Sindhuli District

{{Infobox settlement | type = [[Districts of Nepal|District]] | name = Sindhuli District | native_name = सिन्धुली | nickname = | native_name_lang =  | motto = | image_skyline = BP Highway, Sindhuli.jpg | image_alt = | image_caption = BP Highway, Sindhuli | image_size = 300 | image_map = Sindhuli Bagmati locator.png | mapsize = 300 | map_alt = | map_caption = Location of district in Bagmati Province | image_map1 = | mapsize1 = | map_alt1 = | map_caption1 = | coordinates = | coordinates_footnotes = | subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_name = {{NPL}} | subdivision_type1 = [[Provinces of Nepal|Province]] | subdivision_name1 = [[Bagmati Province|Bagmati]] | parts_type = [[Local self-government in Nepal|Municipality]] | parts_style = coll | p1 = | p2 = | established_title = Established | established_date = 1962 | seat_type = Headquarter | seat = [[Sindhulimadhi]] ([[Kamalamai]]) | leader_title = Head | leader_name = | leader_party = | leader_title1 = Deputy-Head | leader_name1 = | leader_title2 = [[House of Representatives (Nepal)|Parliamentary Constituencies]] | leader_name2 = 2 | leader_title3 = [[Provincial Assembly (Nepal)|Provincial Constituencies]] | leader_name3 = 4 | government_footnotes = | government_type = [[District Coordination Committee|Coordination committee]] | governing_body = [[District Coordination Committee|DCC]], Sindhuli | area_footnotes = | area_total_km2 = 2491 | area_note = | area_rank = | elevation_footnotes = | elevation_m = | elevation_min_m = 168 | elevation_max_m = 2386 | population_footnotes = | population_total = 300,026 | population_as_of = 2021 | population_density_km2 = auto | population_note = | population_rank = | blank_name_sec1 = [[Languages of Nepal|Main Language(s)]] | blank_info_sec1 = Nepali, Tamang, Magar, Danuwar, Newari | blank_info_sec2 = | timezone1 = [[Nepal Time|NPT]] | utc_offset1 = +05:45 | postal_code_type = Postal Code | postal_code = 45900 | area_code_type = Area Code | area_code = 047 | website = {{URL|www.ddcsindhuli.gov.np}} | footnotes = }}

'''Sindhuli District''' ({{langx|ne|[[:ne:सिन्धुली जिल्ला|सिन्धुली जिल्ला]]}}{{Audio|Sindhuli.ogg|Listen}}) is a [[List of districts of Nepal|district]] of [[Bagmati Province]] in [[Nepal]]. The district, with [[Sindhulimadhi]] ([[Kamalamai]]) as its headquarters<ref>{{Cite web |title=सिन्धुली सदरमुकामका जंगल खरानी हुँदै |url=https://ekantipur.com/bagmati-pradesh/2020/04/11/158657446003523508.html |access-date=2026-04-02 |website=Ekantipur |language=ne}}</ref>, covers an area of {{cvt|2,491|km2}}. It is divided into nine local bodies with two municipalities and seven rural municipalities. As per the [[2021 Nepal census|2021 census]], Sindhuli district has a population of 300,026.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-09-06 |title=Introduction To Sindhuli District |url=https://nepalog.com/bagmati-province/sindhuli-district/introduction-of-sindhuli-district/ |access-date=2025-12-17 |website=Nepalog |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":5">{{Cite web |title=जिल्ला वस्तुगत विवरण सिन्धुली २०८० |url=https://giwmscdnone.gov.np/media/app/public/36/posts/1709009301_88.pdf |access-date=2026-01-16}}</ref>

Sindhuli district is composed of [[Inner Terai Valleys of Nepal|Inner Terai]] and hilly areas. It is classified as Inner Terai District for administrative purposes. It borders 10 other districts, making it the district that borders the most districts.<ref name=":2" /> It borders [[Koshi Province]] to the east and [[Madhesh Province]] to the south.

The district is famous for the historic [[Sindhuli Gadhi|Sindhuli Gadhi Fort]] where troops of [[East India Company|British East India Company]] were defeated by [[Nepali Army|Gorkhali Army]] in 1767 A.D (1824 [[Vikram Samvat|B.S]]).<ref name=":4" /> The iconic [[BP Highway]] passes through this district. Sindhuli is also known for the production of ''Junar'' ([[Orange (fruit)|sweet orange]]).<ref name=":1" />

According to the [[Former administrative units of Nepal|former administrative divisions]] of Nepal, Sindhuli fell under [[Janakpur Zone]] in [[Central Development Region, Nepal|Central Development Region]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Districts, Zones and Development Regions of Nepal |url=http://www.weallnepali.com/about-nepal/map-of-nepal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180128225928/http://www.weallnepali.com/about-nepal/map-of-nepal |archive-date=28 January 2018}}</ref> Sindhuli Gadhi was the headquarter of the district till 1967 A.D (2023 B.S).<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=2 January 1967 |title=जिल्ला सदरमुकाम तोकेको |url=http://rajpatra.dop.gov.np/welcome/download?ref=3851 |website=(In Nepali) Nepal Rajpatra}}</ref>

