Biratnagar

Biratnagar grew in the early 20th century around jute mills and trade with India, and in 1947 its workers' strike became an early milestone of Nepal's democratic movement. The Koirala family, which gave the country four prime ministers, came from here.

It is a busy, flat city of markets, colleges and hospitals rather than sights, but the old mill area, the Biratnagar Airport and the lively bazaars show modern Nepal at work. The ruins of the legendary King Virat's palace are said to lie nearby, giving the city its name.