Kamalamai
Kamalamai
कमलामाई नगरपालिका | |
|---|---|
Clockwise from top: Sindhulimadhi, Madhi Bazar Chowk, Kamalamai Temple, Sindhuli Gadhi, BP Highway | |
Wards of Kamalamai | |
Kamalamai Location in Bagmati Kamalamai Location in Nepal | |
| Coordinates: 27°12′37″N 85°54′45″E / 27.2104°N 85.9124°E | |
| Country | Nepal |
| Province | Bagmati |
| District | Sindhuli |
| No. of Wards | 14 |
| Established | 27 March 1997 |
| Admin H.Q. | Sindhulimadhi |
| Government | |
| • Mayor | Upendra Kumar Pokharel (NC) |
| • Deputy Mayor | Manju Devkota (CPN UML) |
| Area | |
• Total | 482.57 km2 (186.32 sq mi) |
| • Rank | 1st in Bagmati Province 6th in Nepal |
| Population (2021) | |
• Total | 71,016 |
| • Density | 147.16/km2 (381.15/sq mi) |
| Time zone | UTC+5:45 (NST) |
| Postal code | 45900 |
| Area code | 047 |
| Website | www |
Kamalamai (Nepali: कमलामाई) is a municipality in Sindhuli District of Bagmati Province in Nepal. It has a total area of 482.57 km2. [1]In terms of area, it is the largest municipality of Bagmati Province and 6th largest municipality of Nepal. At the time of the 2021 Nepal census, it had a population of 71,016 people in 18,135 households.[2] Sindhulimadhi, commonly referred to simply as Sindhuli, serves as both the administrative center of the municipality and the headquarter of Sindhuli District.[3]
The municipality was established on 27 March 1997 (14 Chaitra 2053 B.S)[4] and further expanded on 10 March 2017 (27 Falgun 2073 B.S).[5]
The historic Sindhuli Gadhi fort lies within the municipality on the Mahabharat Hills north of Sindhulimadhi.[1] The iconic BP Highway passes through the municipality.
Etymology
The municipality is named after the Kamalamai Temple, a historic Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kamalamai.[5] The temple is located near the confluence of the Kamala and Gwang (Gaumati) rivers, south of Sindhulimadhi.[6]
Background
Kamalamai Municipality was established on 27 March 1997 (14 Chaitra 2053 B.S) by merger of existing Village Development Committees (VDCs) of Siddheshwar (containing Sindhulimadhi) and Bhiman.[4] It had a total area of 208.09 km2.
As part of Nepal’s restructuring of local bodies, the municipality was expanded on 10 March 2017 (27 Falgun 2073 B.S) to include Dandiguranse, Bhadrakali, Jalkanya, Ranichuri and Ranibas VDCs.[5] The total area increased to 482.57 km2.[7]
Geography
Topography
The municipality’s topography ranges from lower elevation flatlands to rugged hills. It encompasses the areas of Inner Terai, Chure (Sivalik Hills) and some parts of the Mahabharat Hills (Lower Himalayan Range).[5] It includes Sindhuli Valley along with a part of Kamala River Plain, a small part of Marin River Plain and other smaller river plains. Large areas of the municipality are covered with forest.
Major rivers flowing through this municipality include Kamala, Gwang (Gaumati), Gadauli and Marin.
Areas
Kamalamai consists of various areas and places.
Sindhulimadhi, located in Sindhuli Valley is the center of the municipality. It contains neighbourhoods like Madhi Bazar, Dhura Bazar, Dhungrebas, Ratmata, Madhutar, Majhitar, Panityanki, Laxman Chowk, Rammadi, Milan Chowk, Dhakal Gaun and Gayatar.
Karkare, Bhiman and Ranibas are located on Kamala Plain southeast of Sindhulimadhi. Places like Pipal Bhanjyang, Selfie Danda, Sindhuli Gadhi and Chapauli lie on Mahabharat Hills to the north. The area of Ranichuri containing places like Jarayotar and Tintale lies to the east. Dandiguranse lies on Marin Plain to the west.
