BANKE: Established with the aim of conserving the habitat and biological corridor of Bengal tigers, Banke National Park has started to see the early signs of tourism development.
However, despite success in wildlife conservation, the number of tourists visiting the park remains relatively low.
According to Senior Conservation Officer Birendra Prasad Kandel, only about 700 domestic and international tourists visited the park between July 2023 and April 2024.
“While over 50,000 tourists visit the buffer zone annually for activities like picnics, only around 700 tourists actually explore the core wildlife habitat area of the park,” said Kandel. “All of these tourists entered the park through community homestays operating in the buffer zone.”
Kandel said while the park has been successful in tiger conservation, ecotourism has not seen corresponding growth. He urged homestay and hotel operators to play a greater role in encouraging visitors to explore the park’s core areas.
In the previous fiscal year (2023/24), the park had recorded just 444 visitors. Kandel believes that if local accommodations and businesses invest in providing adequate safari vehicles, it could significantly boost tourism in the area.
Banke National Park has witnessed a rise in wildlife numbers, particularly Bengal tigers. According to a 2022 survey, the park is home to 25 adult tigers, along with 34 species of mammals, 276 bird species, 24 reptiles, 9 amphibians, and 55 species of fish—a total of 422 different species.
Established on July 12, 2010, Banke National Park is located just 15 kilometers from Nepalgunj Airport and straddles both sides of the East-West Highway, making it easily accessible by both road and air.
Despite its natural beauty and increasing wildlife population, tourism in the park remains underdeveloped. Krishna Lal Chaudhary, chairperson of the Gavar Valley Community Homestay, noted that visitor numbers are increasing but are still not satisfactory.
Currently, homestays operating in the buffer zone include Gavar Homestay, Khadkawar Homestay, and Naya Gaun Homestay.
In contrast to Bardiya National Park, where tourism is steadily growing, Banke continues to lag behind, said Krishna Prasad Shrestha, coordinator of the Tourism Promotion Forum. He added that civil society is working actively to promote Banke National Park both nationally and internationally.
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