== Etymology == Sindhuli District is named after the Sindhuli Valley (Sindhulimadhi and surrounding areas). Various accounts are associated with the naming of Sindhuli and there is no definite evidence explaining how the place got its name “Sindhuli (सिन्धुली)”. * One belief is that the name "Sindhuli" originated from the name of King Sindhul (सिन्धुल), who ruled this area in ancient times.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Brief Introduction |url=https://dccsindhuli.gov.np/brief-introduction |access-date=18 December 2025 |website=DCC Sindhuli (In Nepali)}}</ref> * About 11 kilometers from the district headquarter Sindhulimadhi, at an elevation of 1,077 meters above sea level, lies Siddhababa (सिद्धबाबा) Temple. Sindhuli Valley used to be referred as ''Siddhasthali'' (सिद्धस्थली), named after this temple. The word “Siddhasthali” later became distorted over time and eventually evolved into “Sindhuli”.<ref name=":1" /> * Before the unification of Nepal, Sindhuli was the part of the Makawanpur Kingdom, which was ruled by kings of the Sen dynasty. Sindhuli Valley was the hunting and fishing area for those rulers and their officials. The fishing was done by creating a small structure in the river, called ''Duwali'' (दुवाली). Locally, the fishing ''Duwali'' used by the Sen kings used to be referred as ''Sen Ko Duwali'' (सेनको दुवाली), which meant Sen's ''Duwali''. When spoken quickly, it became ''Senduwali'' (सेनदुवाली). Gradually the word got distorted into "Senduli (सेनदुली)", and eventually became “Sindhuli.”<ref name=":8">{{Cite book |last=Sindhuliya |first=Umanath Shastri |title=मकवानी बाला |publisher=[[Sajha Prakashan]] |year= |publication-date= |language=ne}}</ref> * This region has the presence of intense forest. An indigenous group (Tamangs) were predominant in this region and their way of living was dependent on agriculture and forest resources. These indigenous people call ''Singthuwa'' (सिङ्थुवा) for cutting down tree and ''Singthuji'' (सिङ्थुजी) for collecting timber. Over time due to gradual deviation in the pronunciation, the region got its name "Sindhuli".<ref>Nepal Tamang Ghedung, Sindhuli</ref>

== History == === Before unification of Nepal === Sindhuli has been the historical and important route linking the [[Kathmandu Valley]] with the eastern hills and the southern plains, giving it strategic and economic significance. Local forts and hill strongholds, including [[Sindhuli Gadhi]], were controlled by regional powers and functioned as defensive outposts and transit points for trade and movement.<ref>{{cite book |last=Stiller |first=Ludwig F. |title=The Rise of the House of Gorkha |publisher=Human Resources Development Research Center |year=1973 |location=Kathmandu}}</ref> Doyas of [[Karnats of Mithila|Karnat Dynasty]]<ref name=":2" /> in 1244 A.D and [[Shamsuddin Ilyas Shah]], Sultan of Bengal in 1349 A.D<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |date=2018-02-09 |title=The Sultan's siege of Kathmandu - OnlineKhabar English News |url=https://english.onlinekhabar.com/the-sultans-siege-of-kathmandu.html |access-date=2026-01-06 |language=en-GB}}</ref>, used the route of Sindhuli Gadhi to attack Kathmandu Valley. Prior to [[unification of Nepal]], Sindhuli was the part of Makawanpur Kingdom, ruled by kings of the [[Senas of Makwanpur|Sen dynasty]].<ref name=":8" />

=== Battle of Sindhuli === {{Main|Battle of Sindhuli}} [[File:Sindhuli Fort 01.jpg|thumb|233x233px|Ruins of Sindhuli Gadhi Fort ]]The Battle of Sindhuli, fought in 1767 A.D (1824 B.S), stands as one of the most important military victories in the history of Nepal. It was a confrontation between the Gorkhali forces, led under the broader unification campaign of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, and the troops of the British East India Company. The battle demonstrated the strength, strategy, and determination of the Gorkhali army and played a crucial role in protecting Nepal’s independence.

During the mid-18th century, King Prithvi Narayan Shah was actively working to unify the many small kingdoms of the Himalayan region into a single nation. At the same time, the British East India Company was expanding its influence in the Indian subcontinent. When the King of [[Kingdom of Kantipur|Kantipur]] (Kathmandu), [[Jaya Prakash Malla]] sought British help to counter the Gorkhali advance, a British force under Captain Kinloch was sent toward Kathmandu. To reach the valley, the troops had to pass through the difficult hill region of Sindhuli Gadhi.

The Gorkhali forces took full advantage of the rugged terrain and dense forests of Sindhuli Gadhi. Instead of facing the British in open battle, they used guerrilla warfare tactics—ambushing supply lines, blocking routes, and constantly harassing the advancing troops. The British soldiers, unfamiliar with the landscape and suffering from shortages of food and supplies, became exhausted and demoralized.

