Barbote
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Barbote
बरबोटे | |
|---|---|
Village Development Committee | |
| Coordinates: 26°57′N 87°56′E / 26.95°N 87.93°E | |
| Country | |
| Province | Province No. 1 |
| District | Ilam District |
| Population (1991) | |
• Total | 4,739 |
| Time zone | UTC+5:45 (Nepal Time) |
Barbote was a town and Village Development Committee in Ilam District in the Province No. 1 of eastern Nepal. At the time of the 1991 Nepal census it had a population of 4,739 persons living in 876 individual households.[1]
It was superseded by rural municipality in 2017.[2]
Barbote is a charming village area located within the Ilam Municipality, widely recognized for its lush greenery and rolling tea gardens. Situated along the Mechi Highway, it serves as a scenic transit point for travelers heading deeper into the hills of eastern Nepal. The region is famous not only for its tea but also for its high-quality agricultural products like Akabare chilies and dairy. Its cool climate and peaceful atmosphere make it a perfect spot to experience the authentic beauty of Ilam’s landscape.
Barbote is a scenic and culturally rich locality situated in Ilam District, within the Koshi Province of eastern Nepal. It is located north of the main Ilam Bazaar and serves as a vital transit point for travelers heading towards high-altitude destinations such as Maipokhari and Sandakpur. The area is renowned for its lush greenery, historical tea plantations, and its strategic location on the road to the Kanchenjunga region.
Geography and Connectivity
Barbote lies along the northern stretch of the hills in Ilam. It is a key junction on the route that connects Ilam Municipality to the northern parts of the district and onwards to Taplejung District.Barbote is the primary gateway to Maipokhari, a Ramsar site and a sacred lake located at an altitude of approximately 2,100 meters.The road passing through Barbote eventually leads towards the trekking trails of Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. It also serves as a transit for visitors traveling to Sandakpur, which offers panoramic views of the Himalayan range.
Economy
The economy of Barbote is heavily centered around agriculture and tea production.
- Tea Industry: The Barbote Tea Estate is one of the historic and prominent tea gardens in the region, contributing significantly to the production of high-quality orthodox tea.
- Cash Crops: The area is famous for the production of "Akabare" (round chillies), cardamom, and ginger.
- Tourism: Due to its cool climate and views of the tea gardens, it has become a popular stopover for domestic and international tourists.
Tourism
Visitors often stop at Barbote to experience the authentic "tea culture" of Ilam. The misty weather, especially during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, creates a picturesque landscape. Its proximity to Maipokhari makes it a hub for nature lovers and pilgrims alike.