DHARAN: Among the many lakes and wetlands in the district, Rasa Lake has recently emerged as a major attraction for both domestic and international tourists. Surrounded by natural beauty, open fields, and dense vegetation, the lake draws a steady flow of visitors each day.
What sets Rasa Lake apart is its scenic panorama and the availability of all-day fishing, which has become a major draw. Visitors regularly arrive from nearby cities such as Dharan, Itahari, Biratnagar, Dhankuta, Birgunj, as well as from various parts of India.
The area is particularly popular for picnics, with infrastructure capable of accommodating up to 145 groups at once. According to Bhim Bahadur Majhi, secretary of the lake management committee, the site attracts 8,000 to 10,000 visitors daily during peak picnic season, while off-season numbers range from 200 to 300 per day. The busiest months include December, January, April and May.
Spread across about eight hectares within a 61-hectare community forest, the lake has been developed since 2071 BS as a model tourism destination, linked to national figure Iman Singh Chemjong.
With funding of Rs 8 million from the Koshi Province Tourism Ministry in 2077/78, facilities such as a view tower, a statue of Chemjong, and fencing over 29 hectares have been completed. Additional attractions include a model monastery representing over 100 castes, cultural exhibition fairs, and a museum.
Fishing is permitted from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm for a fee of Rs 300, allowing visitors to keep their catch, some reportedly reaching up to 10 kilograms. The lake is home to seven fish species, including lotus, grass, rahu, and nauni. Visitors can also enjoy boating and observe wildlife such as rabbits, hawks, eagles, monkeys, and pythons in a small zoo area.
To enhance its appeal, an island has been constructed at the center of the lake at a cost of around Rs 1.5 million, accessible via three wooden bridges. Pine and siris trees have been planted to enrich the landscape, while a main entrance and treehouse, built at a cost of Rs 2.5 million, offer panoramic views of the lake.
The committee reports an annual income of Rs 600,000 to 700,000 from picnics and boating, which is reinvested in conservation and infrastructure. Local businesses have also benefited from increased tourism.
However, some development projects remain incomplete due to budget constraints, and further support from provincial and local governments is needed. With its growing popularity, Rasa Lake is increasingly seen as a potential driver of local economic growth.
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