Unable to withstand the continuous pressure and harsh conditions, the British troops were forced to retreat. This defeat was significant because it showed that a well-organized local force, using smart strategy and knowledge of the land, could defeat a powerful foreign army. The victory at Sindhuli Gadhi strengthened the Gorkhali position and discouraged further British military involvement in Nepal at that time.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2024-08-08 |title=The battle of Sindhuli |url=https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/the-battle-of-sindhuli |access-date=2026-01-06 |website=myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com |language=English}}</ref>

=== Shah and Rana rule === Following the successful unification of Nepal, Sindhuli was incorporated into the centralized administrative system of the [[Shah dynasty|Shah monarchy]]. During the [[Rana dynasty|Rana regime]], it was the part of East No. 2 (पूर्व २ नम्बर) District. <ref name=":1" /> The district remained largely rural, with limited infrastructure development and minimal state investment. Governance was exercised through appointed officials, and the local population was primarily engaged in agriculture and subsistence livelihoods.<ref>{{cite book |last=Whelpton |first=John |title=A History of Nepal |publisher=Cambridge University Press |year=2005 |location=Cambridge}}</ref>

=== Later period === Sindhuli as a district came into existence in 1962 A.D (2019 B.S) with Sindhuli Gadhi as its headquarter, when Nepal was divided into 75 districts and 14 zones. On 2 January 1967 A.D (18 Poush 2023 B.S), the district headquarter was moved to Sindhulimadhi.<ref name=":6" />

During [[Panchayat (Nepal)|Panchayat era]], Sindhuli gradually experienced administrative and social changes. Infrastructure development, including roads and public services, expanded slowly due to the district’s hilly terrain. In the 1990s and 2000s, Sindhuli, like many districts of Nepal, was affected by political movements, including the Maoist insurgency. In recent decades, local governance reforms and development initiatives have contributed to improved connectivity and recognition of the district’s historical heritage, particularly the preservation of Sindhuli Gadhi as a national historical site.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sindhuli Gadhi declared national heritage site |publisher=Government of Nepal, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation |url=https://www.tourism.gov.np|access-date=6 January 2026}}</ref>

== Geography and Climate ==

=== Topography === Sindhuli District consists of a diverse landscape that includes the Mahabharat Hills and Chure Hills, with majority of the district lying in Inner Terai region. Forests cover two-thirds of the district's total area.<ref name=":1" />

[[Lower Himalayan Range|Mahabharat Hills (Lower Himalayan Range)]] occupy the northern belt of the district.<ref name=":1" /> The highest point of the district, Phikkal Peak with an elevation of 2,386 meters above sea level, lies in this region.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Phikkal Rural Municipality |url=https://phikkalmun.gov.np/}}</ref> [[File:Sindhulimadhi 2020.jpg|thumb|Sindhulimadhi in Sindhuli Valley]] The middle section of district is composed of the [[Inner Terai Valleys of Nepal|Inner Terai]] region. This region includes river valleys and plains such as Sindhuli Valley, Kamala Plain, Marin Plain and Tinpatan Valley Plain.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=Sindhuli District Introduction |url=https://daosindhuli.moha.gov.np/page/district-profile-2 |website=(In Nepali) DAO Sindhuli}}</ref> The majority of the district's population reside in this region. The lowest point of the district at an elevation of 168 meters above sea level is in Dudhauli, which lies in this region.

The southern belt is occupied by [[Sivalik Hills|Chure (Sivalik) Hills]].<ref name=":1" /> These hills are covered with dense forest and separate the rest of the district from outer (main) [[Terai]].

=== Rivers === [[File:Kamala river near Hatpate-5, Sindhuli, Nepal.png|thumb|Kamala River]] Sindhuli district has a total of 149 large and small rivers. Majority of rivers originate from Mahabharat Hills, with some from Chure Hills. Major rivers include [[Kamala River|Kamala]], Marin, Chadaha, Gwang (Gaumati), Thakur Khola, Kyan Khola and Bitijor Khola.<ref name=":1" />The [[Sunkoshi River]] flows along the northern border of the district while the [[Bagmati River]] flows along its western border.

=== District Border === Sindhuli borders 10 districts and 2 provinces which are as follows<ref name=":2" />:

'''East:''' [[Udayapur District|Udayapur]] ([[Koshi Province|Koshi]]) and [[Siraha District|Siraha]] ([[Madhesh Province|Madhesh]])

'''West:''' [[Rautahat District|Rautahat]] (Madhesh), [[Makwanpur District|Makawanpur]] and [[Kavrepalanchok District|Kavrepalanchok]]

'''North:''' [[Okhaldhunga District|Okhaldhunga]] (Koshi) and [[Ramechhap District|Ramechhap]]

'''South:''' [[Dhanusha District|Dhanusha]], [[Mahottari District|Mahottari]] and [[Sarlahi District|Sarlahi]], all of which belong to Madhesh Province

