Weekend Holidays Boost Tourism in Chitwan

Chitwan. Tourist destinations have become more vibrant after the provision of giving public holidays on Saturday and Sunday was implemented. Although this time is not considered a season for domestic travel due to the heat, hotels and restaurants in Chitwan's Sauraha have been filled with domestic tourists due to the weekend holidays. Similarly, places for jungle safari, whether it's for jeep rides or elephant rides, are packed with tourists. Chitwan, which is called a destination for nature, culture, and adventure tourism, is one such destination with significant tourist importance. Chitwan has already established its identity as an attractive destination for domestic and foreign tourists, especially for water tourism and wildlife viewing. Senior tourism entrepreneur and Chairman of the United Elephant Operating Cooperative, Dipendra Khatiwada, informed that the arrival of domestic tourists in Chitwan has been increasing in recent times. He stated that the two-day holiday given by the government on Saturday and Sunday has had a positive impact on the tourism sector. "Especially since this season is hot in Chitwan, it is not considered a tourist season," he said, "tourists are coming to spend the two-day holiday by traveling, without minding the heat." Mentioning that in recent times, most people have started using holidays for travel, he shared that he has personally witnessed groups of people traveling from Chitwan's Sauraha to Lumbini and then to Pokhara when there were consecutive holidays for up to four days. He informed that the cooperative is currently using 30 elephants for safari to facilitate tourists. Tourists can enjoy elephant safaris here from 6:30 AM to 9:30 AM, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, and from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM. Tourism entrepreneur Amit Gurung informed that domestic tourists pay Rs 1,650 for an elephant ride of approximately 1.5 hours. He mentioned that both domestic and foreign tourists enjoy elephant safaris when they visit Chitwan. According to another tourism entrepreneur Ashish Regmi, although elephant rides are a major tourist attraction in Chitwan, no elephants have been bought or sold since COVID-19. Elephant rides are still being offered using the existing elephants. He informed that it costs more than Rs 100,000 per month to raise an elephant, including two staff members. According to him, an elephant generally requires about 25 kg of paddy, two kg of chickpeas, rock salt, and jaggery daily. He stated that in recent years, Chitwan's Sauraha has become famous for wildlife viewing as well as water activities. He mentioned that there is no inconvenience in food and accommodation for any tourist coming here due to the hotels, lodges, resorts, and restaurants built targeting tourists. Chitwan National Park is also an equally attractive place for wildlife viewing and bird tourism. Jungle safari by elephant or jeep, wildlife viewing, bird watching, boat rides on the Rapti River while observing birds and crocodiles, and sunset viewing are popular choices for tourists. Similarly, observing the local Tharu culture and traditions are also major attractions here. People of all age groups, from children to the elderly, come here to enjoy elephant safaris and see wildlife such as wild boars, tigers, rhinos, crocodiles, monkeys, and various species of birds. The greenery and grasslands seen during the safari also attract tourists. Crocodiles basking on the riverbanks, rhinos and other wildlife seen in various places, and birds during boat rides on the Rapti River here are captivating for everyone. Swastika Bhatta, operator of Tiffin Home & Restaurant, informed that hotels and restaurants in this area are doing well with the increasing arrival of tourists. She said that tourist arrivals in this area have been increasing in most seasons in recent years, adding, "Tourists are coming to Chitwan in one month or another." Businessmen experience that the two days of holidays per week have brought a positive change in domestic tourism.