West Champaran Tourism

West Champaran is one of the districts in the state of Bihar, India. It is situated in the northern part of the state and shares its borders with Nepal on its north. The district is named after its administrative headquarters, Bettiah, which is also the largest city in the district.

History

West Champaran has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. The district was a part of the Mithila region, which was ruled by the Videha dynasty. Later, the district came under the rule of the Maurya and Gupta empires. During the medieval period, the district was ruled by various dynasties, including the Sena and the Mughals. The district was also a part of the Bengal Subah during the British Raj.

One of the significant events in the history of West Champaran is the Champaran Satyagraha, which took place in 1917. Mahatma Gandhi, who was then a young lawyer, was invited by the local farmers to help them fight against the exploitative practices of the British colonial rulers. The Satyagraha was successful in achieving the demands of the farmers, and it became a milestone in the Indian freedom struggle.

Geography

West Champaran is located in the northern part of Bihar and covers an area of 5,228 square kilometers. The district is situated at an altitude of 58 meters above sea level. The Gandak River flows through the district, and it is one of the major rivers in the region. The district is mostly plain and fertile, with agriculture being the main occupation of the people.

Demographics

As per the 2011 Census, the population of West Champaran was 3,935,042, making it one of the most populous districts in Bihar. The district has a literacy rate of 52.64%, which is lower than the national average. The major languages spoken in the district are Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Hindi. The majority of the population in the district is Hindu, followed by Muslims and Christians.

Economy

Agriculture is the primary occupation of the people in West Champaran. The district is known for its high-quality sugarcane, mango, and banana production. Besides agriculture, the district has a few small-scale industries that include sugar mills, jute mills, and textile mills. The district is also rich in natural resources like limestone, coal, and oil. The state government is working towards the development of the district's economy by providing various schemes and incentives to entrepreneurs and investors.

Culture

The culture of West Champaran is a mix of Bihari, Maithili, and Hindu traditions. The district has a rich folk music and dance tradition, with various festivals celebrated throughout the year. Chhath Puja, Holi, and Diwali are some of the major festivals celebrated in the district. The people in the district are known for their hospitality and warmth towards visitors.

Tourism

West Champaran has many tourist attractions that are worth visiting. Some of the prominent ones include

1. Valmiki National Park It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the district. The national park is spread over an area of 335 square kilometers and is home to many wildlife species like tigers, leopards, elephants, and deer.
2. Someshwar Nath Temple It is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in the town of Narkatiaganj. The temple is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful architecture.

State :

Bihar

How to Reach West Champaran