=== Climate === {| class="wikitable" |- ! [[Geography of Nepal#Climate|Climate Zone]]<ref>{{Cite book |title=The map of potential vegetation of Nepal |date=2005 |publisher=Forest & Landscape |isbn=978-87-7903-210-1 |editor-last=Lillesø |editor-first=Jens-Peter Barnekow |series=Development and environment / Forest & Landscape |location=Hørsholm}}</ref> ! Elevation Range ! % of Area |- | Lower [[Tropical climate|Tropical]] | below 300 meters (1,000 ft) | 13.7% |- | Upper Tropical | 300 to 1,000 meters 1,000 to 3,300 ft. | 61.7% |- | [[Subtropics|Subtropical]] | 1,000 to 2,000 meters 3,300 to 6,600 ft. | 23.6% |- | [[Temperate climate|Temperate]] | 2,000 to 3,000 meters 6,400 to 9,800 ft. | 0.5% |} {{Clear}}

==Administration== [[File:Sindhuli local bodies.png|thumb|Sindhuli Local Level Map|300x300px]] Sindhuli District is administered from headquarter [[Sindhulimadhi]], Kamalamai. [[District administration in Nepal|District Administration Office]] (DAO), under [[Ministry of Home Affairs (Nepal)|Ministry of Home Affairs]] is responsible for administration, as well as maintaining law and order in the district. DAO is headed by Chief District Officer (CDO).<ref>{{Cite web |title=DAO Introduction |url=https://daosindhuli.moha.gov.np/page/introduction-30 |website=(In Nepali) DAO Sindhuli}}</ref>[[District Coordination Committee]] (DCC) maintains coordination among local bodies, and with provincial and federal government.

Sindhuli [[District Courts of Nepal|District Court]] has jurisdiction over criminal and civil cases within the district.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thapa |first=Kokil |title=Sindhuli District Court {{!}} सिन्धुली जिल्ला अदालत |url=https://www.nepallawyer.com/court/sindhuli-district-court |access-date=2025-12-19 |website=www.nepallawyer.com |language=en}}</ref> 13 post offices are functioning in the district which comes under the Sindhuli District Post Office (DPO) with 45900 as its postal code.

=== Local Bodies === The district consists of nine [[Local government in Nepal|local bodies]], out of which two are [[List of cities in Nepal|Municipalities]] and seven are [[Gaupalika|Rural Municipalities]]. These are as follows:<ref name=":7">{{cite web |title=स्थानिय तह |url=https://sthaniya.gov.np/gis/ |access-date=1 September 2018 |publisher=Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration |language=ne}}</ref><ref name=":0" /><ref name=":5" /> {| class="wikitable sortable" !S.N !Name !Name in Nepali !No. of Wards !Area (km2) !Population (2021) !Administrative Centre !Distance from District H.Q (km) |- |1 |[[Kamalamai|Kamalamai Municipality]] |कमलामाई नगरपालिका |14 |482.57 |71,016 |Sindhulimadhi |0 |- |2 |[[Dudhauli|Dudhauli Municipality]] |दुधौली नगरपालिका |14 |390.39 |70,207 |Dudhauli |57 |- |3 |[[Tinpatan Rural Municipality]] |तीनपाटन गाउँपालिका |11 |280.26 |34,889 |Lampantar (Chakmake) |38 |- |4 |[[Marin Rural Municipality]] |मरिण गाउँपालिका |7 |324.55 |28,808 |Kapilakot (Chhap Bazar) |26 |- |5 |[[Hariharpurgadhi Rural Municipality]] |हरिहरपुरगढी गाउँपालिका |8 |343.90 |26,505 |Jhanjhane |56 |- |6 |[[Golanjor Rural Municipality]] |गोलन्जोर गाउँपालिका |7 |184.13 |18,737 |Bhuwaneshwari Gwaltar |50 |- |7 |[[Sunkoshi Rural Municipality, Sindhuli|Sunkoshi Rural Municipality]] |सुनकोशी गाउँपालिका |7 |154.68 |18,375 |Purano Jhangajholi (Ramtar) |65 |- |8 |[[Phikkal Rural Municipality]] |फिक्कल गाउँपालिका |6 |186.06 |15,910 |Khangsang |75 |- |9 |[[Ghyanglekh Rural Municipality]] |घ्याङलेख गाउँपालिका |5 |166.77 |12,652 |Bastipur (Hayutar) |35 |} === Former Village Development Committees === There were total of 55 [[Village development committee (Nepal)|Village Development Committees]] (VDCs) in Sindhuli till 1997. After the formation of Kamalamai Municipality in 1997, the number of VDCs got reduced to 53. In 2014, Dudhauli Municipality was formed and the number of VDCs got further reduced to 50. On 10 March 2017, as part of Nepal's restructuring of local bodies, the existing VDCs were abolished and incorporated into Municipalities and Rural Municipalities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=New local level units come into existence |url=https://kathmandupost.com/national/2017/03/11/new-local-level-units-come-into-existence |access-date=2026-01-18 |website=kathmandupost.com |language=English}}</ref> [[File:NepalSindhuliDistrictmap.png|thumb|Map of former VDCs and Municipalities of Sindhuli (before 2014)]] {| class="wikitable" !S.N !Local Body !Incorporated VDCs<ref name=":7" /> !Incorporated Date |- | rowspan="2" |1 | rowspan="2" |[[Kamalamai|Kamalamai Municipality]] |[[Siddheshwar, Sindhuli|Siddheshwar]] and [[Bhiman]] |27 March 1997 |- |[[Dandiguranse]], [[Bhadrakali, Nepal|Bhadrakali]], [[Jalkanya]], [[Ranichuri]] and [[Ranibas, Sindhuli|Ranibas]] |10 March 2017 |- | rowspan="2" |2 | rowspan="2" |[[Dudhauli|Dudhauli Municipality]] |Dudhauli, [[Tandi, Sindhuli|Tandi]] and [[Ladabhir]] |2 December 2014 |- |[[Hatpate]], [[Nipane, Sindhuli|Nipane]], [[Sirthauli]], [[Harsahi]], [[Arun Thakur]], [[Kakur Thakur]] and [[Jinakhu]] |10 March 2017 |- |3 |[[Tinpatan Rural Municipality]] |[[Belghari]], [[Bhimsthan]], [[Jarayotar, Sindhuli|Jarayotar]], [[Balajor]], [[Tosramkhola]], [[Bahuntilpung]], [[Tribhuvan Ambote]] and [[Lampantar]] | rowspan="7" |10 March 2017 |- |4 |[[Marin Rural Municipality]] |[[Kapilakot]], [[Kalpabrishykha|Kalpabrikshya]] and [[Mahadevsthan, Sindhuli|Mahadevsthan]] |- |5 |[[Hariharpurgadhi Rural Municipality]] |Hariharpurgadhi, [[Pipalmadi]], [[Mahendrajhayadi|Mahendrajhyadi]] and [[Kyaneshwar]] |- |6 |[[Golanjor Rural Municipality]] |[[Dudbhanjyang]], [[Bitijor Bagaincha]], [[Bhuwaneshwar Gwaltar|Bhuwaneshwari Gwaltar]], [[Tinkanya]], [[Ratanpura, Churu district|Ratanchura]], [[Baseshwar]] and [[Bhimeshwar, Sindhuli|Bhimeshwar]] |- |7 |[[Sunkoshi Rural Municipality, Sindhuli|Sunkoshi Rural Municipality]] |[[Kusheshwar Dumja]], [[Jhangajholi Ratmata, Sindhuli|Jhangajholi Ratmata]], [[Purano Jhangajholi]], [[Sitalpati, Sindhuli|Sitalpati]] and [[Majhuwa, Sindhuli|Majhuwa]] |- |8 |[[Phikkal Rural Municipality]] |[[Mahadevdada|Mahadevdanda]], [[Sunam Pokhari|Sumnam Pokhari]], [[Kholagaun, Sindhuli|Kholagaun]], [[Khang Sang|Khangsang]], [[Solpathana]] and [[Ratnawati]] |- |9 |[[Ghyanglekh Rural Municipality]] |[[Amale]], [[Bastipur, Sindhuli|Bastipur]], [[Tamajor]], [[Netrakali]] and [[Shanteshwari|Shanteshwari (Rampur)]] |}

