Makwanpur District is one of Nepal's seventy-seven districts and is part of the Bagmati Province. It was previously part of the Narayani Zone. The district, which includes Hetauda as its district headquarters and the state capital, covers 2,426 km2 (937 sq mi) and has a population of 392,604 people in 2001 and 420,477 people in 2011.
Makwanpur is located in the Kathmandu district's southwestern corner and contains several best places to visit.
History of Makwanpur District
The district was known as Chisapani District during the Rana administration, and the district headquarters were in Chisapanigadhi. In 1982, the district was renamed Makwanpur after Makwanpurgadhi, and the headquarters were relocated to Hetauda.
Places to Visit in Makwanpur District
Despite its location on the Kathmandu valley's outskirts, the district has a distinct identity. The district is bordered north by Kathmandu and Dhading districts, to the west by Chitwan district, to the east by Lalitpur, Kavre, and Sindhuli to the south by Bara, Parsa, and Rautahat districts. The district's lowest point is 300 meters, while its highest point is 2,000 meters.
Makawanpur district is well-known for its religious, historical, and tourism attractions and rafting (Indrasarobar), trekking, and expedition opportunities. The district is connected to the national strategic street community through the Mahendra Highway, Tribhuwan Rajpath, Sisneri-Kulekhani-Bhainse, and Pharping Kulekhani roads.
Makawanpur is well-known for its religious, historical, and touristic attractions. Makawanpur is home to a variety of ethnic castes (groups). Tamangs account for the majority (47.65 per cent), followed by Brahman/Chhetris (25.28 per cent), Newars (6.81 per cent), Magars (4.54 per cent), Chepangs (3.94 per cent), and other castes (5.89 per cent).
Places to visit in Makwanpur are:
- Chitlang Hike
- Daman
- Indra Sarovar
- Makwanpur Gadhi
- Hetauda
Chitlang Hike
Chitlang VDC is located in a historic Newar hamlet and is one of Makwanpur's Best Places to Visit. Toukhel has inscriptions going back to the Lichchavi period. Chitlang is a little paradise located 22 kilometres south of Kathmandu. Chitlang's stunning charm provides a tranquil day in nature and a beautiful landscape.
The hike begins with a challenging ascent to Chandragiri and then falls all the way to Chitlang. The breathtaking scenery of lush forest, Kathmandu valley, and the Himalayas in the north will take your breath away. You may relax at the Chitlang Organic Village Resort, which will become a lasting memory for you.
It is Chitlang's first resort, which opened in 2010. Ashoka Chaita, Goat Farming, Bhairab Temple, Maghgaon, Pauwa, Saatdhara, and Shivalaya are the most fantastic attractions in Chitlang hamlet.
Daman
Daman is amongst the most beautiful tourist destinations in the Makwanpur District's Thaha Municipality. At an elevation of 2,322 meters, it is located on the Tribhuvan Highway, some 77 kilometres southwest of Kathmandu. Daman boasts possibly the most stunning panoramic view of the Himalaya, which runs from Dhaulagiri in the west to Mt. Everest in the east.
Daman is located eighty kilometres southwest of Kathmandu, on a steep hill. The Daman Resort has an observation tower with a long-range telescope and some fantastic treks are surrounding Daman. In Daman, a beautiful botanical garden is regarded as one of Nepal's most essential and oldest botanical gardens.
Rhododendrons of many types may be seen here, making this one of Makwanpur's Best Places to Visit. There are several picnic areas available for trips. It is possible to visit for a single day or to remain for several days, drawing deep breaths away from the rush and bustle of city life.
Indra Sarovar
The largest artificial lake in Nepal, Indra Sarovar, was built in a steep valley between Markhu and Kulekhani Village Development Committee. The Kulekhani Hydro Project constructed the 7-kilometre-long lake.
A massive dam has blocked many rivers. The distance between Hetauda and Kathmandu is 35 kilometres. It is amongst the most attractive places to visit in Makwanpur, with the surrounding hills, lush forest, and starry sky reflected beautifully in the lake during the brilliant full moon. The lake is well-known for its freshwater fish, such as trout.
Makwanpur Gadhi
Makwanpur Gadhi is a small village located 17 kilometres north of Hetauda. This fort is the Sen dynasty's crowning achievement. The Sen dynasty ruled Makwanpur till 1819 B.S. when Nepal was united. The King of Palpa, “Mani Mukunda Sen,” split his vast realm into four parts and placed Makwanpur under the control of his youngest son, “Lohang Sen.”
The Makwanpur Fort is a wholly preserved resource of Makwanpur district and one of the Best Places to Visit in Makwanpur, with historical and cultural significance. A 25-foot-high, seven-foot-wide wall surrounds the fort. There is a ten-foot-deep canal that was constructed to protect them from their attackers.
Within the fort, there are two castles, one called "Mool Gadhi" and the other "Sanno Gadhi." About 35 years ago, a palace was known as "Jungey Darbar," which had a mystical beauty of its own and became an essential part of the "Sen Dynasty." However, the succeeding Sen kings exploited the palace (Jungey Darbar) for their private purposes rather than preserving the ancient landmark.
Hetauda
Hetauda is seventy-six kilometres from Kathmandu, the capital city, by the fast road and 132 kilometres through Daman. It is situated at the height of 300-390 meters above sea level and is located at 27°25′ N latitude and 85°02′ E longitude.
The city is recognized for its pristine and tidy surroundings, which are surrounded by vegetation. The city's principal attractions are Puspalal Park, Bhutandevi Temple, Banaskhandi, and the industrial region. Martyr Memorial Park, Sahid Smarak, Palung Valley, and Gumba Danda are some of Hetauda's other well-known attractions.