E-Kantipur

Nepal is uniquely endowed with rich and diverse natural resources and cultural attractions. There are few other countries which have such an assortment of cultural heritage as well as such a rich environmental spectrum. With the highest mountains to the Tarai plains, it is clear that tourism is a sector of comparative advantage for the country. It is, and can further be instrumental in providing alternative economic opportunities in order to build a peaceful and prosperous Nepal.

Tourism can contribute to poverty reduction through its economic, social, environmental and cultural benefits. It provides diversified employment opportunities, bringing in additional income to a population in need. Tourism also increases government revenues which can be used to alleviate poverty through more investment in education, health and infrastructure development.

Unfortunately, the tourism sector in Nepal is focused on the Himalayan and Hilly regions. But the Tarai also holds great potential to attract tourists. Till date, however, the region has not been viewed as a tourist destination. Potential tourist destinations and opportunities have not been well documented. Therefore, the people of this region are yet to reap much benefit from the tourism industry.

The potential is obvious and one does not have to look far to see it. Effective promotion of tourism in the region can attract neighbouring Indian tourists, particularly to urban hubs like Biratnagar, Janakpur, Birganj, Bhairahwa and Nepalganj. Janakpur, in particular, can be promoted by introducing enticing marriage packages for Indian tourists from the border areas.  

Diverse groups live in the Tarai and thus it is rich in ethnic cultures. The exotic festivals of the indigenous Tharu, Dhimal, Santhal, Rajbansi and Jhangad are sure to be of interest to international visitors. Likewise, considering rather sizeable Muslim and Madhesi communities and their traditional social and cultural practises, there is little reason why the Tarai could not be a melting pot for the Nepali Tourism industry.   

Eastern Tarai, with its natural beauty and long history, could be a major transit point for tourists from West Bengal. Remnants and links to the epic Mahabharata still exist around the Jhapa area. If packaged properly, this history could certainly be an attraction. This would also mean that from the influx of tourism revenue, the ruins of history like the palaces of king Birat, Dharampal, among other such cultural heritage sties, can be protected. The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is another natural wonder in this region that can easily be marketed. The Eastern Tarai thus has the potential to be a hub for regional tourism, if not beyond.

In the Central Tarai, Janakpur (the birthplace of Sita and where she married Rama) needs no introduction. It would be an ideal place to introducing marriage packages for Hindu couples from all over the world. Similarly, the Simraungardh area in Bara district still holds large ruins from medieval Nepal and hosts the Shree Gadhimai temple fare. Certainly for pilgrimages, this too is an area of attraction.

The Western Tarai region is probably the best developed in terms of tourism in the Tarai. Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is marketed as a place of pilgrimage for millions of Buddhists all over the world and yet more could be done. Aside from Lumbini, there is also potential in Trivenidham, Ramgram Stupa, and Tilaurakot to attract more tourists.

As far as the Mid- and Far-western Tarai are concerned, the Bardia National Park situated on the bank of the Karnali River, and Ghodaghudi Lake, one of the nine Ramsar sites of Nepal, and Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve cannot be overlooked. These regions are over-flowing with natural and scenic beauty, and obviously have tremendous potential.

Regional tourism development  

Biratnagar and surrounding areas: Pasupatinagar, the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, and Bhedetar could introduce natural walks, wildlife scouting, and historic, religious and cultural tours. Tourists can be based in Biratnagar and take short trips around the area.   

Janakpur, Birganj and surrounding areas: Dhanushadham, Simraungardh Area, Parsa Wildlife Reserve, Chitwan National Park, Devghat Area, and Sauraha could market natural walks, wildlife experience, and historic, religious, archaeological and cultural tours of the villages. Tourists can be based in Janakpur or Birganj to visit the surrounding tourist attractions. Lumbini and surrounding areas: Lumbini, Tilaurakot, Triveni Dham, Ramgram Stupa, Balmiki Ashram Butwal Hill Park could include natural walks, and historic, religious, archaeological, and cultural tours of the villages. Tourists can be based in Butwal to visit the various attractions.

Nepalganj and surrounding areas: Bardiya National Park, Ghodaghodi Lake, Tikapur Park, Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve, Rani Lake could include natural walks, wildlife experience, and historic, religious,  and cultural walks to the surrounding villages. Tourists can be based in Nepalganj to visit the surrounding areas.

There are thus enormous possibilities and opportunities for development of tourism in the Tarai region. Now is the time to actively promote the various places in the Tarai in order to make Nepal Tourism Year 2011 a success. The effective promotion of tourism in the Tarai region could attract quality Indian tourists as well as overseas tourists and even lengthen their period of stay. Thus a comprehensive plan for the development of tourism infrastructure in the Tarai is vital.

Prasad is a lecturer in economics at CEDA, Tribhuvan University

us_prasad@hotmail.com

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