Bhimdatta and the Mahakali
In Nepali: भीमदत्त र महाकाली · Also known as: Mahendranagar · Dodhara Chandani bridge · महेन्द्रनगर
Bhimdatta (formerly Mahendranagar) is the headquarters of Kanchanpur, near the Gaddachauki border crossing to Banbasa in India. It is the base for Shuklaphanta National Park.
West of the city, the Dodhara–Chandani suspension bridge spans the Mahakali river, linking two villages cut off by the river; at about 1.5 km it is among the longest suspension bridges in Nepal. The Mahakali itself forms Nepal's entire western border with India.
What to see and do
Visit the Siddhanath temple in Bhimdatta, the Mahakali riverbanks, and the Dodhara–Chandani suspension bridge. Shuklaphanta National Park is next to the city.
Good to know
The Gaddachauki–Banbasa border is a common crossing for travel to Uttarakhand in India. Hotels in Bhimdatta are adequate.
Quick answers
- Where is Bhimdatta and the Mahakali?
- Bhimdatta and the Mahakali is in Kanchanpur district, Sudurpashchim Province, in the Terai belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Bhimdatta and the Mahakali?
- About 200 m (656 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Bhimdatta and the Mahakali?
- For a 3-day trip from Dhangadhi, about NPR 5,000 (≈ US$37) per person on a budget, or NPR 13,000 (≈ US$96) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 5,000 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
- How many days do I need for Bhimdatta and the Mahakali?
- Plan 1 night there; with travel from Dhangadhi and back, about 3 days in all.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Bhimdatta and the Mahakali?
- No special permit or ticket is normally needed.
- When is the best time to visit Bhimdatta and the Mahakali?
- October–March
- How do I get to Bhimdatta and the Mahakali?
- About 1.5 hours by road from Dhangadhi. It is about 38 km (straight line) from Dhangadhi.
- What is Bhimdatta and the Mahakali called in Nepali?
- भीमदत्त र महाकाली
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