Kanyam: A Gem in the Ilam District of Nepal

Introduction

Nestled in the lush green hills of Nepal’s Ilam district, Kanyam has become famous as a tourist destination. Renowned for its sprawling tea plantations, stunning landscapes, and cool, temperate climate, Kanyam is an ideal destination for domestic and international travelers. Its serene atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make it a perfect place for those who love to relax amidst nature. From hiking and sightseeing to tea-tasting and picnicking, Kanyam offers all visitors a wide range of activities.

Location and Accessibility

Kanyam is located in eastern Nepal, within the Ilam district, and is known for its tea gardens, hills, and rich biodiversity. It is situated approximately 50 kilometers southeast of Ilam Bazaar, the district headquarters, and about 510 kilometers from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Kanyam lies on the Mechi Highway, making it easily accessible by road. The strategic location of Kanyam near the Nepal-India border has also contributed to its popularity, attracting tourists from both Nepal and India.

Elevation (Height)

Kanyam stands at an elevation of around 6,000 feet (about 1,800 meters) above sea level. This moderate elevation provides the region with a cool and pleasant climate throughout the year. The altitude also ensures that visitors experience panoramic views of the tea gardens, forests, and distant mountain ranges, making it an ideal location for nature lovers and photographers alike. The elevation is perfect for growing tea, and Kanyam’s tea plantations have become an iconic part of the region’s landscape.

The magical weather and the Cool bliss of Kanyam

Since Kanyam is a medium-hilly area, it is always colder and calmer than the hot plains. However, the weather there is a little more variable than elsewhere. The season of Kanyam is more magical than that of other mountains; it can be cloudy and sunny at one moment. That is why it has become famous as a romantic area.

The more interesting fact is climate disparity. Twenty kilometers south of Kanyam, there is a plain area where you may feel bothered by the heat. Then, you can reach Kanyam within a 30-minute drive, where you will feel the heavenly bliss of Cold. You would ask for hot coffee, hot Thukpa soup, and other hot local things there. Plus, you may also look for a jacket.

What to See and Experience in Kanyam

Fascinating Terrain with Tea Garden

Kanyam is mainly famous for its lush tea gardens, which cover vast stretches of hills. Visitors can walk through these well-manicured tea fields, learn about making tea in the Hilly local way with local experts, visit a factory, and enjoy a delicious fresh cup of tea made at home from locally harvested leaves. But to experience all these things, you may need to spend the night in a homestay.

At Kanyam, the sight of workers picking tea leaves against the backdrop of mountains hidden within veils of mist creates a mesmerizing scene that often ceases to be a captivating experience for many travelers.

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The structure of Kanyam Hill is so magical that one would think a famous artist made it. It has beautiful small hills where one wants to stay forever. The green cover of the tea plantations on the attractive and unique hillock is Kanyam’s heavenly natural creation. When travelers reach there, they look mesmerized and take pictures.

Panoramic Views

Kanyam offers mesmerizing views of the surrounding landscapes. On a clear day, visitors can witness the majestic peaks of the Kanchenjunga and other parts of the eastern Himalayan range. Early morning and evening are particularly popular for sightseeing, as the light creates a stunning play of colors across the landscape. Visitors can also see the scenery of Shree Antu Hill, which is famous for its sunrise view.

Activities to Do in Kanyam

Tea Tours and Tasting

One of the most popular activities in Kanyam is touring the tea gardens and learning about the cultivation and production of tea. Many tea estates in the area offer tours where visitors can observe the plucking of tea leaves, the drying and rolling process, and even taste freshly brewed tea.

Hiking and Nature Walks

The serene hills of Kanyam are perfect for short hikes and nature walks. There are several trails around the tea gardens and forests that offer peaceful strolls with beautiful views of the valleys, rivers, and distant mountains.

Enjoy Local Adventures

In Kanyam, Visitors usually don’t seek meaningful adventures because they are more eager to get lost in its natural beauty and enjoy the hot food than any other alternative entertainment.

However, in Kanyam, there is a good arrangement for short-horse riding. The horse-riding service providers will take you around on a very friendly and big horse and also allow you to take photos and videos. Apart from this, some adventure entertainment services like walking on glass bridges and car playing in Kanyam have also been established recently.