== Electoral Constituencies == Sindhuli District is divided into two [[List of parliamentary constituencies of Nepal|Parliamentary constituencies]] and four [[Constituencies of Nepal|Provincial constituencies]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sindhuli Constituency Map |url=https://election.gov.np/ecn/uploads/userfiles/maps/SINDHULI.pdf}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" !Parliamentary Constituency !Provincial Constituency !Incorporated Areas !MLA !MP |- | rowspan="2" |[[Sindhuli 1 (constituency)|Sindhuli 1]] |Sindhuli 1A |Dudhauli and Kamalamai (Wards 9, 13 & 14) |Matrika Prasad Bhattarai ([[Nepali Communist Party|NCP]]) | rowspan="2" |Dhanendra Karki ([[Rastriya Swatantra Party|RSP]]) |- |Sindhuli 1B |Tinpatan, Phikkal and Golanjor |Ram Kumar Pahadi ([[Nepali Congress]]) |- | rowspan="2" |[[Sindhuli 2 (constituency)|Sindhuli 2]] |Sindhuli 2A |Kamalamai (Wards 1-8, 10-12 ) and Sunkoshi |Chhetra Bahadur Bamjan (Nepali Congress) | rowspan="2" |Aashish Gajurel (RSP) |- |Sindhuli 2B |Marin, Hariharpurgadhi and Ghyanglekh |Ganganarayan Shrestha (NCP) |}

==Demographics== {{Historical populations |title = |align = center |clear = |direction = |percentages = pagr |state = |type = |shading = off |width = |subbox = |pop_name = |year_name = Census year |percent_name = |footnote = |source = Citypopulation<ref>{{cite web |title=NEPAL: Administrative Division |url=https://www.citypopulation.de/en/nepal/admin/ |website=www.citypopulation.de |language=en}}</ref> |graph-pos = bottom |graph-width = |graph-height = |percol = |cols = |perrow = |rows = |1981 |183,705 |1991 |223,900 |2001 |279,821 |2011 |296,192 |2021 |300,026 }}

