Pursa National Park Sees Surge in Tourist Arrivals

Parsa. The number of domestic and foreign tourists visiting Parsa National Park, considered the main habitat of native elephants found in Nepal, is increasing. The park, which is rich in biodiversity where wildlife can be observed along with natural beauty, has seen an increase in domestic tourists as well as tourists from neighboring India.

The government declared it as Nepal's 12th national park in 2074 BS based on its tourism potential and infrastructure development. This park, which borders Parsa, Bara, and Makwanpur districts, is open to domestic and foreign tourists. "Compared to the past, there has been an increase in domestic tourists and tourists from neighboring India in the park," said Santosh Kumar Bhagat, Information Officer of the park. "More domestic tourists visit than foreign ones."

According to him, 413 tourists visited in the first nine months of the current fiscal year 2082-83. Information Officer Bhagat stated that among the tourists visiting the park, there were 14 foreign tourists from SAARC countries and one from outside SAARC. "On average, about one thousand domestic and foreign tourists visit annually," said Information Officer Bhagat. "Especially from Kartik to Chaitra, more tourists come; it closes when the monsoon starts. From Baishakh to Ashwin, not many tourists come," he said.

Inside the park, there are religious sites like the historical and ancient Maya Temple and Dudheshwor Mahadev Temple, while natural and scenic lakes like Kamini Daha, Halkhoriya Daha, and Lauki Daha have become major attractions for tourists. "The green scenery and wildlife inside the park are attracting tourists," said local Subash Budhathoki. "Tourists coming here visit the park and go on elephant safaris."

With the construction of artificial ponds in various places to facilitate water supply within the park, where water is a major problem, the number of wild animals, including Bengal tigers, has also increased. According to the latest count in the park, the number of Bengal tigers has reached 41.

The park's chief, Ramchandra Khatiwada, stated that the number of wild animals in the park has been increasing after the park naturally constructed artificial ponds. Spread over a total area of 627.39 square kilometers, the park is home to 37 species of mammals such as rare Bengal tigers, bears, rhinos, elephants, spotted deer, barking deer, leopards, wild dogs, blue bulls, and gaur, 490 species of birds, 13 species of reptiles, and 31 species of butterflies.

A dozen 'view towers' have also been built inside the park for the observation and sightseeing of tourists visiting the park. Similarly, a dozen elephants are kept at the park's elephant stable for tourists to go on jungle safaris. Chief Khatiwada mentioned that since there is also a 'fire-line' within the park, tourists who do not wish to go on elephant safaris can go on jungle safaris in their private vehicles.

The entrance fee for Nepali tourists visiting the park is set at Rs 100, for tourists from SAARC countries at Rs 750, and for foreign tourists at Rs 1,500. Similarly, the fee for jeep safari is Rs 2,500 and for a guide is Rs 1,500 annually, informed Chief Khatiwada. The park office has stated that it has prioritized the construction of necessary physical infrastructure and promotion to make the park a tourist destination in the Madhesh Province.