Tourist arrival rises in Nawalpur

By Mina Kandel,Kawasoti, Dec. 7: Number of domestic and international tourists has surged in Nawalpur's popular destinations. Amaltari area which is known as a gateway into the Chitwan National Park (CNP) has witnessed a significant rise in visitors. Located about 7-kilometre south of Kawasoti, district headquarters of Nawaparasi (East), along the Narayangadh-Butwal road, the community homestays are bustling with activity.

Despite the disturbances caused by the road construction along the East-West Highway, the number of tourists is steadily increasing, says Prem Shankar Mardaniya Tharu, Chair of the Buffer Zone Community Homestay. According to him, the village hosts up to four tourist groups (approximately 100 visitors) daily, including international visitors from the USA, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada. Established in 2013, the homestay has welcomed over 100,000 tourists while the facility has been expanded from 18 to 33 homes.

The homestay primarily caters to the visitors of the CNP while also attracting tourists to experience unique adventures like boating on the Narayani River, birdwatching, and exploring the surrounding jungle. Local guide Dhaniram Gurau said that an increase in visitors has boosted employment opportunities, particularly for nature guides, as their presence is mandatory for park visits.

The Amaltari Homestay Village has also developed a 10-year strategic plan targeting sustainable growth in business and culture. Initiatives include ‘one home, one job’, achieving 100 per cent literacy, eco-friendly practices, kitchen gardens in all houses, and the preservation of Tharu and Bote communities' culture and traditions through a proposed museum.

Tharu emphasised that the initiative aligns with conserving biodiversity, sustainable forest management, and promoting harmony between humans and wildlife. By developing the area as an eco-tourism destination, the project supports both environmental conservation and local economic growth.