This Village Is Shared Between India and Nepal - Have You Been Here?

Situated 36 kilometres from the Indian town of Pithoragarh, Jhulaghat is an Indian village inclining towards the Nepalese side of the India-Nepal border in Uttarakhand. Unlike any other border zone with electrified fences separating one country from the other, Jhulaghat has a distinct border zone.

The Mahakali Significance

River Kali or river Mahakali, flows westward between both countries, thus acting as a natural boundary. Connecting the Jhulaghat villages is the iconic suspension bridge which holds credit for the villages’ names. Jhulaghat hosts several interesting places to visit, thus giving a glimpse of the true Himalayan beauty along with river Kali flowing in the distance.

Go Visa-Free Across the Border
The best part about visiting the region is that you can explore the other side of the border without any visa!

Regional Highlights

Comprising of a population of slightly more than a thousand, Jhulaghat offers a mixture of religious and adventurous tourist attractions. Dhwaj Temple is one such attraction which avails magnificent views of the surrounding mountains and river Kali river.

Ramleela Event
Another interesting thing to capture in Jhulaghat is the musical Ramleela event, organised for over a century now.

Shopping
The region also offers various shopping options, including the market on Nepal side of the bridge.

Key Attractions

1. Dhwaj Temple

Situated at a distance of around 26 kilometres from Jhulaghat on the connecting road to Pithoragarh, Dhwaj Temple is a hilltop Shaiva temple with a spectacular Himalayan view. Take up a 4-kilometre trek uphill to reach the Dhwaj Temple. As the trek passes through dense forests, it can get quite tedious. 

2. Thal Kedar Temple

Situated at around 20 kilometres from Jhulaghat village, Thal Kedar temple holds a fascinating fact. Local folklore says that the temple lingam is over 1000 million years old! Elevated at around 8300 feet above the sea level, thousands of devotees gather at the Thal Kedar Temple to offer their prayers every Mahashivratri.  

3. London Fort

London Fort is located on the outskirts of Pithoragarh town. Initially built by the Gorkhas during the early 1790s, London fort got its present name from yes, you guessed it, colonisation. In the present day, London Fort of Pithoragarh consists of around 13 rooms exhibiting various regional historical artefacts.

The London Fort also has a stall to purchase local handicraft items. You could satiate at the fort restaurant too. However, ensure to check the Fort timings in advance as it remains closed for renovation during a different time of the year. The London Fort is an excellent insight into the Gorkha style of architecture.

Transportation

Airways
Flight to Naini Saini Airport of Pithoragarh is one efficient way of reaching Jhulaghat. You would have to take a 40-km road trip towards the west to enter Jhulaghat city. Roadways are the only means of travelling to Jhulaghat from the airport.

Railways
To travel to Jhulaghat via railways, hop down at Kathgodam railway station in Almora. From there, hire a taxi to reach Jhulaghat, which is around 236 kilometres towards the northeast of the railway station. Although the directions may seem vague, it would help in mapping your routes. 

Roadways
Touch upon Pithoragarh first and then take a 36-kilometre road journey towards the east of the Indian town to reach Jhulaghat.

Best Time to Visit

September to November is the best time to visit Jhulaghat as the weather is quite pleasant and touristy.

Tips 

Check the website of the Ministry of External Affairs before crossing the border to understand document requirements during customs checking. 

With so many interesting places to explore, Jhulaghat is hard to ignore while travelling to Pithoragarh. When are you heading to Jhulaghat? Have you been here already? Let us know in the comments below!