Chyama Tal, located in the wetlands of Bardiya, has captured the hearts of many tourists for its serene beauty and peaceful environment. Full of lush greenery, the area is surrounded by the Swargadwari Community Forest and is situated in the Ranajhatapu area of Bansgadhi Municipality-2, making it a perfect getaway for nature lovers.
Purnima KC from Nepalgunj-1 recently visited the lake with her family and shared her excitement, “Though it’s close to home, this is my first time visiting Chyama Tal. I find the place absolutely mesmerizing,” she said. Encouraging others to visit, she added, “The view is breathtaking, and the surroundings are so refreshing.”
Similarly, Sangeeta Thapa, a resident of Nepalgunj Sub-Metropolitan City-18, has frequently visited Chyama Tal for picnics and to enjoy the natural beauty. “I love spending time in nature, whether for a picnic with friends and family or just to unwind in peace. Chyama Tal is my go-to place,” Sangeeta shared. “The charm of this place is simply irresistible.”
Chyama Tal is increasingly becoming a popular spot for locals like Shyam Kumar Paudel from Badiyataal-4, who visited the area for the first time with his friends. “Although I’m from this district, I had never been here before,” Paudel said. “It’s just as beautiful as my friends described it.”
To cater to the growing demand for eco-tourism, Bansgadhi Municipality has allocated NPR 3 million to develop a dedicated picnic spot around the lake. According to Arjun Khadka, the Ward Chairperson of Ward No. 2, the area once had a water spring, but the land was sinking. With some budget, the community forest took the initiative to protect the area by building barriers, and creating the pond as it stands today.
In 2017, the Bansgadhi Municipality officially declared Chyama Tal a wetland and renamed it in a joint effort with Bardiya National Park. Since then, the area has seen a steady rise in the number of domestic tourists, making it an emerging destination for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
Former Bansgadhi Municipality Mayor, Shalikram Adhikari, officially inaugurated Chyama Tal and its picnic area in 2017. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the natural beauty of the wetland and urged the local community to take an active role in the development and conservation of the area as a tourist destination. “The community plays a key role in the cleaning, management, and promotion of the lake. Their efforts will shape the future of this area,” he said.
Chyama Tal is a thriving ecosystem that supports various wildlife, with water flowing from underground springs, ensuring that the water remains fresh year-round. The area, which spans nearly seven hectares and has a length of 1,100 meters and a width of 800 meters, is a crucial habitat for wildlife. Many animals visit the lake to drink water, and its biodiversity attracts numerous bird species.
The wetland is part of the Swargadwari Community Forest, and with its picturesque landscapes, diverse wildlife, and various species of birds, it has the potential to be developed into a key tourist destination. The Bansgadhi Municipality’s logo also incorporates Chyama Tal to promote its tourism prospects.
Situated about 12 kilometers north of the East-West Mahendra Highway via Lakhnachowk, Chyama Tal attracts both domestic and international tourists from the surrounding districts of Banke and Bardiya.
With its stunning natural beauty and efforts toward sustainable tourism development, Chyama Tal is poised to become a major eco-tourism hub in Bardiya.