Dharan is a beautiful town located in the eastern part of Nepal. It is one of the major cities of the nation. The town is situated on the foothills of the Mahabharata in the north and southern part touches the edge of the Terai region at an altitude of 349 metres above sea level.  The Koshi Highway runs through the heart of the city thus connecting it with the provincial capital of Biratnagar as well as the Itahari Junction of the East- West Mahendra Highway.

The climate of the town is very hot during the summer season reaching the maximum temperature of 40 degree Celsius and during winter season its lowest temperature is recorded at 3.3 degree Celsius. The town is well developed with all the infrastructures available. Most of the youngsters of the Dharan go to serve in the British army. The economy of the town depends upon the remittance from the foreign country as well industries and factories. 

The town is a sub metropolitan city in the Sunsari District of Province No 1 in the eastern region of the country. It has a total area of 192.32 square kilometre with a population of 141,439 people. The town has a mixed group of ethnicity . It was founded by Subba Ratna Prasad Kayastha in 1962 AD. Dharan is also famous for its different historical monuments and temples. Many domestic as well as International tourists visit every year due its major tourist destination. The town has the major tourist destinations in Nepal.

Budha Subba Temple

The Budha Subha Temple is a famous religious shrine in the eastern part of Nepal. The temple is known for being a peaceful location where people can wish for happiness and luck. Young couples in the eastern part believe that tying a colourful string around the bamboo trunks and engraving their name on it would bring them happiness and lifelong togetherness. Most attractive elements inside the Budha Subha temple art bell, railings, pillars, trees with the wish threads tied to them.

According to the Myths, the main shrine of the temple contains the tomb of Buddhi Karna Raya Rai, the last Limbu king of Morang. During the time of unification of Nepal, he was assassinated by the people working under the King Prithvi Narayan Shah. Shah tricked the Buddhi Karna Raya Rai into coming to Bijaypur- Dharan, which was the capital of Morang and the politico-economic centre of East Nepal. He was surrounded by his people and was murdered on the spot. The town is surrounded with the folk story that his spirit still wanders around the tomb and is said to be a friendly and helpful spirit. The limbu folk even worshipped his soul as it brings them good luck and happiness.

Pindeshwor Temple

Pindeshwor is another historical site located in the central region of the Dharan at the base of the Vijaypur Hill. The temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva-god of the destroyer. The main shrine of the temple contains the lingam of the Lord Shiva. It is believed that if devotees offer water from Saptakoshi and Koka river in the Barachachetra temple and water from Kaushiki Tat in the Pindeshwor Shivalaya, their wishes will come true. In the Pindeshwor temple the oil lamps are kept burning incessantly. The temple is mostly packed with the pilgrims during the Month of Shrawan according to the Lunar Calendar and auspicious occasion of Maha Shivaratri. Here, visitors may choose to offer prayers and spend some time enjoying the divine vibe of the temple.

Dantakali Temple

Dantakali Temple is located in the Bijayapur village about 3 km away from the centre of the Dharan City. The temple was built in the honour of Goddess Parvati.The main shrine of the temple contains the shakti peeth of the Sati Devi. It is the three storied hindu temple built in a pagoda style with the pinnacle on top. The temple is mostly crowded with the devotees on the occasion of the Vijaya Dashami. Thousands of devotees come here to worship mainly for the first nine days of Vijaya Dashami.

According to Myths and Hindu Purans, after the death of the Sati Devi; beloved wife of the Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva carried her dead body on his back and roamed around the world. During this time, the sacred teeth of the Sati Devi fell here and the Shakti Peetah rose from there. This location where Dantakali Temple is built, is believed to be the house of the Sacred Teeth of the Sati Devi. Hence the name of the temple was named Dantakali  wherein Danta Means teeth and Kali signifies the goddess of power.

Dharan Clock Tower

Dharan Clock Tower is one of the significant landmarks located in the Bhanuchowk, main city of the Dharan. It is the popular tourist attraction that was built in the year of 1991. The design of the clock closely resembles the Clock Tower of Hong Kong. Locally this clock tower is known as the Ghantaghar of the  Eastern Nepal. The clock tower measures approximately 76 feet tall and stands over a 55 feet tall pedestal which makes it seem even more taller. It offers the fabulous and stunning view of the Dharan city from the top of the tower. There is a beautiful garden around the tower and is a famous place for the youngsters as well as old generations to hang out and have conversation between them. This place is famous for its beautiful appearance and stunning architecture.

Namaste Jharana

Namaste Jharana is the popular tourist destination located in Bhedetar Village which is about 23 kilometres away from the city of Dharan in Nepal. The waterfall is mainly known for the ”Namaste” forms as it cascades down the slopes of a rocky hill at the height of 80 metres. The area here is quite remote and is densely populated. The climate around here is cool compared to the temperature of the city during the summer season. It offers the jaw dropping views of the surroundings. This waterfall is recognized as a plunge waterfall.

This place is also known for the most number of rainbow sightseeing. It is about 2 kilometres from the main point of the Bhedetar.  To visit this place one should go along with the river from simsuwa and move upward. Thus, reaching the attraction can turn out to be a great day long outing with loved ones. The place is also frequently visited by researchers for their research. It has a high tourist potential however there are no human settlements nearby which create inconvenience for visitors.

Best time to visit

The weather of the Dharan is not constant. During the summer season, from May to August, the temperatures are relatively high and there is a fair amount of precipitation. The best time to visit this town is during the fall season as the weather is dry in the plains and hills is comforting for visitors to explore the Ganges.