The Dhumaiya watershed area located at Taduwa in Banke’s Rapti-Sonari Rural Municipality-5, particularly in the Binauna area, has recently become a preferred destination for domestic tourists seeking relief from the intense heat of Nepalgunj. Managed by the Siddeshwari Community Forest User Group, the area offers a refreshing escape, with visitors enjoying activities such as bathing under waterfalls, capturing photographs, filming videos, and indulging in outdoor picnics.
Local resident Chandra Prakash Rijal reported that during the summer, a significant influx of domestic tourists from nearby cities like Nepalgunj and Kohalpur head to Dhumaiya for a natural retreat. Rijal, who has been issuing entry tickets to the tourists, shared that around 300-400 visitors flock to the area daily during peak summer months.
According to Rapt Sonari-3 Baijapur resident Tarzan Oli, the cool, naturally flowing waterfalls and a swimming pond are major attractions for visitors. “Tourists from far away now arrive by jeep, car, and motorbikes, spending the entire day here enjoying the natural beauty,” Oli added.
The increased attraction of the site is also attributed to infrastructure developments initiated by the Siddeshwari Community Forest User Group, such as drinking water streams, swimming ponds, and basic picnic facilities. Local community member Juddha Bahadur Pun noted that these improvements have significantly contributed to the rising number of visitors. Sabin Pun, President of the Siddeshwari Community Forest User Group, highlighted that the site’s biodiversity, natural beauty, and accessibility have made it an excellent destination for domestic tourists.
Despite facing challenges such as budget constraints, which have delayed further development, the area has seen a steady rise in tourist numbers, particularly on Saturdays and public holidays. Pun also expressed his concerns over the lack of budget allocation for further infrastructure development, including the repair of roads damaged by floods during the monsoon season.
The Dhumaiya watershed area is located approximately 25 kilometers east of Nepalgunj, across the Rapti River. Visitors can easily reach the area by following the paved Hulaki Highway to Binouna Chilhariyya Chowk, and then traveling 3 kilometers on a dirt road. Tapta Poudel, the Chairman of the municipality, has expressed his readiness to support further infrastructure development and tourism promotion in the area, emphasizing the importance of such efforts for the local community.