Ward division
During the time of incorporation in 1997, Kamalamai Municipality was divided into 18 wards.[4] After the incorporation of 5 more VDCs in 2017, the municipality was reorganized into 14 wards.[7][8]
| Current Ward | Previous Municipality / VDC Wards | Area (km2) | Population (2021)[1] | Admin. Centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dandigunrase (1-9) | 82.66 | 4,565 | Majhini Damar |
| 2 | Bhadrakali (1-9) | 50.48 | 3,790 | Nibuwatar |
| 3 | Jalkanya (1-9) | 9.05 | 1,359 | Chapauli |
| 4 | Kamalamai (1,2,5,9) | 27.12 | 8,818 | Dhungrebas |
| 5 | Kamalamai (4) | 26.84 | 8,292 | Madhutar |
| 6 | Kamalamai (6) | 5.93 | 12,498 | Madhi Bazar |
| 7 | Kamalamai (7,8) | 28.79 | 6,828 | Majhitar |
| 8 | Kamalamai (3,10) | 57.84 | 3,672 | Karkare |
| 9 | Kamalamai (11,12,14) | 24.22 | 4,728 | Bhiman |
| 10 | Kamalamai (13,15-18) | 37.35 | 3,397 | Dandatol |
| 11 | Ranichuri (1-3,5) | 38.13 | 3,800 | Jarayotar |
| 12 | Ranichuri (4,6-9) | 43.34 | 3,822 | Sundanda |
| 13 | Ranibas (1-3,8,9) | 24.38 | 2,258 | Mathillo Ranibas |
| 14 | Ranibas (4-7) | 26.44 | 3,211 | Tallo Ranibas |
The previous 18 wards and their constituent VDC wards are as follows:[4]
| Previous
Wards |
Previous VDC Wards | Population (2011)[9] |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Siddheshwar 1 | 611 |
| 2 | Siddheshwar 2 | 1,027 |
| 3 | Siddheshwar 3 | 1,706 |
| 4 | Siddheshwar 4 | 6,045 |
| 5 | Siddheshwar 5 | 2,289 |
| 6 | Siddheshwar 6 | 9,783 |
| 7 | Siddheshwar 7 | 5,255 |
| 8 | Siddheshwar 8 | 750 |
| 9 | Siddheshwar 9 | 2,243 |
| 10 | Bhiman 1 | 1,909 |
| 11 | Bhiman 2 | 1,818 |
| 12 | Bhiman 3 | 1,714 |
| 13 | Bhiman 4 | 688 |
| 14 | Bhiman 5 | 714 |
| 15 | Bhiman 6 | 720 |
| 16 | Bhiman 7 | 733 |
| 17 | Bhiman 8 | 595 |
| 18 | Bhiman 9 | 813 |
Electoral history
| Election | Mayor | Deputy Mayor |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Basudev Shrestha | Ras Bahadur Karki |
| 2017[10] | Khagda Bahadur Khatri
(CPN UML) |
Manju Devkota
(CPN UML) |
| 2022[11] | Upendra Kumar Pokharel
(NC) |
Demographics
At the time of the 2021 Nepal census, Kamalamai Municipality had a population of 71,016 in 18,135 households. The population was composed of 34,316 males and 36,700 females.[2]
- Nepali (65.1%)
- Tamang (20.2%)
- Magar Dhut (4.59%)
- Newar (2.94%)
- Danuwar (2.23%)
- Maithili (1.95%)
- Others (2.93%)
In terms of language, 65.13% spoke Nepali, 20.23% Tamang, 4.59% Magar Dhut, 2.94% Newar, 2.23% Danwar, 1.95% Maithili, 0.76% Vayu (Hayu), 0.56% Sunwar, 0.52% Majhi, 0.31% Bhojpuri, 0.16% Bhujel, 0.13% Rai and 0.49% other languages.[1]
- Hill Janajati (52.8%)
- Khas (42.1%)
- Terai Adivasi (2.54%)
- Madheshi (2.08%)
- Others (0.46%)
In terms of ethnicity/caste, 22.78% were Tamang, 19.78% Chhetri, 11.44% Magar, 9.68% Newar, 8.80% Hill Brahmin, 5.20% Biswakarma, 3.97% Mijar, 3.39% Majhi, 3.30% Pariyar, 2.37% Danuwar, 2.16% Gharti/Bhujel, 1.41% Hayu, 1.14% Sunuwar, 0.64% Thakuri, 0.44% Sanyasi/Dasnami, 0.39% Terai Brahmin, 0.30% Rai, 0.24% Kalwar, 0.20% Sonar, 0.18% Sundi, 0.17% Gurung, 0.16% Yadav, 0.15% Hajam/Thakur, 0.15% Tharu, 0.15% Muslim, 0.14% Teli, 0.14 Thami, 0.12% Kamar, 0.10% Koiri/Kushwaha and 1.09% others.[1]
In terms of religion, 74.79% were Hindu, 21.39% Buddhist, 2.61% Christian, 0.71% Kirati, 0.28% Prakriti, 0.21% Muslim and 0.01% Bon.[1]
In terms of literacy, 77.83% were literate with male literacy at 85.20% and female at 71.03%.[1]
The historical population of the municipality is given in the following table:[2][9][12]
| Year | Population | Annual Growth Rate | Density (people per km2) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 24,368 | — | 117 | Population of VDCs later incorporated in 1997 |
| 2001 | 32,838 | 3.03% | 158 | Population within pre-2017 municipal boundaries |
| 2011 | 39,413 | 1.84% | 189 | |
| 2011 (recalculated) | 64,386 | — | 133 | Population within post-2017 municipal boundaries, including VDCs incorporated in 2017 |
| 2021 | 71,016 | 0.98% | 147 |
Economy
Agriculture is the primary economic activity of the municipality. Crops like rice, maize, wheat, potatoes, millet as well as seasonal fruits and vegetables are grown in the municipality.[1] People are also engaged in livestock farming including poultry and dairy production.[13] A significant number of households are dependent on remittances from abroad.
