After weeks of quietness during the Dashain festival, the popular tourist hub of Sauraha in Chitwan has begun witnessing a gradual return of visitors. The arrival of 30 international tourists at the Unique Wild Resort today has brought a sense of relief and optimism among hotel entrepreneurs. Resort operator Gunaraj Thapaliya expressed happiness over the growing number of tourist arrivals, noting that the long silence in the region’s tourism scene seems to be lifting.
Optimism Returns to Hotel Entrepreneurs
Thapaliya, who is also the Vice President of the Regional Hotel Association, shared that both domestic and foreign tourists have started visiting the area since Tuesday. “During Dashain, the occupancy rate was barely around five percent, but it has now risen to about thirty percent,” he said. According to him, last year at this time, hotels in Sauraha were operating at over 80 percent capacity, highlighting the significant contrast caused by recent events.
The decline earlier in the season was attributed to political uncertainty, heavy rainfall, and landslides in several parts of the country, which led many tourists to cancel their bookings. However, with the gradual improvement in weather and travel conditions, the atmosphere in Sauraha’s hospitality industry has become more hopeful.
Increase in Tourist Arrivals Post Dashain
Regional Hotel Association President Om Pandey, who also operates the Landmark Hotel, confirmed that tourists have started checking into hotels after the slowdown caused by the Gen-Z movement earlier this month. “Tourists who had arrived in Nepal before the protests are now visiting Sauraha as road conditions improve,” he said.
Although the number of Nepali visitors remains limited, the flow of international tourists has been steadily increasing. Pandey mentioned that even without advance bookings, many tourists are now arriving directly, signaling renewed interest in Sauraha’s attractions. “After weeks of nearly empty hotels, seeing tourists again has given us new hope,” he added.
Safari Activities and Local Tourism Gaining Pace
According to Suman Ghimire, operator of the Jungle Safari Lodge, tourism activities inside the Chitwan National Park are also picking up. He noted that the reopening of jungle safaris has contributed to the growing number of tourists. “We expect both domestic and international arrivals to rise gradually, especially with the upcoming Tihar festival,” he said.
Ghimire emphasized that Sauraha’s road connectivity has improved significantly, making it easier for tourists from various regions to reach Chitwan. With better access and the park’s unique wildlife experiences, he anticipates a surge in visitors during the festive holidays.
Hotels and Restaurants Begin to See Revival
Hoteliers and restaurateurs across Sauraha are beginning to feel the change. Ramesh Silwal, owner of Hotel Vista, said he received calls from 14 tourists today alone, all planning to visit Sauraha. “Inquiries are increasing through various channels, and this gives us confidence that tourist numbers will rise soon,” he said.
Similarly, local tourism entrepreneur Dipendra Khatri shared that restaurants are seeing more customers and that interest in activities like elephant safaris is gradually growing again. “In previous years, it was hard to manage the rush of tourists wanting elephant rides during Dashain, but this year the area remained quiet. Now, things are finally improving,” he remarked.
Chitwan’s Timeless Appeal
Sauraha serves as the main gateway for travelers visiting the Chitwan National Park, one of Nepal’s most renowned wildlife reserves. Tourists staying in Sauraha often participate in jungle safaris inside the park and community forests, where they can spot rare wildlife species such as the one-horned rhinoceros and the Royal Bengal tiger. The park’s rich biodiversity and thrilling safari experiences make it a globally recognized ecotourism destination.
Despite the temporary slump caused by natural and political disturbances, Sauraha’s tourism entrepreneurs remain hopeful that the inflow of visitors will continue to rise in the coming weeks. The combination of improved road conditions, favorable weather, and upcoming festive holidays has reignited optimism in the local hospitality industry.
As the Tihar festival approaches, hotel owners and tourism operators in Sauraha are preparing for a busier season. Many have introduced special packages and discounts to attract both domestic and foreign tourists. With the jungle safari season reopening and a renewed sense of enthusiasm among locals, Sauraha is once again gearing up to welcome travelers seeking nature, adventure, and tranquility.
Hope for Steady Recovery
Tourism officials and entrepreneurs agree that while the recovery may take time, the gradual return of visitors is a positive sign for Chitwan’s tourism-based economy. The collective efforts of hoteliers, local authorities, and conservation bodies aim to ensure that Sauraha regains its position as one of Nepal’s most vibrant and welcoming tourist destinations.
If the upward trend continues, the coming months could mark a strong revival for Sauraha’s tourism sector, restoring livelihoods and bringing back the festive vibrancy that defines the heart of Chitwan’s tourism culture.
