Domestic tourism in Banke’s rural homestays is on the rise as the Dashain festival draws an influx of visitors. After a subdued monsoon, homestays in Gabhar Valley and Nayagaun have seen an increase in guests from within Banke, neighbouring districts, and other provinces.
The seasonal upswing in domestic tourism during Dashain has given a fillip to community-based tourism in the ecologically sensitive zone, drawing attention to the region’s natural beauty, cultural values and biodiversity.
Ghabar Valley homestays see around 500 tourists a day
Ghabar Valley, located in the ecologically sensitive zone of the buffer region of the Banke National Park, has been attracting domestic tourists who are interested in nature, local culture and a rural experience. Krishna Lal Chaudhary, the chairperson of Ghabar Valley Homestay, said the number of tourists visiting the homestay has been rising every day since the arrival of Dashain and currently stands at around 500 visitors a day.
Gabhar Valley Homestay, which is managed by members of the Tharu and Mugali communities, has been offering an insight into the rural lifestyle and the cultural values of the people of the village. It has been attracting a good number of residents of the district as well as the neighbouring districts who have come to the district to celebrate Dashain with their families and want to spend their holidays exploring the nearby attractions.
Nayagaun homestay sees increase in visitors for festive season
Nayagaun Homestay, located in Ward 8 of Rapti Sonari Rural Municipality, has also witnessed a rise in its domestic visitors during the festive season. Mangal Tharu, the chairperson of the homestay, said people who have come to the district to celebrate Dashain have been visiting the homestay as part of their holiday itinerary.
Besides, the people visiting the national park have also been stopping by the homestay to savour the local cuisine and hospitality of the people. With the increase in domestic tourists, the homestay in Nayagaun is playing an important role in catering to the needs of the tourists as well as promoting the rich cultural heritage of the local communities.
Banke National Park reopens for jungle safaris
With the end of the monsoon season, the Banke National Park has witnessed an upswing in its tourism activities as the jungle safari has resumed. The valley, famous for its biodiversity and the rare four-horned antelope or chausinga, found only in the Banke National Park, has been enticing nature lovers and wildlife photographers.
Tourists interested in the jungle safari have been visiting the national park and the nearby homestays as they offer an insight into the rich biodiversity of Nepal. The reopening of the jungle safari has proved to be a shot in the arm for domestic tourism as well as the local homestays.
Source-RSS