Photography wearing ethnic dress-up

It is common for travelers to shoot videos of themselves in their clothes. But for photography enthusiasts, Kanyam is packed with attractions like no other.

If you want to make photos or videos wearing the clothes of different tribes or ethnic costumes of Nepal, Kanyam offers this facility. There, you will find ethnic clothes of different tribes, like Gurung, Tamang, Rai, Limbu, Tharu, Khas, etc.

Not only will you get such clothes, but they will also prepare your photos within an hour by dressing and framing you in such clothes. You will be mesmerized by seeing the pictures of beautiful ethnic dresses.

Enjoy local delicacies

Since Kanyam is a hilly area, the taste of any food produced here is different or delicious than that produced in hot weather or plain areas. So don’t miss the taste of Ilam’s Hill cuisine.

Since Kanyam is a cool place, you may want to enjoy hot foods like hot tea, coffee, and hot soups. Local Thukpa, Mama: Chaumin, Chatpate, and Chana Chiura are most popular as brunch or breakfast here. Local mountain lentils (Beans) and green vegetables are very satisfying in hill sites. So, Nepali ‘Daal Bhaat’ (a Basic Nepali meal) will also be very satisfying here. Apart from this, the Dalle Khorsani (Round Chili), Moutain Cucumbers, Radish, etc. salad will be very tasty here.

If you prefer non-vegetarian food, you can find all the dishes of non-veg recipes here. There is also a barbeque tradition during visits to tourist sites in Ilam, especially when enjoying the night.

Regarding drinks, all types of branded cold drinks and alcohol will be readily available here since alcohol can be openly bought and drunk all over Nepal. Particularly in the Hill area or Ilam, special lovers of alcohol also enjoy drinking local products or homemade alcohol produced by Millet, such as Raksi, Jaad, Tongba, etc.

The Picnic Trend Of Kanyam

Kanyam has seen a significant rise in visitors who come primarily for picnicking. Whether it’s families on a weekend outing, couples looking for a quiet place, or schoolchildren on a field trip, Kanyam has become a hotspot for picnics. This trend has been increasing, especially during public holidays and the festive season, when local tourists flock to the area.

As Kanyam is a slightly steep hill, it does not have enough flat ground for a picnic. The tea estates often have designated areas for visitors to set up their picnics. In Nepal, the most prominent picnic season is winter. So, particularly from October to February, Kanyam welcomes numerous picnic parties daily.

Accommodation Facilities

In the past, Kanyam was primarily a day-trip destination. But now, several accommodation options have been available for those wishing to stay overnight. Nearby towns like Fikkal Bazaar, Harkate, and Kutidada offer a range of hotels and lodges that cater to different budgets, from affordable guesthouses to more comfortable hotels with modern amenities. In recent years, many resorts have also opened in Kanyam and surrounding areas, offering a more immersive experience for travelers looking to stay amidst nature. Also, you will find many hotels along the way to these sites.

Homestay: There is a big trend of Homestays in the whole tourist area of Ilam district. Some tourists also choose to stay in homestays in nearby villages, where they can experience local culture, food, and hospitality firsthand.

Best Season to Visit

The best time to visit Kanyam is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These periods offer clear skies, mild weather, and optimal visibility for mountain views. Spring is particularly beautiful, with flowers blooming across the region, while autumn provides a crisp, cool climate, perfect for walks and tea garden tours. The monsoon season (June to August) brings heavy rainfall, which may hinder outdoor activities, although the greenery during this period is at its peak.

Surrounding Villages and Cultural Experiences

Kanyam is surrounded by small, picturesque villages that offer a glimpse into rural life in Nepal. These villages are home to indigenous ethnic groups like the Limbu, Rai, and Sherpa, each with their own unique traditions, festivals, and food. Travelers who want a deeper cultural experience can visit these villages, interact with the locals, and participate in cultural programs. Some homestays also offer traditional meals and folk performances, providing a more immersive cultural experience.

Tourist Flow and Popularity

Over the years, Kanyam has become increasingly popular with both local and international tourists. Domestic tourists, particularly from Kathmandu, Jhapa, and neighboring districts, frequently visit the area, especially during holidays and festivals.

