VALMIKINAGAR
Formally known as BHAINSA LOTAN,
it is a famous tourist spot where a dam is built
on the river Gandak (Gandak Project). This dam and its
channels are the lifeline of north-western part of Bihar.
This channel also irrigates some portions of eastern U.P.
This dam is also generating hydro-electricity. This dam
has been handed over to the nation by late Pandit Jawaharlal
Nehru the then Prime Minister. For any tourist interested
in exploring natural beauty, a visit to the sylvan surroundings
of Valmilki Nagar is a must, where the gushing streams
of Gandak break the ascetic calm of the Himalayan foothills.
Bhainsalotan is also famous for Valmiki Ashram where Maharshi
Valmiki, the author of the Ramayan is said to have passed
some years. Lord Shiva temple, constructed by Bettiah
Raj and ancient Shiv-Parvati temple is also situated here
 Bank
of Triveni (Confluence)
This
is in the north-western part of the district under Bagaha-II
Block and situated about five miles above the Valmikinagar
dam. The confluence of river Gandak. Panchanand and Sonaha
is an attractive place to see. This place is at the Indo-Nepal
border. One bank of this confluence touches Triveni village
of Nepal while another bank extends to Bhaisalotan village
of India. The holy book “Srimad Bhagwat” describes
that the thousand years battle between Gaj (Elephant)
and Grah (Crocodile) was started at this place. Lord Vishnu
appeared and protected the elephant. Every year a fair
is held at this holy place on the eve of “Magh Sankranti”
(Magh is the 11th month of the Hindu lunar calander and
‘Sankranti’ refers to the period of time when
Sun enters into a new sign of zodiac. This occasion is
also known as bathing festival in holy rivers. Thousand
of devotees including old, women, children take the holy
dip in this confluence. BAWANGARHI
A name meaning 52 forts, given
to the remains of some old fortifications near Darwabari
in Bagaha-II block about 8 Kms. from Tribeni. The place
is also called Tripan Bazar . The remains of the 52
forts and 53 bazars are at a short distance to the north
of the village. To the north-west across the swamp are
remains of massive embankments which may perhaps have
been intended to serve as reservoirs. No trustworthy
informatrion is available as the history of Bawangarhi
though legends abound.
BHIKNATOHARI
A beauty spot located in Gaunaha
block on the northern part of the district, is the last
railway station on Narkatiaganj Bhiknathori section. Located
in the midst of beautiful scenery, it gives a clear
view of the snow capped Himalayas and the Annapurna
peak in the winter. King George V had visited this
place for hunting. An attractive bunglow is still existent
here.
SUMESWER
A fort is situated on the
summit of the Sumeswer hills, at a height of 2,884 feet
above sea level, in Ramnagar block. The fort which stands
on the edge of a sharp precipice, is now in ruins, but
its remains are well defined and reservoirs cut out
of the soild rocks, in which water was stored for the
use of the inhabitants, can still be seen. From the
ridge upon which Fort Sumeswer is situated. a magnificent
view of the snow and of the intervening valleys
and low hills situated in Nepal can be seen . The ridge
here forms the boundary between West Champaran
and Nepal. The great Himalayan peaks of Dhoulagiri,
Gosainthan and Gaurishanker are all clearly visible,
and the view is said to be, for extent, one of the finest
obtainable from any place on the frontier line India.
BRINDAVAN
Situated at a distance of
10 Kms. from Bettiah, in Gaunaha Block, this village
had the honour of being the venue of the annual conference
of 'All India Gandhi Seva Sangh' in 1937. It was attended
by Mahatama Gandhi, Dr.Rajendra Prasad and Shri J.B.
Kripalani. From that time a basic school founded by
Gandhiji, has been functioning there.
 BHITIHARAWA
ASHRAM
It is a village in Gaunaha block from where Gandhiji
started his freedom movement that came to be known as
'Champaran Satyagraha' in India history. The village
houses the hut which is called Ashram and has become
a place of Gandhian pilgrimage.
NANDANGARH AND CHANKIGARH
Nandangarh is situated in
Lauria block while Chankigarh is situated in Narkatiaganj
block. These are actually two big mounds which are the
remains of palaces of Nanda Dynasty and Chanakya, the
world famous economist, Nandangarh has also been conjectured
as the ashes Stupa where the ashes of Buddha are said
to have been enshrined.
 ASHOKA
PILLARS
About one kilometer east of
Nandangarh in Lauria block is the lion pillar of Ashoka,
over 2300 years old and is in excellent condition.
This pillar is 35 feet in height and its base diameter
is 35 inches and upper diameter is 22 inches. Its massiveness
and exquisite finish furnish striking proof of the skill
and resources of the masons of Ashokan age. Two
more such pillars with their capitals removed have been
discovered in Rampurwa village, close to Gandhi's Bhitiharawa
Ashram in Gaunaha block. One of their capitals, the
bull is now in the National Museum at New Delhi and
the other, the lion, is at Calcutta Museum.
SARAIYA MAN
Situated at a distance of
about 6 Kms. from Bettiah town, Saraiya man is a lake
which is a beauty spot. The water of this
lake is considered salubrious for digestion because
of black berries (Jamun) planted on its banks which
fall in the water. The lake attracts large varieties
of birds.
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