley in the Himalayas, which also contains two sister cities namely Patan or Lalitpur, 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) to its southeast (an ancient city of fine arts and crafts) and Bhaktapur, 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) to its east (city of devotees). It is also acronymed as 'KTM' and named 'tri-city'<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-3"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathmandu#cite_note-3"><span></span><span></span></a></sup>. Kathmandu valley is only slightly smaller than Singapore in terms of area.<br />
The city stands at an elevation of approximately 1,400 metres (4,600 ft) in the bowl-shaped valley in central Nepal surrounded by four major mountains, namely: Shivapuri, Phulchowki, Nagarjun and Chandragiri. It is inhabited by 949,486 (2009) people. The Kathmandu valley with its three districts including Kathmandu District accounts for a population density of only 97 per km<sup>2</sup> whereas Kathmandu metropolitan city has a density of 13,225 per km<sup>2</sup>. It is by far the largest urban agglomerate in Nepal, accounting for 20% of the urban population in an area of 5,067 hectares (12,520 acres) (50.67 square kilometres (19.56 sq mi)).<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-katmn_4-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathmandu#cite_note-katmn-4"><span></span><span></span></a></sup><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-unep_5-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathmandu#cite_note-unep-5"><span></span><span></span></a></sup><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-office_6-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathmandu#cite_note-office-6"><span></span><span></span></a></sup><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-facts_7-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathmandu#cite_note-facts-7"><span></span><span></span></a></sup><br />
Kathmandu is not only the capital of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal but also the headquarters of the Central Region (Madhyamanchal) among the five development regions constituted by the 14 administrative zones of Nepal located at the central part of the country. The Central region has three zones namely, Bagmati, Narayani and Janakpur. Kathmandu is located in the Bagmati Zone.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-geo_8-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathmandu#cite_note-geo-8"><span></span><span></span></a></sup><br />
Kathmandu, as the gateway to Nepal Tourism, is the nerve centre of the country’s economy. With the most advanced infrastructure among urban areas in Nepal, Kathmandu's economy is tourism centric accounting for 3.8% of the GDP in 1995–96 (had declined since then due to political unrest but has picked up again).<br />
The city’s rich history is nearly 2000 years old, as inferred from an inscription in the valley. Its religious affiliations are dominantly Hindu followed by Buddhism. People of other religious beliefs also live in Kathmandu giving it a cosmopolitan culture. Nepali is the common language of the city, though many speak the Nepal Bhasa Newari as it is the center of the Newar (meaning: citizens of Nepal) people and culture. English and Hindi are understood by all of the educated population of the city. Besides a significant number of the population speaks any of the foreign languages like : French, German, Chinese, Hebrew, Korean etc. The literacy rate is 98% in the city.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-unep_5-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathmandu#cite_note-unep-5"><span></span><span></span></a></sup><br />
Kathmandu is now the premier cultural and economic hub of Nepal and is considered to have the most advanced infrastructure among urban areas in Nepal. From the point of view of tourism, economy and cultural heritage, the sister cities of Patan(lalitpur) and Bhaktapur are integral to Kathmandu. Even the cultural heritage recognition under the World Heritage list of the UNESCO has recognized all the monuments in the three urban agglomerates as one unit under the title “Kathmandu Valley-UNESCO World Heritage Site.<sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-Heritage_9-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathmandu#cite_note-Heritage-9"><span></span><span></span></a></sup><sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-unesco_10-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathmandu#cite_note-unesco-10"><span></span><span></span></a></sup>Sarojhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02400762487989241872noreply@blogger.com0