ILAM: Antu Pokhari in Ilam, now a popular tourist destination, was a buffalo grazing ground until about four decades ago.
Until around 1983/84, locals from nearby villages used the area to graze livestock, with only a small water pond on one side that never fully dried up. The surroundings were barren, with no houses or forest, and the area remained largely deserted.
Recalling those days, local Khagraj Ghimire said, “As children, we used to graze 20–22 buffaloes here. People from Antu Danda, Budhedanda, Uniutar, Takpat, and Chiruwatar brought their buffaloes to this area for grazing and water.” At the time, only a few scattered households existed far from the pond, and there were no roads—just narrow foot trails.
Today, the once-quiet area has transformed into a vibrant tourism hub, attracting between 800 and 2,000 visitors daily for activities such as boating and fishing. Evenings are lively with music, as tourists gather to enjoy food, dance, and entertainment late into the night.
The transformation began around 1983, when Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, then District Panchayat President, initiated conservation efforts with a budget of Rs 20,000. Local residents also contributed to protecting and developing the pond. “Walls were built on the eastern and western sides, water was preserved, and sanitation efforts began,” Ghimire said.
Each year, hundreds of tourists from India’s West Bengal visit Antu, often staying for several days. The destination becomes especially crowded during the summer months, as people seek relief in its naturally cool environment.
In 2002, the Antu Tourism Development Center was officially registered, further accelerating development with government support. Over time, locals introduced boating by initially renting boats from Mirik, India, and later purchasing their own from Kolkata. Around 2005/06, then Speaker Subash Chandra Nembang formally inaugurated boating services.
Following federalism, the local government intensified development efforts. Former rural municipality chief Ran Bahadur Rai said around Rs 50 million has been invested in infrastructure, including pathways, lighting, and accommodation facilities.
“Earlier, it was muddy and difficult to walk around the pond. Tourists hesitated to visit. Now, it has been developed into an integrated tourist area,” he said.
Antu Danda, located above the pond and known for its sunrise view (Jhulke Gham), has also become a key attraction. Previously inaccessible, roads have now been constructed, making travel easier for visitors.
The municipality has significantly increased revenue from tourism, from around Rs 100,000 annually in earlier years to approximately Rs 5.6 million now. Efforts such as festivals, improved waste management, and infrastructure upgrades have contributed to this growth.
Currently, under a federal government urban development project, further beautification works are underway, including road expansion, footpaths, fencing, and enhanced landscaping, according to sub-engineer Prakash Chapagain.
Business operators say tourists visiting Antu are now spending more time exploring the surrounding areas of Antu Pokhari. Rudra Ghimire, president of the Antu Tourism Association, noted a steady rise in visitor flow.
“We receive between 800 and 2,000 tourists daily. There are 110 hotels, cottages, and homestays affiliated with the association, including 50 community homestays, of which 35 provide regular services,” he said, adding that around 310 people are directly employed in the sector.
Key attractions include scenic cottages, homestays, boating, seasonal fishing, horse riding, and nearby tea gardens. Currently, four boats operate in Antu Pokhari, each accommodating four people, with a fee of Rs 50 per round per person. The revenue goes to the municipality, and the boats remain in constant use throughout the day.
Antu Danda is particularly popular for sunrise and sunset views. Many visitors arrive a day earlier, enjoy the lakeside atmosphere and evening entertainment, and wake early to witness the iconic sunrise.
Antu lies about 11 km from Kanyam, where a road branches off from Chhipitar along the Mechi Highway. The route is blacktopped and accessible by jeep, car, van, and motorcycle. The peak season for sunrise viewing begins in late August and extends through winter and into April, depending on weather conditions.
The sunrise from Antu is widely regarded as one of the most captivating in eastern Nepal, drawing both domestic and international tourists.
From Antu, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges, lush forests of dhupi and salla (pine), cardamom fields, and seasonal crops. On clear days, areas such as Jhapa, Kanyam, and even parts of India including Darjeeling, Mirik, and Siliguri are visible. The cool climate makes Antu a popular retreat for visitors from the hotter Terai districts like Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, and Saptari.
Each year, hundreds of tourists from India’s West Bengal visit Antu, often staying for several days. The destination becomes especially crowded during the summer months, as people seek relief in its naturally cool environment.
Tourist inflow is also strong from western Nepal and neighboring Indian regions, with student groups frequently visiting for educational tours.
Acting Mayor Durga Kumar Baral said Suryodaya Municipality is prioritizing tourism as a pathway to economic growth. “Not only Antu and Kanyam, but every ward here has tourism potential. With agricultural products, herbs, the endangered red panda, and rich cultural and religious sites, Suryodaya has been declared a tourist city by the Koshi Province government.
While Antu and Kanyam are our major destinations, we aim to develop other areas as well. Tourism is the foundation of our economic prosperity,” he said.
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