Tikapur Park, one of western Nepal’s popular recreational and tourism destinations, has welcomed more than 230,000 domestic and international visitors during the current fiscal year, generating over Rs. 13.5 million in revenue for Tikapur Municipality. Located in Ward No. 5 of Tikapur Municipality, the park remains one of the municipality’s largest sources of internally generated revenue while serving as a major attraction for visitors to Kailali.
Tourist Numbers Cross 230,000
According to Vinod Chaudhary, an employee at Tikapur Park, nearly 230,000 tourists visited the park during the current fiscal year. Visitor numbers typically decline during the monsoon season, while the tourist flow begins to increase significantly from the Dashain festival onward. The park has long been known for its lush greenery, peaceful environment, and family-friendly recreational facilities, making it a favored destination for both residents and travelers from across Nepal.
New Suspension Bridge Diverts Visitors from the Park
Despite the impressive annual visitor figures, officials say the recently constructed suspension bridge connecting Tikapur’s Daulatpur with Rajapur in Bardiya across the Karnali River has noticeably shifted tourist attention away from the park. Since the bridge opened, many visitors who previously entered the park are now choosing to visit the bridge instead, where they can enjoy panoramic river views free of charge.
“Previously, even during the off-season, around 200 to 300 visitors came to the park daily. Since the bridge was built, daily park visitors often do not even reach 100,” said Chaudhary. He added that many tourists arrive at the park entrance but change their plans and head directly to the suspension bridge without purchasing a park ticket, which costs Rs. 50 per person.
Bridge Becomes a New Scenic Tourism Attraction
The suspension bridge has quickly emerged as one of the area’s newest tourism attractions, especially during the monsoon season when the swollen Karnali River creates dramatic landscapes. Visitors gather on the bridge to admire the river, photograph the expansive floodplains, and capture videos of the scenic surroundings. On public holidays, thousands of people reportedly visit the bridge.
Smriti Magar, a visitor from Geruwa Rural Municipality in Bardiya, described the experience as refreshing. “It is a new destination with beautiful views. The scenery of the Karnali River from the bridge is breathtaking, and the cool breeze makes the visit even more enjoyable,” she said.
Calls for Developing a Tourism Circuit
Residents believe the bridge has strong potential to become a major tourism destination if managed properly. Krishna Chaudhary of Tikapur Municipality–4 said the local government should integrate the bridge with nearby attractions, including Tikapur Park, and promote them collectively as a tourism circuit. He also stressed the need for long-term planning, improved security, and better visitor management to ensure sustainable tourism development in the area.
Growing Crowds Raise Safety Concerns
While the bridge’s popularity has boosted tourism, it has also created traffic and safety challenges. Large crowds stopping on the narrow bridge to take photographs and record videos often obstruct motorcycles and other vehicles, increasing the risk of accidents. Sushant Chaudhary of Rajapur, Bardiya, said motorists frequently struggle to pass through the congested bridge. “People stop in the middle of the bridge to make videos, and even when motorcycles sound their horns, many don’t move,” he said, warning that the current situation could lead to serious accidents if left unmanaged.
Locals Seek Stronger Security Measures
Residents have urged authorities to strengthen security around the bridge, particularly during evenings when groups of young people gather there. Local resident Sunir Chaudhary called for clear visitor guidelines, regular police patrols, and the establishment of a police post near the bridge. He noted that the bridge is connected to a nearby community forest, raising concerns about possible drug-related activities and nighttime security risks.
As the suspension bridge rapidly gains popularity alongside Tikapur Park, local stakeholders say coordinated tourism planning, effective visitor management, and enhanced safety measures will be essential to maximize its tourism potential while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
