Shree Antu: A Stunning Sunrise Point in Nepal’s Ilam District

Shree Antu, often called “Antu Danda,” is a picturesque hill station in the Ilam district of eastern Nepal. It is famous for its panoramic views, tea gardens, and especially its breathtaking sunrise vistas. Perched high in the hills, Shree Antu offers travelers an immersive experience of Nepal’s natural beauty, vibrant local culture, and serene atmosphere.

With growing popularity among domestic and international tourists, Shree Antu has become one of the most visited spots in eastern Nepal. It offers a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion.

This page provides information about everything you need to know before visiting Sree Antu to make your trip easy, enjoyable, and successful. So, if you are planning to visit this fascinating place or are curious about it, read this article until the end.

Location and Accessibility

Shree Antu is located in the Ilam district under the Koshi Province No. in eastern Nepal, near the Nepal-India border. It is situated approximately 45 kilometers east of Ilam Bazaar, the district headquarters, and about 55 kilometers southwest of the Indian town of Darjeeling, a famous hill station in West Bengal.

Shree Antu lies 13 kilometers east of Phikkal Bazar, which is on the way to the Mechi Highway. One kilometer before reaching Fikkal on the Mechi Highway, the road diverges from the Chhipitar Chowk for Sri Antu. The hill station is easily accessible by jeep, car, minibus, and bike on blacktop roads. The environment around this road is very beautiful, full of green scenery on the hill.

The hill station’s proximity to the border also attracts many Indian tourists, particularly from the neighboring states of Sikkim and West Bengal.

Elevation (Height)

Shree Antu sits at an elevation of approximately 1800 meters (5904 feet) above sea level. This significant height not only offers cool, pleasant weather throughout the year but also provides stunning views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and distant snow-capped mountains, including the majestic Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. The high altitude makes it a perfect destination for those seeking fresh air and spectacular natural beauty.

What to See and Experience in Shree Antu

Sunrise Viewpoint

Shree Antu is best known for its remarkable sunrise views, which attract visitors from across the region. The sunrise from Antu Danda offers a stunning display of colors as the first light of the day illuminates the horizon, with the mighty Himalayas as the backdrop. The view of Mount Kanchenjunga, bathed in the early morning light, is one of the most iconic sights in eastern Nepal. Visitors often wake up before dawn to hike to the viewpoint and watch the sunrise over the mountains and valleys.

Tea Gardens

Ilam district is renowned for its stunning tea plantations, and Shree Antu is no exception. The rolling hills around Antu Danda are adorned with lush tea gardens, creating a scenic landscape of neatly lined tea bushes. Visitors can explore these tea gardens, interact with tea farmers, and learn about traditional tea cultivation and production methods. Many visitors take the opportunity to sample fresh, locally harvested tea, which is considered among the best in Nepal.

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Shree Antu Lake

Shree Antu Lake is a short distance from the sunrise viewpoint. It is a small but charming body of water surrounded by forest and a terraced footpath. This tranquil spot is perfect for picnics, short walks, boating, and photography. Visitors can relax by the lakeside and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, making it a popular stop after watching the sunrise.

Activities to Do in Shree Antu

Hiking and Trekking

Shree Antu offers several trekking and hiking opportunities for nature enthusiasts. Various trails lead to nearby villages, forests, and viewpoints, allowing visitors to explore the area’s diverse landscapes. The most popular trek is the early morning hike to the Antu Danda viewpoint for sunrise, but other trails take you through tea gardens, forested paths, and scenic rural settings.

Tea Tasting and Tours

Visitors can take guided tours of the tea estates around Shree Antu and learn about the tea-making process, from leaf plucking to packaging. Some tea estates also offer tea-tasting sessions where travelers can enjoy freshly brewed tea while admiring the beauty of the surrounding plantations.

Cultural Experience

Shree Antu is home to indigenous ethnic groups, particularly the Limbu and Rai communities, which are known for their rich cultural heritage. Tourists can visit local villages to experience traditional Limbu and Rai hospitality, sample authentic cuisine, and participate in cultural programs such as folk music and dances. Staying in a local homestay is popular for those looking for an immersive cultural experience.

Photography and Sightseeing

With its incredible natural beauty, Shree Antu is a paradise for photographers. Whether capturing the sunrise, the tea gardens, or the daily life of the local villagers, there are countless opportunities to take stunning pictures. The panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges also make it a favorite spot for landscape photography.

In addition, Shree Antu adds its typical view of the hotel and resort, which is beautifully constructed in a V-shaped, with different colored-roof and local-style cottages on the hill landscape surrounding the tea gardens.

Picnic Trend in Shree Antu

Shree Antu has become a favorite picnic destination for families and groups, particularly from nearby towns and cities. The peaceful surroundings, scenic views, and cool weather make it an ideal spot for day picnics. Many people from the Terai region of Nepal, as well as neighboring areas in India, come here for a refreshing retreat.

Local tea gardens and the lakeside are popular areas for setting up picnics, with plenty of open space for relaxation and social gatherings. There are many hotels on the lakeside to provide food for picnics.

Accommodation Facilities

Although Shree Antu is primarily known for its sunrise views and tea gardens, the development of tourism infrastructure has made it a comfortable destination for overnight stays. There are several accommodation options in the vicinity, ranging from basic guesthouses to comfortable hotels and resorts. Many of these accommodations are located in the Lakeside of Shree Antu. Still, homestays in nearby villages offer a more authentic experience for those who want to live with local families and learn about their culture and traditions.

