Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
elephants, deer, water buffalo, single-horn rhinos, Royal Bengal
tigers, leopards, crocodiles, and pythons. The CNP is home to
about 43 species of mammals, 450 species of birds, and 45 spe-
cies of amphibians and reptiles.
Birgunj
Birgunj is located in the southern Terai region, along Nepal's
border with India. Because of its strategic position, the city has
become the country's most important center of industry, trade,
and commerce. Birgunj is the main entry point for all imported
materials and tourists traveling on land; however, most over-
land visitors simply pass through on their way to destinations
in Nepal or India.
Recently, a broad-gauge railroad linked Birgunj with India's
rail network. This reflects the increasing importance of Birgunj
as a strategic commercial and industrial junction for trade and
commerce between Nepal and India, and beyond. In a very real
sense, Birgunj is Nepal's gateway to the world. Almost 60 per-
cent of the country's imports and exports pass through the city.
Thus, Birgunj plays a very active role in the country's economic
growth and development.
Located in the Terai region, Birgunj experiences high sum-
mer temperatures and very mild temperatures during the win-
ter months. Because of its location, the city also offers a rich
diversity of cultures and ethnic groups, including speakers of
Nepali, Newari, Maithili, and Bhojpuri. Among the city's grow-
ing number of industries are those based upon agriculture and
iron and steel production.
Nepalgunj
Nepalgunj, located in the western part of Nepal, is another
important commercial center. Although it is located in the
southwestern part of the Terai region, close to the Indian bor-
der, its economic influence reaches to the northern border with
China. Nepalgunj provides all types of commercial and other
