PANCHTHAR, March 3 -- Home to over 30 species of rhododendrons decorating its landscapes, the hills in the eastern districts look mesmerizing these days. The colorful flowers have been attracting not only nature lovers but also religious enthusiasts and researchers. Similarly, the herbal benefits of the flowers have grabbed the attention of the Ayurvedic industries.

One does not have to travel a long distance to view all the varieties of the flower. Somewhere thick and at some places thinly scattered species of these flowers are found in close distance. During the Nepali months of Chaitra and Baishakh (March - April), these flowers bloom to the fullest.

In Province 1, the flowers are found most abundantly in Taplejung, Terhathum, Sankhu...