CHITWAN: Tourist activity in Sauraha, Chitwan, has picked up significantly after floods, landslides and road blockages disrupted travel to the popular destination.
The influx of domestic and international visitors has increased during the Dashain holiday period, supported by favorable weather. The revival in tourist arrivals has brought renewed optimism among local tourism entrepreneurs and business owners.
Gokarna Giri, a tourism entrepreneur in Sauraha, said the growing number of visitors had lifted the spirits of local businesses. He noted that tourists were engaging in various activities, including shopping, jungle excursions and sightseeing, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the area.
Lava Sapkota, manager of Vatika Resort, said the resort had experienced a substantial increase in domestic visitors during the festival. According to him, all rooms had been booked for the past two to three days, making it challenging to accommodate additional guests. He added that Nepali tourists currently accounted for the majority of visitors.
Tourism entrepreneur Rishi Tiwari said tourist arrivals after Dashain had surpassed those recorded during the same period last year. Popular activities in Sauraha include jeep and elephant safaris, boat rides on the Rapti River and performances of traditional Tharu cultural dances.
Meanwhile, Suman Ghimire, former president of the Regional Hotel Association of Nepal, Chitwan, said natural disasters had delayed the start of the main tourist season by approximately a month. Floods and unfavorable road conditions had initially affected bookings and visitor arrivals, but the situation has gradually improved.
Situated near Chitwan National Park, Sauraha serves as a major gateway for tourists visiting the park and nearby community forests. The recent recovery in visitor numbers has raised hopes for a stronger tourism season following the disruptions caused by natural disasters.
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