BHOJPUR: Kotgadhi, a site of historical and cultural significance in Pauwadung Rural Municipality, Bhojpur district, is gradually emerging as a tourist destination following conservation and infrastructure development efforts.
The rural municipality is developing the area with the aim of promoting domestic tourism and strengthening the local economy. A temple and trekking trail have been constructed in the Kotgadhi area to enhance its religious and cultural significance. Locals say the number of domestic tourists, religious pilgrims and visitors interested in history has increased since the completion of the trail and temple.
Local resident Santosh Koirala said the identity of Kotgadhi has become more prominent following conservation and infrastructure development. He said the initiatives have also created an opportunity to introduce younger generations to the area’s history, culture and identity.
Koirala said Kotgadhi could become an important tourist destination in Bhojpur if additional infrastructure, rest areas and promotional programmes are developed in the coming days.
To improve access to Kotgadhi, which is located near the rural municipality’s administrative centre, the rural municipality previously constructed a stepped hiking trail at a cost of Rs 3.5 million, with a 20 percent contribution from local labour.
Stepped trails have been built from both sides of the area to facilitate safe and convenient movement for residents and visitors.
Pauwadung Rural Municipality Vice-Chairperson Jyotsana Rai said the local government has given priority to conserving and developing Kotgadhi because of its historical importance, while also linking the site with tourism promotion.
“Kotgadhi is a historically important site in itself,” Rai said. “We have given priority to its development.”
Rural Municipality Chair Kiran Rai said emphasis has been placed on the integrated development of tourist, religious and historical sites across Pauwadung. He said the local government is working in a planned manner to promote and develop such areas.
“We have adopted a policy of identifying potential sites within the rural municipality and developing them in a planned manner,” Chair Rai said. “We expect the preservation of historical sites such as Kotgadhi to make a significant contribution to tourism promotion.”
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