Sindhulimadhi is the main town and the commercial hub of the municipality. As the district headquarters, it serves as a focal point for business activities and services for the entire Sindhuli District. Weekly markets (locally known as Haat) are held at Sindhulimadhi on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Bhiman is another market town of the municipality where weekly market (Haat) is held on Fridays.[1] Apart from trade and commerce, people in the towns are also engaged in service sectors like education, finance, health and public administration.
Tourism is a developing sector in Kamalamai. Natural, cultural and historical attractions including Kamalamai Temple[6] and Sindhuli Gadhi Fort draw visitors to the municipality.[14] In support of tourism, a range of hotels and resorts operate in and around the municipality.
Public services
Health Services: The municipality is served by Sindhuli Hospital, a 100 bed provincial level hospital. Located in Sindhulimadhi, it is the main public health facility in the entire Sindhuli District.[15] There are also health centres and health posts in various parts of the municipality.
Drinking Water: Drinking water supply in parts of the municipality, particularly in Sindhulimadhi and surrounding areas, is managed by the Siddheshwar Drinking Water and Sanitation Consumers Committee. It is a community-based organisation that operates a piped water system sourcing from local springs and reservoirs. This system supplies piped water to several thousand households, with infrastructure including treatment and storage facilities.[16]
Sanitation and Waste Management: Municipal waste management is overseen by Kamalamai’s Public Health and Environment section, which coordinates solid waste collection, street cleaning and environmental sanitation across wards.
Transportation
Regional
Two national highways, BP Highway and Madan Bhandari (Inner Terai) Highway run through Kamalamai Municipality.
BP Highway connects the municipality to Kathmandu via Dhulikhel and to Terai via Bardibas.[17] It passes through places like Bhiman, Sindhulimadhi and Sindhuli Gadhi. The Sindhulimadhi-Khurkot section of this highway, part of which lies within the municipality, is famous for its scenic route around the Mahabharat Hills, characterized by numerous hairpin turns.
Dharan-Hetauda section of Madan Bhandari (Inner Terai) Highway connects the municipality to Katari, Udayapur to the east and to Hetauda to the west. It passes through Ranibas and merges with BP Highway at Bhiman. The highway resumes at Sindhulimadhi and runs westwards towards Hetauda.[18]
Long-route vehicles run from Sindhulimadhi to cities like Kathmandu, Janakpur, Biratnagar, Birgunj, Hetauda and Pokhara. Janakpur Airport is the closest major airport to the municipality located about 70 kilometers away from Sindhulimadhi.
Local
Most of the parts of Kamalamai are accessible by road. Nowadays, auto rickshaws have common mode of transport within municipality.
Education
Primary and secondary education
Kamalamai municipality has a good facility of education up to SEE levels. Janata ,Suryodaya, Bhagwati, Siddhasthali, Swiss are some of the best private schools in Sindhuli district . The quality of +2 levels too is fine here. Many private colleges run +2 commerce affiliated to HSEB. However, the number of +2 science colleges are very few. Science college like Kamala Higher Secondary School is providing good practical based education to students of Sindhuli. This college has been serving as the central of excellence for all science students throughout Sindhuli valley.
