New Year revellers throng Kanyam, Sri Antu

By Prem Adhikari,Pashupatinagar (Ilam), Jan.1: Like in previous years, Kanyam and Sri Antu in the Ilam district have become popular destinations for the New Year revellers. This was evident from the crowd of people who thronged these two destinations on the eve of New Year on Sunday. 

Kanyam and Antu remained popular destinations throughout the year, attracting a large number of tourists in all seasons. More visitors are arriving to explore and enjoy these renowned tourist spots for the New Year 2024 celebrations. 

Visitors from various districts of Nepal, as well as Indian tourists, have already secured their accommodations in advance. Rudra Ghimire, President of the Antu Tourism Entrepreneurs Association, said that the flow of tourists to celebrate the New Year is expected to rise this time. 

The majority of hotels, homestays, and cottages in Antu have been booked for Saturday and Monday. Ghimire added, “This time, more than 60 per cent of visitors arriving in Antu are from India.”

Tourists from neighbouring Indian cities like Gangtok in Sikkim, and Mirik, Siliguri and Darjeeling of West Bengal state of India have already made hotel reservations. Bengali tourists have also been increasingly choosing to visit Antu and Kanyam in recent times.

Antu boasts over 64 community and private homestays, along with the operation of more than 50 small hotels and cottages. Some 3,500 to 4,000 tourists have already booked hotels in Antu, Ghimire added.

Tourists visit Antu mainly to enjoy the view of the sunrise. They also enjoy activities such as boating in Antu Pond, exploring tea gardens and horse riding. From Antu, one can enjoy stunning views of mountains, including Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world, and Kumbhakarna.

Dhan Kumar Ale, a homestay businessman, shared that tourists were attracted to homestays featuring beautifully decorated wooden houses within tea gardens and flower gardens, showcasing local products.

Gajendra Upreti, a local tourist visiting Antu, said that no matter how many times he visited, the charm of Antu and Kanyam never ceased to attract him.

Kanyam is also bustling with tourists. Tekraj Giri, a hotelier in Kanyam, said that the place is currently packed with tourists. Giri said that for the past four to five years, the new years of the Nepali and Gregorian calendars have been celebrated in Kanyam as major festivals. Tourists from two neighbouring countries are joyfully engaged in New Year celebrations.

Tourists in Kanyam also enjoy diverse experiences, dressing up in costumes of different castes, taking pictures, and tasting tea. Suryodaya Municipality has added attractions like a Selfie Park and skywalk with private investments to cater to the tourists.

Tourists enjoy Kanyam late into the night. Roshan Sharma, a visitor from Darjeeling, India, comes every year to celebrate the New Year in Kanyam and Sri Antu. The beautification efforts by Suryodaya Municipality have attracted more tourists to the area. 

Rana Bahadur Rai, Mayor of Suryodaya Municipality, said that Antu and Kanyam, popular among domestic tourists, have recently gained popularity among international tourists as well.