Kanyam is a popular place for Indian tourists, especially from West Bengal and Bihar bordering states, who are also frequent visitors. While it sees a regular flow of tourists year-round, the number spikes during peak seasons, making it one of the busiest tourist destinations in eastern Nepal.

Visitors have gathered in Kanyam over the years, but October to February is the peak season due to the picnic trend in Nepal during winter. The rainy season, from July to September, has moderate flow because there are no visible weather conditions due to fog and rainfall.

Nearby Places to Visit

Ilam and Pashupatinagar Towns

Just a short drive from Kanyam, Ilam, and Pashupatinagar towns are reachable. They are bustling towns known for their historic tea plantations, charming streets, and local markets. Visitors can explore the town’s tea shops, monasteries, and parks, adding to their trip to Kanyam. However, Visitors can feel more blissful on the road site or village than in any town in the Ilam District.

Shree Antu (Antu Danda)

Antu Danda, located about 20 kilometers from Kanyam, is another popular tourist spot famous for its sunrise views. At an altitude of about 2,300 meters, it offers panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas, particularly Mount Kanchenjunga. The sight of the sun rising over the Bengal Sea is breathtaking and attracts many visitors. Shree Antu (Antu dada) also has a very green, lush, and calm environment. It is almost an hour’s drive from Kanyam.

Mai Pokhari

Mai Pokhari is a sacred lake located around 60 kilometers from Kanyam. This pilgrimage site is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists and is surrounded by dense forests. Visitors can enjoy the serene environment, visit the local temples, and go birdwatching in the nearby forests.

Sandakpur

Although visiting Sandakpur may be more challenging due to the under-construction Road, it is also the most famous place in Eastern Nepal. Sandakpur is famous for its incredible sunrise views, diverse nature, snow playing, and local culture. You must spend more than two or three days visiting Sandakpur after Kanyam.

Ilam Pathibhara Pilgrimage site

If you want to visit or explore Hindu religious places, a famous Devi temple called Ilam Pathibhara is on the hilltop at Kutidada. It is on this side of the way near Kanyam (3 km). Pathibhara Devi temple is situated at a height of 1800 m on the hilltop.

The location of Pathibhara temple is blissful and peaceful. It is surrounded by lush green forest, where you can also see the enchanting view of Lali Guransh (the National flower of Nepal) blooming in March and April.

The Devi at Pathibhara is a popular pilgrimage site believed to fulfill the long-cherished dreams of her devotees, such as sons to the childless and wealth to the poor. Pathibhara Devi is considered one of mythology’s most revered ‘Shakti Peethas’ (Abide of Power Goddess).

There are the most famous three Pathibhara (Goddess) pilgrimage sites in eastern Nepal. This Pathibhara shrine is called Ilam Pathibhara because it is in Ilam District. The other two are Paun Pathibhara, which exists in Jhapa District, and the Oldest Pathibhara Pilgrimage Site in Taplejung District.

How to Get Kanyam

Kanyam is well connected by road. Travelers can take buses or private vehicles from major cities like Kathmandu, Biratnagar, or Bhadrapur. The nearest airport is in Bhadrapur (Jhapa District), which is about 75 kilometers away. From there, travelers can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach Kanyam. For those coming from India, Kanyam is easily accessible from the West Bengal region, particularly from Siliguri and Darjeeling, via the Kakarbhitta border or Pashupatinagar gateway.

Things to pay special attention to:

• Tourists coming from India must bring a government ID card because the police may ask for your ID card at both India and Nepal checkpoints.

• To reach Kanyam, you have to cross a 30 km hilly road. If you are suffering from motion sickness, take medicine for motion sickness 30 minutes before your visit so that your travel may not be painful.

• Kanyam is a particularly windy and variable weather region, so even in summer, you should wear or bring an air-proof jacket. Also, it can be windy in Kanyam from midday, so it would be best to enjoy the visit early in the morning. The beauty of this place in the morning is different, and gatherings are also less.

• There are narrower and more turning roads in hilly areas than plains, so you should walk on the roadside cautiously and always look both ways before crossing the road.

• Even though Kanyam is at a normal height, there is no danger of getting high altitude sickness, so there is no need to worry.

• As of the writing of this post, there is no entry ticket system for visiting Kanyam.

Have a fun travel. Thanks for visiting this site (Anautho Satya).