Chitwan Explores New Tourism Potential with Hiking and Evening Safaris Beyond Traditional Routes

Chitwan. The Division Forest Office is actively studying and managing the potential for jeep safaris along with hiking and evening safaris covering a distance of about 12 kilometers from Tikhauli in the Barandabhar forest area of Chitwan, extending to Panchakanya and Chartumukhi Community Forests.

The office has initiated a study to link income generation with biological tourism in the community forests here. Accordingly, on Tuesday, a team comprising Bishnu Prasad Acharya, Chief of the Division Forest Office, students studying Environmental Science at Saptagandaki Multiple Campus in Bharatpur, teachers, conservationists, and nature guides conducted a trek (hiking) and observation study in the area.

During the trek, necessary infrastructure, wildlife, birds, vegetation, security arrangements, and viewpoint management were observed. Stakeholders stated that the Khageri Khola irrigated area, starting from Ichhakamana in the district, offers potential for biological tourism, making trekking and evening safaris in this area significant endeavors.

Division Chief Acharya stated that they are moving forward with a visionary plan for this development, saying, "When people think of tourism in Chitwan, they only look at Sauraha and Kasara, but the community forest areas under the jurisdiction of the Division Forest Office can become excellent tourist destinations." He added that due to the condition of the lakes, ponds, and grasslands in that area, it could become an important destination in Nepal for wildlife management and tourism.

Jeep safaris have been operated for tourism. Hiking and evening safaris can also be conducted there. New practices can be attempted for evening safaris in this area. Division Chief Acharya informed that since evening safaris are not possible in the National Park, safaris can be operated here to observe wildlife in the evening. He mentioned that an action plan is being prepared accordingly.

Harikumar Gurung, Chairman of Chartumukhi Community Forest, stated that the community forest is prioritizing jeep safaris and tourism activities with the objective of earning income through a different approach to tourism promotion, rather than just selling firewood. He expressed confidence that the study of hiking possibilities in coordination with the Forest Office would further contribute to the tourism development of the area. According to Chairman Gurung, treehouses have also been constructed in this area for tourists to spend the night.

He mentioned that wildlife such as tigers and rhinos, as well as various birds, can be observed from that area. Expressing happiness over the encouragement and proactiveness shown by the Division Forest Office in promoting tourism, Chairman Gurung stated that they would remain active for the tourism development of this area.

Krishnaprasad Bagale, Chairman of Panchakanya Community Forest, stated that the area has wetlands, Sisau forests, Sal forests, Khayer, and forests with various medicinal herbs. He said that because this area is close to the highway and Sauraha, it could become an even more attractive destination for tourists. According to Chairman Bagale, jeep safaris have been operating here since last Poush, and seeing its success, there is now potential for hiking and evening jeep safaris. This will create new destinations for tourists and become an additional source of income for the forest consumers. Evening jeep safaris have potential in Panchakanya, Chartumukhi, and Bhimawali Community Forests.