Ilam draws tourists from hot Tarai

By Kokila Dhakal

Ilam, May 21 :  As temperatures continue to rise in the Tarai region, people are retreating to the cooler hill stations to escape the scorching heat.

Ilam, renowned for its lush green hills and scenic tea gardens, remains a popular destination. Beyond its traditional charm, the district is now drawing tourists with a range of new and unique attractions.

One such destination gaining popularity among both Nepali and Indian visitors is Gufapatal, located in Suryodaya Municipality near the Nepal-India border. 

Currently, the area is vibrant with colourful flowers and lush green peaks, offering scenic views of hilltops, dense pine forests and the plains of neighbouring India. 

From Gufapatal, one can enjoy panoramic views stretching from the hills of Ilam and Jhapa to the glimpses of the Kanchenjunga mountain range.

Tourists from West Bengal and the Tarai region now frequently visit Ilam, often including Gufapatal in their itinerary after stops at Kanyam and Antu. 

According to Indira Lama from the local tourism promotion committee, more than a hundred domestic and foreign tourists visit Gufapatal daily. 

“Visitors often reach Gufapatal through Antu, Pashupatinagar, or Bauddhadham,” Lama said. 

“Although the road from Antu is unpaved, many still make the journey specifically to see Gufapatal, with some even saying their trip would be incomplete without it,” she added. 

To enhance the experience of visitors, a view tower has been constructed, along with a pillar inscribed with the phrase ‘I Love Nepal’. 

Rudra Ghimire, Chairman of the Shree Antu Tourism Entrepreneurs Association, believes that better promotion of the place could attract even more visitors, creating employment opportunities for the locals. 

This area holds immense potential for homestays, tourist guides and tourism-focused businesses,” Ghimire said. 

“Even now, Gufapatal sees a large number of tourists. With support from local and provincial governments and the tourism board, this area could be developed into a significant tourist destination.”