Backward region emerging as tourist hub

By Bhakti Bilas Pokharel,Gaighat, Mar. 12: Kothu and Sombare, once remote and inaccessible areas in Belaka Municipality-8 in Udayapur district, have begun to emerge as major tourist attractions in the region. 

With the construction of a concrete bridge over the Saptakoshi River at Chatara, connecting eastern Nepal by the road network, and the development of the Madan Bhandari Highway, Kothu and Sombare have increasingly become centres of attraction.

In Kothu of the former Mainamaini in Belaka Municipality, the number of hotels has been steadily increasing. As a result, the rural market in the area is now lively not only in the mornings and evenings but even late into the night. People travel from far and wide to enjoy local delicacies such as fish from the Saptakoshi, Barmajhiya peda, kodoko dhido (millet porridge) from the hills, and local chicken soup, among other dishes.

Local hotel entrepreneurs said that as visitors can easily find the dishes they desire and the road network has become well connected in all directions, the number of domestic tourists has been rising significantly day by day. 

Consequently, new hotels are being opened in a row.

According to Raj Bantawa, operator of the local Wonder Hotel on the banks of the Koshi River, nearly four dozen small and large hotels have already been established in the area, while more are being established. 

He said that the beautiful flow of the Koshi River, the scenic natural views on both sides of the river, and the local cuisine easily captivate visitors.

Bantawa added that popular dishes among guests include fish, dhido made from local millet and buckwheat, local chicken, banana liquor, millet tongba, fried quail meat, and black basmati rice. 

Due to the popularity of these items, he himself started a hotel with accommodation facilities two years ago with an investment of Rs. 4 million.

Ishwar Gurung, another entrepreneur, said that many good hotels are currently operating in the Sombare, Kothu and Rangamahal areas across the Chatara side. 

Likewise, Tikal Rai said that the main attractions of hotels in this region include opportunities to enjoy picnics along the banks of the clear-flowing Saptakoshi River, take jet boat rides to Barahakshetra, and savour fish from the river.

Another hotel entrepreneur, Raman Bhattarai, stated that there is no doubt that the Chatara area, located between Barahakshetra in Sunsari and Mainamaini in Udayapur, has the potential to become a model tourist destination of Koshi Province. 

According to him, visitors often remark that the sight of the Saptakoshi suddenly emerging from the narrow gorge of the hills into the vast plains of the Tarai is extremely beautiful and captivating.

Amit Gupta, a tourist from Purnia in India, said that the area is truly a unique gift of nature and has great potential to develop into a model tourist destination.