According to Hindu tradition, while a distressed Lord Shiva was carrying the body of his dead wife, Sati, around the world, her tooth fell out at Dharan. The shrine of Dantakali marks that spot. Other important shrines include Panchakanya, Buddha Subba and Pandeshwar.
The hilltop destination of Bedhetar, 10 miles from town, is home to Charles Point, a peak that Britain's Charles, Prince of Wales, summited in 1994. Other active pursuits include paragliding at Bedhetar and rafting excursions on the Tamur and Kosi rivers.
The downtown Hotel Ambassador and hillside Pancha Kanya Resort are budget hotels, and Hotel Aangan is a mid-range option with air conditioning. The Nirvana Country Club, which has a hotel as well as an 18-hole golf course, is at the top end.
According to AllNepal.com, Dharan has a "tropical monsoon climate" with high temperatures averaging 95 degrees F. in April and low 50s in January.
There is no airport at Dharan, but there is regular bus service to Biratnagar (one hour), Nepal's second-largest city and home to a small airport. Katmandu is 15 hours by bus.