{{Pie chart | thumb = left | caption = Castes/ethnic groups in Sindhuli District (2021)<ref name="caste"/> | label1 = [[Tamang people|Tamang]] | value1 = 26.67 | color1 = orchid | label2 = [[Magars|Magar]] | value2 = 14.05 | color2 = darkturquoise | label3 = [[Chhetri]] | value3 = 13.28 | color3 = red | label4 = [[Bahun]] | value4 = 7.26 | color4 = orange | label5 = [[Danuwar people|Danuwar]] | value5 = 6.32 | color5 = #97b825 | label6 = [[Newar people|Newar]] | value6 = 6.23 | color6 = pink | label7 = [[Kami (caste)|Kami]] | value7 = 4.85 | color7 = salmon | label8 = [[Sarki (caste)|Sarki]] | value8 = 3.63 | color8 = lightsalmon | label9 = [[Majhi people|Majhi]] | value9 = 3.62 | color9 = #b1d05a | label10 = [[Damai]] | value10 = 3.16 | color10 = darksalmon | label11 = [[Sunuwar people|Sunuwar]] | value11 = 2.85 | color11 = #5f5fd3 | label12 = [[Bhujel]] | value12 = 1.50 | color12 = cornsilk | label13 = [[Rai people|Rai]] | value13 = 1.46 | color13 = skyblue | label14 = Madheshi non-Dalit | value14 = 1.47 | color14 = khaki | label15 = Other Khas non-Dalit | value15 = 1.35 | color15 = indianred | label16 = Other Hill Janjati | value16 = 1.07 | color16 = teal | label17 = Others | value17 = 1.23 | color17 = grey }}

{{Pie chart | caption = Languages of Sindhuli district (2021)<ref name="mothertongue"/> | thumb = right | label1 = [[Nepali language|Nepali]] | value1 = 52.35 | color1 = orange | label2 = [[Tamang language|Tamang]] | value2 = 25.13 | color2 = turquoise | label3 = [[Magar language|Magar]] | value3 = 8.11 | color3 = orchid | label4 = [[Danuwar]] | value4 = 6.61 | color4 = #a03939 | label5 = [[Nepal Bhasha]] | value5 = 2.08 | color5 = mediumvioletred | label6 = [[Maithili language|Maithili]] | value6 = 1.80 | color6 = pink | label7 = [[Sunwar language|Sunuwar]] | value7 = 1.10 | color7 = #d5e7ff | label8 = Others | value8 = 2.82 | color8 = grey }}

At the time of the [[2021 Nepal census]], Sindhuli District had a population of 300,026. 8.04% of the population is under 5 years of age. It has a literacy rate of 72.59% and a sex ratio of 1040 females per 1000 males. 141,223 (47.07%) lived in municipalities.<ref name="provincialreport">{{Cite web |title=Provincial/District/Local reports: Bagmati Province |url=https://censusnepal.cbs.gov.np/results/files/result-folder/province/Bagmati_Province_census_report.pdf |access-date= |website=Census Nepal 2021 |publisher=[[Central Bureau of Statistics (Nepal)|Central Bureau of Statistics]]}}</ref>

Ethnicity wise: Hill Janajatis were the largest group, making up 57% of the population. Tamangs were the largest Hill Janajatis making 26.7% of population, with Magars being 14.1% of the population. Khas (Chhetri, Bahun, Kami, Damai etc.) made up 34% of the population.<ref name="caste">{{Cite web |title=Table 1: Caste/Ethnicity and sex |url=https://censusnepal.cbs.gov.np/results/downloads/caste-ethnicity |access-date=2024-03-16 |website=Census Nepal 2021 |publisher=[[Central Bureau of Statistics (Nepal)|Central Bureau of Statistics]]}}</ref>

At the time of the 2021 census, 52.35% of the population spoke [[Nepali language|Nepali]], 25.13% [[Tamang language|Tamang]], 8.11% [[Magar language|Magar]], 6.61% [[Danwar language|Danuwar]], 2.08% [[Newar language|Nepal Bhasha]], 1.80% [[Maithili language|Maithili]] and 1.10% [[Sunwar language|Sunuwar]] as their first language.<ref name="mothertongue">{{Cite web |title=Table 5: Mother tongue and sex |url=https://censusnepal.cbs.gov.np/results/downloads/caste-ethnicity |access-date= |website=Census Nepal 2021 |publisher=[[Central Bureau of Statistics (Nepal)|Central Bureau of Statistics]]}}</ref> In 2011, 48.1% of the population spoke Nepali as their first language.<ref>[https://nepalmap.org/data/table/?table=LANGUAGE&primary_geo_id=district-65&geo_ids=district-65,province-3,country-NP NepalMap Language]</ref>

