DHANGADHI: Work has begun to promote tourism at Aalitaal, a lake of both natural beauty and cultural significance.
To this end, Aalitaal Rural Municipality has prepared an action plan for the conservation and development of the lake, located in Aalitaal-3, from which the municipality takes its name. In collaboration with the Chure-Terai-Madhes Conservation Committee, initiatives are underway to develop physical infrastructure aimed at attracting tourists.
According to Aalitaal Rural Municipality Chairman Sher Singh Parki, the rural municipality has allocated a budget of Rs 90 million in the current fiscal year for the reconstruction of the lake area and the development of additional infrastructure.
Last year, the construction of the Samaiji Temple was completed at a cost of Rs 2.5 million, and preparations for its inauguration are currently underway. Parki also noted the development of a sky bridge integrated with religious faith and the construction of a “view tower” in the lake area.
The tourist road connecting the center of the rural municipality to the lake has also been expanded. “Aalitaal itself is a lake full of natural beauty and represents the identity of the municipality. The lake is still in the development phase, but tourists have already started visiting from other municipalities,” he said.
Ashok Joshi, a technician at the rural municipality, said the budget will be used to build a temple on the sky bridge, construct an RCC wall for water drainage management, develop a well-organized park, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of the lake area. Plans are also underway to build a parking lot about 500 meters from the lake and establish a forest picnic area nearby.
Harilal Thapa, chairperson of the consumer committee, said four boats have been built for tourists to enjoy the lake. The municipality is also preparing documentaries and brochures to promote other potential tourist sites. Prabin Magar, a local resident of Aalitaal-3, said that around 100 tourists currently visit the lake daily.
Aalitaal is located at the foot of the Mahabharata mountain range. The lake has a length of 1,175 meters, a width of about 400 meters, and a depth of 22 meters. Its natural structure, surrounded by lush forests and hills, adds to its scenic beauty. The lake is located three kilometers from Ghumti Bazaar on the Budar (Doti)–Jogbudha (Dadeldhura) road.
The origin of Aalitaal is steeped in local folklore. According to legend, the area where the lake now exists was once a large field used for rice cultivation in July. One day, a woman had a dream warning her that sowing rice in the field the next day would bring misfortune. She shared this with her family and villagers, but no one believed her.
The following day, as she and other farmers went to sow rice, heavy rain suddenly fell. A giant cow and a snake appeared, submerging the entire field. The water accumulated, forming a huge lake, now called Aalitaal.
It is believed that all the farmers drowned except for the woman, who was cooking at home. Local legend says Lord Shiva appeared to her, transformed her into a goddess, and settled her in the lake. The name “Aalitaal” comes from “Aali,” the field that once stood there.
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