Bardiya National Park sees rise on tourist arrival

Gulariya, July 19: The Bardiya National Park (BNP), a tourist destination in far-west of Tarai, has recorded a rise on tourists' arrival.     

The BNP is home to rich biodiversity. Visitors are interested to see tiger, ghariyal and varieties of birds.     

Conservation officer at BNP, Purushottam Wagle, informed that increased arrival of tourists in the park had encouraged tourism enterprises, which suffered worst time during Covid-19 and are recovering gradually. The rise on tourists' arrival also contributed to revenue.     

In the fiscal year, 2079/80, the BNP was visited by total 24,324 tourists, which made the revenue of Rs 22 million.     

The number rose to 26,131 in the fiscal year, 2080/81, thereby contributing to boost revenue. It was able to generate Rs 28.4 million in revenue.     

In the wake of increase in tourists' footfall, the BNP has stressed better service delivery and tourism infrastructures. Jungle trails have been set for walk and drive in the park, Wagle added.     

Similarly, initiatives were launched to add number of hotels and homestays to ensure sufficient amenities.     

Both the domestic and foreign tourists visit the BNP.     

Tourism entrepreneur Ramaji Thapa informed that influx of new visitors had spirited the locals. The park visitors love Tharu culture- their cuisines and pageants.     

"Foreign tourists are mesmerized with the biodiversity here," he said, adding that if the safari vehicles do not work in the BNP, the park rescues tourists immediately.     

In the BNP area, there are over 30 tourist hotels and homestays, according to tourist guide Anuram Chaudhari.     

The foreign tourists prefer walking to vehicle safari in the park, according to him.(RSS)