{{bar box | title = Religion in Sindhuli District (2021)<ref name="religion">{{Cite web |title=Table 5: Religion and sex |url=https://censusnepal.cbs.gov.np/results/downloads/caste-ethnicity |access-date=2024-03-16 |website=Census Nepal 2021 |publisher=[[Central Bureau of Statistics (Nepal)|Central Bureau of Statistics]]}}</ref> | titlebar = #Fcd116 | left1 = Religion | right1 = Percent | float = right | bars = {{bar percent|[[Hinduism in Nepal|Hinduism]]|darkorange|68.24}} {{bar percent|[[Buddhism in Nepal|Buddhism]]|Yellow|26.92}} {{bar percent|[[Kirat Mundhum]]|red|2.21}} {{bar percent|[[Christianity in Nepal|Christianity]]|dodgerblue|1.84}} {{bar percent|[[Animism|Prakriti]]|limegreen|0.67}} {{bar percent|Other or not stated|black|0.12}} }} {{clear}}

== Economy == Agriculture is the primary economic activity in the Sindhuli district. Crops like [[rice]], [[maize]], wheat, potatoes, millet as well as seasonal fruits and vegetables are grown in fertile Inner Terai region.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":5" /> [[File:Junar bijayachhap sindhuli.jpg|thumb|Junar]] Sindhuli is popular for the production of ''Junar'' ([[Orange (fruit)|sweet orange]]), botanically known as [[Citrus × sinensis|Citrus Sinensis]]. The district is the leading producer of Junar in Nepal. Because of this, Sindhuli is also known as ''Junar Ko Jilla'' (District of Junar). The fruit is cultivated in the Mahabharat Hill Range between the altitude of 800 meters and 1300 meters. Junar farming in Sindhuli provides good source of cash income to farmers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Status of Sweet Orange (Junar) Production in Sindhuli District of Nepal |url=https://horticulturenepal.org/public/uploads/main_attachment/1627554994_NHS%20Journal_8%20&%209-112-117.pdf}}</ref>

Apart from agriculture, people are also engaged in livestock farming including poultry and dairy production. A significant number of households are dependent on remittances from abroad.

Tourism is a developing sector in Sindhuli. Natural, cultural and historical attractions draw visitors to the district. In support of tourism, a range of hotels and resorts operate in the district, particularly around urban areas and highways.

Sindhulimadhi serves as the commercial hub of the district. As both the district headquarters and principal market town, it serves as a focal point for business activities and services within the region.<ref name=":0" /> Other economic centers include Bhiman, Dudhauli and Khurkot.<ref name=":5" />

== Transportation ==

=== Regional === Sindhuli District is connected to [[List of national highways in Nepal|National Highway Network]] by three highways: BP Highway, Madan Bhandari (Inner Terai) Highway and Mid-Hill (Pushpalal) Highway. [[File:Amaging sindhuli road.jpeg|thumb|BP Highway]] [[BP Highway|BP Highway (NH13)]], known for its scenic route links the district to National Capital [[Kathmandu]] and Terai. Two-thirds of the highway length lies in this district. The road connects headquarter Sindhulimadhi to [[Mahendra Highway|Mahendra (East-West) Highway (NH 01)]] at [[Bardibas]], [[Mahottari District|Mahottari]] and to [[Araniko Highway|Araniko Highway (NH 34)]] at [[Dhulikhel]], [[Kavrepalanchok District|Kavre]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Japan hands over BP Highway to Nepal |url=https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/japan-hands-over-bp-highway-to-nepal}}</ref> It runs through the diverse landscape of Chure, Inner Terai, Mahabharat Hills, and Sunkoshi River corridor. The highway passes through major places like Bhiman, Sindhulimadhi, Sindhuli Gadhi, Khurkot and Nepalthok.

The Dharan-Hetauda section of [[Madan Bhandari Inner Terai Highway|Madan Bhandari (Inner Terai) Highway (NH 9)]] runs through the Inner Terai areas of Sindhuli. It connects the district to [[Katari Municipality|Katari]], [[Udayapur District|Udayapur]] in the east and to Provincial Capital [[Hetauda]] in the west.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Madan Bhandari Highway (NH 9) |url=https://dor.gov.np/mabhpd/notice/force/madan-bhandari-highway-nh-09}}</ref> The highway passes through Dudhauli and merges with BP Highway at Bhiman. The highway resumes at Sindhulimadhi and runs westwards towards Hetauda.

[[Pushpalal Highway|Mid-Hill (Pushpalal) Highway (NH03)]] connects the hilly districts of [[Koshi Province]] to BP Highway. It runs through the eastern hilly areas of the district, following the Sunkoshi River, and merges with the BP Highway at Khurkot.

Long-route vehicles operate from Sindhulimadhi to various cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara, Biratnagar, Janakpur, Birgunj and Hetauda. [[Janakpur Airport]] is the closest major airport to Sindhuli, situated about 70 km from Sindhulimadhi by road, with regular flights to and from Kathmandu.

=== Local === Most parts of Sindhuli are accessible by road. While many roads have been paved, some rural roads are still unpaved and can be challenging during monsoon.<ref name=":0" /> Buses and vans operate regularly from Sindhulimadhi to various parts of the district. In urban areas, [[Auto rickshaw|auto rickshaws]] have become a common mode of transport.

