Kichakbadh

In the Mahabharata, the Pandava brothers spend their thirteenth year of exile in disguise at the court of King Virata. There the queen's brother, the commander Kichak, harasses Draupadi, and Bhima kills him in secret. In eastern Nepal many people believe Virata's kingdom lay in these plains — and Kichakbadh, 'the slaying of Kichak', is where the story is placed.

What is there

Excavations have exposed brick foundations and mounds spread over farmland. The remains are modest to look at, but they show that this corner of the Tarai was settled and built on long before modern towns like Bhadrapur existed. Interpretation boards are limited, so imagination does much of the work.

Legend and history

It is important to separate the two: the link to Kichak is a living tradition, not something the bricks prove. The site's real age and purpose are for archaeologists to settle. Either way, standing among the ruins with the story in mind is a memorable detour.

Combine with

Bhadrapur's old riverside bazaar on the Mechi, Kakarbhitta, and the tea gardens make an easy half-day circuit.