Rapti River Boating Emerges as New Tourist Attraction in Sauraha, Chitwan

Chitwan. When Sauraha in Chitwan is mentioned, images of jungle safari, elephant breeding center, Tharu culture, and wildlife observation come to mind. Recently, 'Rapti River Boating,' a new tourist activity added in Sauraha, has become a center of attraction for tourists. The boating service operated on the Rapti River, flowing through the middle of the jungle, has added a new dimension to Sauraha's tourism.

The boating service, which started last Kartik month, has now become a special attraction for domestic and foreign tourists. Boating is conducted on the Rapti River, which falls within Chitwan National Park, for a distance of approximately 6 kilometers from Jindagani Ghat to Bhimpur Ghat. During this, tourists can observe the natural beauty of the park and wildlife while traveling on the river.

Currently, eight boats are in operation for boating. Any tourist can avail the service by paying a fee of one thousand rupees per person. The management side has stated that nearly two thousand tourists have already experienced boating within a few months of its operation.

This service came into operation after Chitwan National Park called for tenders. Kinar Restaurant & Bar has taken the responsibility for its management. According to tourism entrepreneurs, the boating service was started with the aim of extending the stay in Sauraha and providing more quality services to tourists.

According to Basu Dhungana, Managing Director of Banbas Hotel, Sauraha is not just an affordable tourist destination but also suitable for high-level and international tourists. 'The boating service has been started to provide a more quality experience to tourists visiting Sauraha, not just limiting them to hotels and jungle safaris,' he said. According to him, tourists staying in quality hotels, in particular, participate in boating.

During the serene journey on the Rapti River, tourists can closely observe the biodiversity of Chitwan National Park. One-horned rhinos, Chitwan's famous Royal Bengal tigers, deer, gharial crocodiles, other species of crocodiles, and hundreds of species of birds can be seen in the jungle areas along and around the riverbanks. The observation of migratory birds visiting Nepal during the winter season has also become another attraction of boating.

Chitwan National Park, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, is Nepal's first national park. Spread over an area of 952 square kilometers, the park is considered one of the most important protected areas in the world in terms of biodiversity. It is home to over 700 plant species, more than 60 mammal species, over 540 bird species, and various reptile species. Ecotourism activities are expanding in Sauraha with this natural heritage at its center.

According to tourism entrepreneurs, boating has not only provided a new experience to tourists but has also had a positive impact on the local economy. Boatmen, tourism workers, hotel entrepreneurs, and the local community have directly benefited. In addition, 10 percent of the income collected from boating is provided to community forests. This has further strengthened the relationship between conservation and tourism.

In recent years, the concept of sustainable tourism and ecotourism has gained importance in Nepal. Sauraha's boating service is an example of this, where efforts are made to conserve natural heritage, generate income for the local community, and provide quality experiences to tourists.

The opportunity to observe wildlife and birds while boating on the Rapti River, flowing through the middle of the jungle, has made Sauraha's tourism more attractive. Therefore, if you want to be close to nature and experience Chitwan's jungle from a different angle, the boating trip in Sauraha can be an excellent option for you.