Located in the heart of Tinau Rural Municipality, Ward No. 6 and 5, Jantilung and Maramkot are gradually gaining popularity as emerging tourist attractions. These areas, blessed with breathtaking natural beauty and panoramic vistas, are drawing both domestic and international tourists eager to explore the tranquil landscapes, local hospitality, and cultural richness.
Natural Beauty and Scenic Viewpoints
Jantilung and Maramkot offer a unique combination of hilltop serenity and stunning views that stretch from the snow-capped Himalayas to the lush plains of the Terai. Tourists who reach these destinations can enjoy clear panoramic sights of Tansen in Palpa, Butwal in Rupandehi, and Bardaghat in Nawalparasi. With such majestic views and peaceful ambiance, these locations have become favorites for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.
The calm and cool weather in Jantilung and Maramkot also makes them ideal getaways, especially during hot seasons when nearby cities like Butwal and Bhairahawa become uncomfortably warm. As a result, the number of visitors has steadily increased in recent years.
Growing Interest in Homestay Tourism
To accommodate the growing influx of tourists, the local community has begun promoting homestay programs. Currently, Jantilung Community Homestay offers a complete hospitality package at Rs. 1,200 per person, which includes welcome services, evening snacks, a traditional dinner featuring local chicken dishes, and breakfast. These homestays are not just lodging options but immersive cultural experiences that reflect the local way of life.
Tourists have shown growing preference for authentic local experiences over conventional hotel stays, favoring home-cooked meals, traditional hospitality, and the opportunity to engage with local customs and traditions.
Government Support and Training Initiatives
Recognizing the potential of tourism in these areas, both the Tinau Rural Municipality and the Lumbini Province Government have begun taking concrete steps to further develop homestay destinations in Jantilung and Maramkot. With financial and administrative support, training and capacity-building programs are being carried out under the Chief Minister’s Innovation Partnership Program, implemented by Empowerment Development Nepal, Palpa.
As part of these initiatives, one-week training programs on homestay operations, hospitality management, and culinary skills are being conducted for current and prospective homestay hosts in both wards. These programs aim to ensure that guests receive high-quality service while empowering local residents to generate income from tourism.
Chairperson of Tinau Rural Municipality, Prem Shrestha, stated, “We have initiated plans to turn Jantilung and Maramkot into income-generating tourist hubs through organized tourism activities. The cool weather here is a major attraction, and we are working to provide well-structured homestays where guests can enjoy local cuisine and the natural environment.”
Expanding Infrastructure and Livelihood Opportunities
In a bid to enhance the visitor experience, the rural municipality has begun the construction of seven new houses in Jantilung and two in Maramkot dedicated to homestay services. These are aimed at meeting the rising demand and standardizing services offered to tourists.
Moreover, training programs in beekeeping, pig farming, and soon-to-be-launched courses in vegetable farming, goat farming, culinary arts, guest reception, room decoration, and exposure visits are also underway. These skill development efforts are part of a holistic plan to make the community economically resilient and self-reliant.
Vice Chairperson of the rural municipality, Lal Bahadur Thapa, emphasized the long-term vision, saying, “With good roads now connecting Jantilung to nearby areas like Jhumsa, Charchare, and Dumre within half an hour, tourism has become more accessible. If local residents focus on impressing guests through hospitality and service, homestay tourism could become a sustainable income source.”
Economic and Cultural Impact
The homestay model is not just about tourism, it has implications for the broader local economy. According to Dhanishwar Basyal, Central Vice Chairperson of Homestay Nepal, a well-developed homestay industry can economically uplift entire villages. “Homestay programs promote local agriculture, livestock, and small-scale employment, reducing the need for youth to seek jobs abroad,” he said.
This integrated development model ensures that income generated from tourism remains within the community, strengthening the local economy while preserving cultural and environmental heritage.
Vision for the Future
As tourists become increasingly interested in authentic, community-based travel experiences, destinations like Jantilung and Maramkot are poised to thrive. With the combined efforts of local communities, rural municipality leaders, and provincial government support, these areas are not only showcasing Nepal’s natural beauty but also pioneering a model of sustainable rural tourism.
With continued investment in training, infrastructure, and marketing, Jantilung and Maramkot are set to become prime homestay destinations, offering visitors unforgettable experiences while transforming the local economy through tourism.
