Home is where the heart is, and for me, Terai has always felt like home. I was born in Jhapa, a part of Terai, but grew up in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Whenever I passionately talk about the beauty of Terai and how it feels like home to me, people often ask, “Terai? What about Terai? Which part of Terai?” I can never pinpoint one specific place because Terai as a whole feel like home to me.
Whether it’s the people, the warm air, the food, the culture, the festivals, the nature, or the hospitality, or maybe all of it, Terai is special in every way. For me, the idea of travelling or going on vacation has always meant visiting Terai. I don’t visit just one place.
I explore different parts of Terai each time, and wherever I go, it always feels like home. Terai is often underrated; its beauty and the peace it provides are rarely recognised since the country is more celebrated for its hills and mountains. That doesn’t mean I don’t love the mountains—I do—but when comparing, it’s Terai that captures my heart.
Terai is rich with its spicy and flavourful foods, chaotic yet colourful markets, peaceful rivers, and great hospitality from people who always welcome you with a smile and a delicious cup of tea. One of the most beautiful aspects of Terai is its rich and vibrant food culture. Every corner of this region offers delicious food, and the street food of Terai is especially hard to resist.
In Janakpur, Jalebi Puri, Lassi, and the traditional Mithila Thali ar.