==Education==

=== Primary and secondary education === Sindhuli district especially Kamalamai Municipality has a good facility of education up to SEE levels. The quality of +2 levels too is fine here. Many private colleges run +2 commerce affiliated to NEB. 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. There is also a secondary school for deaf children, where instruction is provided entirely through Nepali Sign Language, including free accommodation.

==== Schools ==== * Shree Navajyoti Deaf Secondary School, Jasedamar * Lampantar English Boarding School, Chakmake Bazar, Sindhuli * Sindhuli Academy * New English Boarding School * Kamala Higher Secondary School * Siddhasthali English Boarding Secondary School * Shree Jana Jyoti Higher Secondary School * Bainkateshwor Higher Secondary School * Gaumati Higher Secondary School * Barun Devi Higher Secondary School * Shree Deurali Lower Secondary School * Shree Bhabishya Nirmata Siddhabba Higher Secondary School * Kalimati Nimna Secondary School * Siddhababa English Boarding School * Scholars Academy * New Star Academy * Suryodaya Secondary English Boarding School * Janata Higher secondary English Boarding School * Shree Sindhuli Gadhi Public English School * Sindhuli Vidhyashram Public Educational Trust * Swiss Sindhuli Secondary English Medium School * Aadhunik English Boarding School * Shree Prabhat higher secondary school * Shree Jana Jagriti HSS, Bhiman * Shining Moon Academy * Shree Saraswati Secondary School, Dakaha * Kamala Academic School, Bhiman * Shree Kundeshwor Higher Secondary School, Besare Besi *Shree Marin Academy Boarding School *Shree Secondary School Kartike, Kapilakot *Shree Kusheshwor Vidhya Peeth Secondary School, Sunkoshi-1, Dumja, Sindhuli

* Ma.Vi. Lampantar, Tinpatan 11, Lampiantar, Sindhuli

=== 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.). ==== Colleges ==== *Kamala Science Campus *Sindhuli Multiple College *Siddha Jyoti Siksha College *Gaumati Multiple College *Bhim Jyoti Campus *Marin Multiple College *Saraswati Campus Dakaha *Lampantar multiple campus

=== Technical education === [[File:Sindhuli Community Technical Institute.jpg|thumb|Sindhuli Community Technical Institute]]There are also colleges to teach technical education. The technical subjects affiliated with CTEVT like Civil Overseer i.e. Sub Engineer, and Forestry are taught here. The district offers higher education in technical fields like B.Sc.ag (AFU) and B.Tech. IT (KU) .

==== Technical colleges ==== *College of Natural Resource Management, Marin *Sindhuli Community Technical Institute (SCTI) *Kamala Janajyoti Secondary School * Saraswati Secondary School Dakaha

== Places of Attraction ==

=== Historic sites === Source:<ref name=":1" /> [[File:Gate of Hariharpur Gadhi Darbar.jpg|thumb|Hariharpur Gadhi Fort]] * Sindhuli Gadhi Fort * Hariharpur Gadhi Fort === Religious sites === Source:<ref name=":2" /> [[File:Kamalamai Temple Sindhuli Nepal.jpg|thumb|Kamalamai Temple]] * [[Kamalamai Temple (Sindhuli)|Kamalamai Temple]] (Maithan) * Siddhababa Temple * Kalimai Temple * Bhadrakali Temple * Langureshwar-Madhuganga Mahadev Cave * Kusheshwar Temple * Panchakanya Pokhari

Apart from historical and religious sites, the district also offers beautiful landscapes, including hills, rivers, and forested areas, ideal for hiking and ecotourism. The scenic route of BP Highway provides breathtaking views of hills and valleys.<ref name=":0" />

== Notable people == * [[Chandra Prakash Gajurel]] a.k.a. CP Gajurel - Politician * [[Haribol Gajurel|Haribol Prasad Gajurel]] - Politician, Former Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Development<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-23 |title=Haribol Gajurel is PM Dahal's chief political advisor - OnlineKhabar English News |url=https://english.onlinekhabar.com/haribol-gajurel-dahal-chief-advisor.html |access-date=2025-12-18 |language=en-GB}}</ref> * [[Krishna Prasad Koirala]] - Founder of politically prominent [[Koirala family]], Father of [[Matrika Prasad Koirala|Matrika]], [[B. P. Koirala|BP]] and [[Girija Prasad Koirala]] * [[Krishnahari Baral|Prof. Dr. Krishnahari Baral]] - Lyricist, Poet and Professor at [[Tribhuvan University]] * Bhojraj Kafle - Lyricist and Singer

== References == {{Reflist}}

== External links == {{Wikivoyage|Sindhuli}} * {{statoids|id=ynp|title=Districts of Nepal}} * [http://www.un.org.np/sites/default/files/maps/district_maps/Sindhuli.pdf UN map of VDC boundaries, water features and roads in Sindhuli] {{Commons category|position=left}}

{{Coord|27.252|N|85.97|E|type:adm3rd_source:itwiki|display=title}}

[[Category:Sindhuli District| ]] [[Category:Districts of Nepal established during Rana regime or before]] [[Category:Districts of Bagmati Province]]