Explore the History and Splendor of Kamalamai

Not only is Kamalamai a breathtakingly beautiful destination but it is of great historic value for Nepal. It has a population of approximately just over thirty thousand people and is located in the picturesque Sindhuli Valley, in the Sindhuli District of Nepal. This area is situated in the central southern region of the country. It was a location where history was made when the British were defeated for the very first time in Asia. Today, it is a spectacular destination that is blanketed in tranquility and lush landscapes.

The entire Sindhuli region is green in every direction. With the Sunkoshi Roshi River and the Kamla River crossing through the narrow Sindhuli Valley, there is enough water supply for the vegetation and fruit plantations grown by the locals. All trade between the valley and Tibet came to an abrupt end when the Kuti Pass was occupied in 1756, and King Prithvi Narayan Shah conquered Kirtipur, entering the valley thereafter. It was this event that led to the major defeat of the British army. The terrain of the valley is complicated and without knowledge of the geography of the valley, it can be a daunting destination. The British army arrived at Kamalamai in 1767, on request by King Jaya Prakash Malla (Kathmandu), to assist in conquering King Shah’s army. Under the leadership of Captain Kinloch, the army took their stand, but the modern equipment and ammunition of the British could not assist them in navigating the terrain. Thus they were defeated on a location now known as Sindhuli Gadhi. A historic landmark in the valley is the Sindhuli Gadhi Fort that was constructed on the peak of the Mahabharata mountain range.

Visitors to Kamalamai will not find it such a difficult task to reach the town as the British did, as the B.P. Koirala Highway was constructed to connect it to the cities of Dhulikhel and Bardibas. This road also connects to Sindhuli. Transportation, as with the lives of the locals, is simple, and consists of minivans and minibuses, but many locations of Kamalamai are not vehicle accessible. There are various forms of telecommunication in Kamalamai, such as cellular telephones, and even though there is internet access, it is hardly ever used by the local community as it is too expensive for them. Kamalamai is a quiet destination that is recommended to visitors who want to get away from the bustle of the city and enjoy the peacefulness and beauty of the Nepali landscape.