Ilam

Area Code: 027
Ilam is a pleasant town that has some nice walks and tea plantation in the area. The area is similar to the area around Darjeeling Not many visitors come here. There are no mountains views in the area.

Tea Gardens and Factory
There are tea gardens all around Ilam. Tea picking takes place between April and November. The tea plantations were nationalized in the 1960s. The tea factory, just above the town, can be visited. The tea here is some of the finest in the world.

Where to Stay and Eat
The lowest priced places are near the bus stand. These places can be quite noisy.
Mai Valley Guest House, near the bus stand, is a decent budget place.
Tamu Guest House is away from the bus stand and is quiet. It has decent rooms for Rs 175.
Danfe Guest House, a few minute walk from the bus stand in the middle of some tea plantations, has basic, clean rooms for Rs 150/250. It is a good value. To get here to go up the steps at the rear corner of the bus stand, turn right and then turn left at the T-intersection.
Green View Guest House (21030) has big, clean, modern rooms with common bath for Rs 300 and Rs 400with bath. It has hot water and some rooms have balconies overlooking some tea gardens.

Travel
From the Birtamod (4 hr), 12km away on the Mahendra Highway, it is a steep road to here that has excellent views. Buses depart between 7 am to 2 pm and costs Rs 95.

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Copyright ©2001 John Howley and Spiritual Guides