For the past few years, there has been a trend of having all-night parties or barbecues on the banks of Shri Antu Lake. The local resorts provide a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes as per the order of the visitors. Moreover, the atmosphere on the banks of Shri Antu Lake is most romantic during the night as the surrounding hill is well decorated with colorful lights along with the tea plants and lit up with dances performed with music.

Homestays

Staying in a homestay provides a unique opportunity to connect with the local indigenous communities. Guests are often treated to traditional meals, cultural performances, and the opportunity to learn about local customs and lifestyles.

Best Season to Visit

The best time to visit Shree Antu is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These periods offer clear skies, making it easier to view the sunrise and the surrounding landscapes. Spring brings blooming flowers, making the hills and tea gardens particularly colorful and beautiful. The weather is also mild during these seasons, which makes it ideal for trekking and outdoor activities. The winter season (December to February) can be extremely cold, but the clear, crisp air often offers the best visibility of the mountains.

Surrounding Villages and Cultural Insight

The area around Shree Antu is dotted with small, traditional villages where visitors can experience Nepal’s rural way of life. These villages are home to Indigenous ethnic groups, particularly the Limbu, Rai, Tamang, and Sherpa communities, who have preserved their customs and traditions for generations. Exploring these villages provides a deeper understanding of local culture, with opportunities to participate in cultural programs, visit local farms, and enjoy traditional meals.

Tourist Flow and Popularity

Shree Antu has seen a steady rise in tourist numbers over the years, with both domestic and international visitors attracted by its natural beauty, sunrise views, and tea culture. Due to its proximity to the border, Indian tourists from West Bengal and Sikkim frequently visit. Domestic tourism is also robust, with Nepali visitors coming from various parts of the country, especially during the holiday season. The increasing popularity of Shree Antu has led to better facilities and infrastructure, making it a year-round destination for travelers.

Nearby Places to Visit

Kanyam

Kanyam is an ideal destination for domestic and international travelers. It is located beside the Mechi highway and is about 20 km before reaching Shree Antu. Therefore, it is appropriate to visit Shree Antu after the Kanyam visit.

Kanyam is a fantastic hill tourist destination. This area’s peaceful atmosphere and beautiful surroundings make it a paradise for those who love to enjoy themselves in the midst of nature. From hiking and sightseeing to tea tasting and picnics, tourists flock to Kanyam. Please go to this page to get all the information about Kanyam. Everything You Need to Know Before You Go Kanyam

Ilam Bazaar

Just 45 kilometers from Shree Antu, Ilam Bazaar is a lively town known for its tea estates and markets. It offers a glimpse into the region’s history of tea production and is a great place to shop for local tea products. Visitors can explore the town’s monasteries, gardens, and parks while enjoying the cool climate.

Pashupatinagar

A small town near the Nepal-India border, Pashupatinagar is a hub for cross-border trade and tourism. It’s a convenient stop for travelers from or heading to Darjeeling and offers easy access to Indian towns like Siliguri and Kalimpong.

Mai Pokhari

Located about 60 kilometers from Shree Antu, Mai Pokhari is a revered pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. The lake is surrounded by dense forest, making it a peaceful destination for those looking to relax or meditate. The area is also known for its rich biodiversity and is home to several species of birds and plants.

How to Reach Shree Antu

Shree Antu is accessible by road from major towns in Nepal and India. For travelers coming from Kathmandu, it takes around 12–14 hours by bus or car to reach Fikkal Bazaar, from where local vehicles can take you to Shree Antu. The nearest airport is in Bhadrapur, about 90 kilometers away, and it has regular daily flights connecting to Kathmandu. From Bhadrapur, travelers can hire a taxi or take a local bus to Ilam and then proceed to Shree Antu. Those coming from India can cross the border at Pashupatinagar or Kakarbhitta and take a short drive to Shree Antu.

Things to pay special attention to:

• Tourists from India must carry a government ID, as the police may ask for your ID at both Indian and Nepalese checkpoints.

• To reach Shree Antu, you have to cross a winding hilly road for about 50 km. If you suffer from motion sickness, take motion sickness medicine 30 minutes before boarding the vehicle so your journey is not painful.

• Shree Antu is a cold mountainous region, and the weather can change anytime. Therefore, even in summer, you should travel with some warm clothes or a light jacket.

• If you get lost at the hotel party all night at Shree Antu, you will be late to wake up in the morning and miss the golden opportunity of sunrise. So sleep at the right time at night so that you can wake up at 4 a.m. to watch the sunrise.

• Shree Antu is at a normal altitude, so there is no danger of high altitude sickness, so there is no need to worry.

• The mountain roads are narrow and winding, so drive carefully and do not drink alcohol until you reach your destination or while driving.

In the End

Shree Antu offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and tranquil surroundings, making it a must-visit destination in Nepal’s Ilam district. Whether you’re there for the famous sunrise, to explore tea gardens, or to immerse yourself in the local culture, Shree Antu provides an unforgettable experience for every kind of traveler. With its rising popularity and well-developed infrastructure, it continues attracting tourists seeking adventure and relaxation in one of Nepal’s most scenic locations.

Wishing you a pleasant, successful, and safe journey.

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