Tourism activities are gradually picking up again around Nadhiman Lake in Sarlahi, a destination known for its religious, historical, and natural significance. After remaining largely neglected and deserted for years, the lake has recently begun attracting visitors from nearby areas as well as across the border from India. The lake, which was previously listed by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation among Nepal’s 100 tourist destinations, covers an estimated 52 bighas across Chandranagar Rural Municipality-6 and 7. However, encroachment and a lack of sustained management have reduced the water-covered area to around 35 bighas.
Natural and Cultural Attractions
Nadhiman Lake is surrounded by facilities and landmarks including the Mithila Kala Ghar, a children’s park, Shree Marichi Maneshwar Mahadev Temple, a rest house and other public structures. The local government near Nadhiman Lake has also initiated plans to develop a road and dam around the lake, along with tree-planting and environmental conservation activities.
Earlier efforts had also helped improve the area. In 2015, under the President Chure Conservation Development Programme, the Nepal Army carried out cleaning, seating, and tree-planting activities around the lake. These improvements temporarily transformed the area into an attractive recreational destination and encouraged visitors and local businesses to invest in shops and hotels.
However, the lack of continued conservation later resulted in the Nadhiman Lake becoming covered with water hyacinth and waste. Visitor numbers declined, the nearby market became inactive, and tourism-oriented businesses gradually closed. The lake is now showing signs of recovery. After being drained in 2024 for fish harvesting, the area had temporarily turned into grazing land. It has since gradually refilled and is currently holding a significant amount of water. According to the local government, the lake does not depend on a major external water source; underground spring water continuously feeds it.
Visitors Return, but Management Issues Remain
The renewed beauty of the Nadhiman Lake has encouraged more visitors, including tourists from different districts of Nepal and India’s Bihar state. Local traders say the return of visitors has brought fresh optimism to businesses around the destination. Visitors, however, have called for better maintenance and tourism services. One of the lake’s main attractions is boating, but motorboat services are not operating regularly. The lake has been leased for fish farming, and the operator has reportedly restricted motorboat operations, citing concerns that boating could cause fish deaths.
Tourists have also complained about poor maintenance of facilities, deteriorating children’s play equipment and unpleasant odors caused by dead fish and waste in parts of the lake. Local visitors have urged the rural municipality to improve cleanliness, safety and visitor facilities so that tourists leave with a positive experience and are encouraged to return with others.
Major Tourism Infrastructure Under Construction
Chandranagar Rural Municipality has awarded a contract worth Rs. 78.04 million for the construction of facilities including a park, waiting areas, temples and public toilets. The project, assigned to S & S/Kalsa JV, Bagmati, Sarlahi, is scheduled for completion within 36 months. Local residents believe the ongoing reconstruction and beautification of Nadhiman Lake could significantly contribute to tourism development in the area if properly managed.
With its natural water resources, religious heritage, cultural attractions and proximity to the Indian border, Nadhiman Lake has considerable potential to become a popular regional tourism destination. However, sustained conservation, cleanliness, reliable boating services and proper management of existing infrastructure will be crucial to maintaining the recent increase in visitor numbers.