Schools
- Scholars' Academy Boarding School, Bhiman
- Janata Secondary English Boarding School, Ratmata
- Kamala Academic Boarding School, Bhiman
- Shree Janajagriti Mavi Bidyalaya, Bhiman
- Bhagawati English Secondary School, 2 no. Bazaar
- Shining Moon Academy, Madhutar
- Sindhuli Vidhyashram English Boarding School, Dovantaar
- Sindhuli Pathshalaa, Dhungrebas
- Kamala Higher Secondary School, Dhungrebas
- Gaumati Model Secondary School, Majhitaar
- Shree Jana Jyoti Secondary School
- Barun Devi Secondary School
- Daurali Nimna Secondary School
- Shree Siddhabba Secondary School, Panityanki
- New English Secondary Boarding School, Milan Chowk
- Kalimati Nimna Secondary School
- Suryodaya English Secondary School, Ratmata
- Siddhababa English Boarding High School
- New Siddhasthali English Boarding School
- Swiss Sindhuli Secondary English Medium School
- Shree Navajyoti Deaf Lower Secondary School
- Shree Gyan Jyoti Aadarbhut Bidyalaya, Kauchhe
- Aadhunik English Boarding School, Panityanki
Higher education
There are many colleges which facilitate higher education. There are a large number of colleges running courses with affiliation to universities of Nepal. Colleges like Sindhuli Multiple Campus fall under this category. Kamala Science Campus enables students to acquire Bachelor of Science courses (BSc.). There are also colleges for technical education were subjects affiliated with CTEVT are taught.
Colleges
- Shree Janajagriti Ma Vi Bidyalaya, Bhiman
- Gaumati Model Secondary School
- Kamala Science Campus
- Siddha Jyoti Shiksha Campus
- Sindhuli Multiple College
- Sindhuli Community Technical Institute, Sindhuli
- Shree Prabhat Ma Vi, Ranibas
Communication and Media
Kamalamai Municipality has good mobile network coverage with 4G service, mainly provided by Nepal Telecom (NTC) and Ncell. High-speed optical fiber internet is also available, offered by various internet service providers.
To promote local culture, Kamalamai Municipality has three FM radio stations: Sindhuligadhi FM - 92 MHz, Radio Siddhababa - 98.4 MHz and Radio Sahara - 104.2 MHz.
The KM Club holds various events in colleges of Sindhuli.
Places of attraction
Historical sites
- Sindhuli Gadhi Fort
- Ranichuri Durbar
Temples
- Kamalamai (कमलामाई)
- Siddhababa (सिद्धबाबा)
- Rameshwar Dham (रामेश्वर धाम)
- Ganesh Than (गणेश थान)
- Maisthaan
- Kalimaithaan
- Rakta Mala
- Sibalaya
- Gayadevi
- Krishna Mandir
- Bakeshwor Mahadev
- Bhimsen Mandir
- Ganesh Mandir
- Bhadrakaali Mandir
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "जिल्ला वस्तुगत विवरण सिन्धुली २०८०" (PDF).
- ^ a b c "Bagmati Province Census Report" (PDF). CBS Nepal.
- ^ "जिल्ला परिचय". (In Nepali) DAO Sindhuli.
- ^ a b c d "नगरपालिका क्षेत्र तोकी बिभाजन गरेको". Nepal Rajpatra (in Nepali). 27 March 1997. Retrieved 22 December 2025.
- ^ a b c d "Kamalamai Brief Introduction".
- ^ a b "कमलामाई मन्दिरको उत्पत्तिस्थलको पर्यटन प्रवर्द्धनमा जोड". 2022-12-07. Retrieved 2026-02-25.
- ^ a b "स्थानिय तह". (In Nepali) sthaniya.gov.np.
- ^ "Kamalamai Ward Profile".
- ^ a b "NATIONAL POPULATION CENSUS 2011, HOUSEHOLD AND POPULATION BY SEX, WARD LEVEL, SINDHULI" (PDF). Central Bureau of Statistics, Nepal.
- ^ "स्थानीय तह निर्वाचन, २०७४ निर्वाचन परिणाम पुस्तक, प्रदेश नं. ३" (PDF). Election Commission Nepal. Retrieved 11 January 2026.
- ^ "Kamalamai Municipality - Election 2079 | Results and Updates | Local Election of Nepal 2079 - Sindhuli, Bagmati Pradesh | Ekantipur Election". election.ekantipur.com. Retrieved 2026-01-11.
- ^ Central Bureau of Statistics, Nepal
- ^ "In Sindhuli, dairy gives farmers, especially women, a new hope". kathmandupost.com. Retrieved 2026-01-14.
- ^ "Five places to visit while you're in Sindhuli". kathmandupost.com. Retrieved 2026-02-25.
- ^ "Patients with seasonal flue rises in Sindhuli Hospital". GorakhaPatra. Retrieved 2026-01-14.
- ^ "SFD Report Kamalamai Municipality Nepal Final Report" (PDF).
- ^ "Japan hands over BP Highway to Nepal".
- ^ "Madan Bhandari Highway (NH09)".