Nepalgunj

Nepalgunj also spelled Nepalganj, is a municipality in Banke District, Nepal on the Terai plains near the southern border with Bahraich district, Uttar Pradesh state, India. It is 16 km south of Kohalpur and the east-west Mahendra Highway.
Nepalgunj is the administrative center of Banke District as well as Bheri Zone. It's also the main transport hub for Nepal's Mid-Western and Far-Western regions. The nearest Indian border crossing is about 8 km south and Bahraich city is about 55 km south.

Population

The 2001 census counted 57,535 inhabitants, with 20% growth since 1991. Nepali is spoken natively by Paharis as well as by virtually everyone as the national language and lingua franca.

Culture and Religion

Nepalgunj has a diverse culture. Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians and Atheists all live here. Similarly people of different ethnicity have traditionally lived harmoniously together.

Mutilated statue of Tribhuvan at Tribhuvan Chowk Nepalgunj.

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 Madhesi people of ganga river origin. At least one person was killed and dozens injured. A mob destroyed the statue of late King Tribhuvan and attempted to rename the chowk (intersection) as Kamal Madheshi Chowk 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.

Transport

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  Nepalgunj airport
  Nepalgunj Airport is 6 km north from Birendra Chok. The airport was officially named Mahendra Airport after the late King Mahendra. It has flights to Kathmadu and to airports in less developed western districts like Dolpa, Jumla, Mugu and Rukum.

• A branch of Indian Railways reaches the border at Rupaidiha immediately opposite Nepalgunj. It would involve possible train changes at Gonda, Bahraich and Nanpara. It is also possible to take an express train to Lucknow, then a direct bus to Nepalgunj.

• Long-distance buses to road destinations in Nepal depart from Dhamboji

Climate

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.