DHARAN: Amaha Simsar (wetland), located in Barahakshetra Municipality Wards 4 and 5 in Nepal’s eastern Sunsari district, is fast becoming an attractive destination for both domestic and international tourists.
Spread across nearly 52 hectares and surrounded by dense forest, the wetland now draws thousands of visitors daily for its captivating natural scenery.
According to Amaha Simsar Chairperson Bhojraj Ghale, the site’s main attractions are its pristine wetland environment, expansive greenery, and four large ponds developed within the area. Once in disrepair, the ponds were renovated with support from federal and provincial governments, and various fish species have since been introduced—further increasing tourist interest.
The Amaha Devithan Temple, located within the wetland, is another major draw, especially during the Udhauli-Ubhauli festivals. Devotees visit daily, driven by the belief that worship at the temple helps recover lost items, Ghale said.
The site receives 2,000–2,500 visitors on regular days and up to 10,000 on Saturdays and public holidays. With ample open space, it can host 70–80 picnic groups at a time, making it a popular location for picnics and educational excursions. Tourist numbers peak from mid-September to mid-March.
Because the area borders a community forest, elephants may appear in the evenings; therefore, visitors are asked to leave by 5:30 pm for safety. The presence of deer, wild boar, python, monkeys, porcupines, and eagles also attracts biodiversity enthusiasts. Owing to the increasing footfall, more than half a dozen local entrepreneurs have opened businesses in the area.
Both the federal and provincial governments continue to support pond renovation, wildlife habitat protection, and overall promotion of the wetland.
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