Rajbiraj Nepal Travel Guide 2026 | Complete City Information

Rajbiraj, proudly known as the "Pink City of Nepal," holds the remarkable distinction of being Nepal's first systematically planned township, designed in 1938 by Chief Engineer and Architect Dilli Jung Thapa following the innovative urban planning principles of Jaipur, India's famous Pink City. This pioneering municipality in southeastern Madhesh Province represents a unique chapter in Nepal's urban development history, having been methodically laid out on 78 bigha of land with structured zones including government offices (Kachahari line) and residential areas (Swarna tol), featuring a grid layout that showcased Nepal's first experiment in modern city planning. Named after the ancient 8th-century Rajdevi Temple, a significant Shakti Peetha housing a 1000-year-old deity statue, the city carries both mythological significance as the historical twin city of Janakpur and the seat of King Kushadhwaja from the Ramayana, establishing its deep cultural and religious roots in Terai heritage.

The city offers visitors a fascinating blend of urban planning heritage, religious significance, and strategic border commerce, featuring attractions like the sacred Rajdevi Temple rebuilt by Sena kings in the 14th century, multiple Hindu temples over 200 years old including the revered Bhagwati Temple, and the renowned Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve just 40 minutes away with its 485+ bird species and Ramsar wetland designation. Cultural enthusiasts can explore the vibrant weekly Hatiyaa Bazaars where rural farmers showcase agricultural produce, spices, and traditional handicrafts, while history buffs can appreciate the unique architectural heritage that reflects the successful fusion of Indo-Nepali cultural exchange through its planned urban design and ornate decorative details inspired by Jaipur's Pink City legacy.

With its strategic location just 10 kilometers from the Indo-Nepal border at Kunauli, excellent connectivity via the East-West Highway and historic Rajbiraj Airport (reopened in 2018), and recognition as the educational capital of Eastern Nepal with comprehensive academic infrastructure, Rajbiraj perfectly balances historical significance with modern accessibility. The city's diverse demographics featuring Hindu (87%), Muslim (10.89%), Jain, and Sikh communities create a rich multicultural environment, while its fertile Terai plains support thriving agriculture and cross-border trade that makes it an essential destination for travelers interested in experiencing Nepal's pioneering urban planning heritage, ancient religious sites, and the unique cultural fusion that defines this remarkable Pink City of the eastern plains.