Ilam's Tinkune Pond Emerges as a Premier Tourist Destination

Ilam. Located in Chulachuli Rural Municipality-2, the 'Tinkune Pond' has recently become a preferred destination for tourists. The site attracts crowds of visitors for sightseeing, photography, videography, and picnics.

The rise in tourism is attributed to infrastructure development driven by local residents. Local resident Chetan Angthupo noted that the area has become an excellent destination due to its biodiversity, natural beauty, and geographical accessibility. "The pond sees a surge of visitors on Saturdays and public holidays," he said, adding, "The influx of tourists has increased the vibrancy of this region."

Meanwhile, the 'Tinkune Tourism Festival' is being organized starting today with the aim of promoting domestic tourism. The festival is being held in the open field of the Tinkune Pond, organized by the local 'Tinkune Pond Wetland Area' committee.

Festival organizing committee coordinator Nagindra Shrestha stated that the event, which will run until Baisakh 1, aims to promote tourism while preserving local indigenous culture, art, literature, music, and history. Held under the slogan 'Identity of Chulachuli, Campaign for Tourism,' the festival will feature cultural processions and traditional attire from various communities, including the Limbu community's Chyabrung dance (Ke:lang), the Rai community's Sakela dance, the Newar community's Lakhe dance, the Tamang community's Selo, the Magar community's Maruni, and the Khas Arya community's Sangini. Coordinator Shrestha informed that local art, culture, handicrafts, and indigenous food products will also be on display.

"Our effort is to promote tourism while preserving the original culture, art, literature, music, and history of the indigenous sons of the soil. For this, different programs have been scheduled for each day," said coordinator Shrestha. "The main objective is to connect local indigenous products with business and the economy, and to help create employment opportunities for the youth."

Committee secretary Semanta Khanal informed that the festival will feature musical performances by Rajesh Payal Rai, Sahil Limbu, Puja Lama, Padam Rai, and Alina Chauhan, along with other local artists.

Spanning approximately 6 bighas within the Morange Jhoda community forest in Chulachuli Rural Municipality-2, the Tinkune Pond wetland area is considered highly significant from both environmental and tourism perspectives. While local leaders began damming a deep ravine to store water in 2052 BS, formal construction of the pond began in 2072 BS.

Situated at an altitude of about 185 meters above sea level, Tinkune Pond is located approximately 5.5 kilometers north of the East-West Highway. It is easily accessible from Kerkha Bazaar-Padajungi in Jhapa via motorcycles, safaris, autos, and other small or large vehicles.

Chulachuli Rural Municipality Chairman Rajendra Kerung expressed confidence that the festival would help further promote and publicize Tinkune Pond. The festival was organized here through the active participation of local residents, which will contribute to the further promotion and publicity of the site.