CHITWAN: The Madi Valley, located in the southern part of Chitwan, is rich in natural, religious, and cultural heritage. Popular sites such as the Sameshwor Temple, Goddhak, Baikuntha Lake, and Ram Temple have long been recognized for their tourism potential.
However, one stunning gem remains largely undiscovered: the Dhanalaxmi Waterfall. The Baikuntha Dham Area Management Committee has taken the initiative to include this 60-meter-high waterfall in its tourism development plans.
According to Rajkumar Pariyar, chairperson of the Baikuntha Dham Puja and Fair Management Main Committee, the waterfall can be reached after a 90-minute uphill hike from Baikuntha Lake.
He added that stairs have already been constructed halfway along the route, with the rest planned for completion next year. “Due to budget constraints, we haven’t been able to proceed as planned. If only a proper trail to the waterfall could be built, it would attract a large number of tourists,” said Pariyar.
Former Ward Chair of Madi Municipality–8, Krishna Adhikari, shared that settlements in this part of Madi began around 2020–2022 BS. Since then, it has become a tradition to hold a fair and sow a hundred seeds at Baikuntha Lake on Bal Chaturdashi, attracting pilgrims from Madi, neighboring districts, and even across the Indian border.
The waterfall was named Dhanalaxmi because of a local legend that one’s wish for wealth will be fulfilled upon visiting it. The site lies south of Kharkatta along the Bharatpur-Madi-Thori postal road. From Kharkatta, a three-kilometer paved road leads to the forest edge near the lake.
From there, visitors must walk about 20 minutes uphill to reach Baikuntha Lake, and then continue for another hour and a half to reach the waterfall.
“People now come for both religious purposes and sightseeing,” said Adhikari. “With proper infrastructure, especially stairs, we can draw even more tourists. Currently, we’re promoting the entire Baikunthadham area, including the waterfall.”
The Baikunthadham area is home to several natural and spiritual sites: Baikuntha Lake, Dhanalaxmi Waterfall, Baikuntheshwor Shivalaya Temple, Kailash Parbat, Prem Daha, Dui Khola Dobhan, Chamere Cave, and Aranya Buddhist Monastery.
Together, they make Madi an emerging center of interest for tourists. Adhikari added that new initiatives such as Kantipur Collective Farming, community-based farm stays, and the Ayodhya Marg have further enhanced the area’s tourism appeal.
Deputy Mayor Khem Prasad Mahato confirmed that an integrated development plan for the Baikunthadham area is already underway, and that efforts are being made to guide tourists toward the Dhanalaxmi Waterfall.
“Interest in the waterfall is growing. Since it’s tucked away in the forest, many people still don’t know about it. With proper promotion and infrastructure, it could become a major tourist attraction. We’re now working to allocate the necessary budget,” he said.
Despite Madi’s geographical beauty, it faces unique challenges. Surrounded on three sides by Chitwan National Park, the region has to deal with frequent wildlife incursions.
While other areas have benefited from wildlife tourism centered on tigers and rhinos, locals in Madi say they face more harm than good. Deputy Mayor Mahato emphasized that a targeted development plan is in place to address these issues while promoting Madi’s rich natural and religious sites, including its lakes and waterfalls.
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