Shankar Beli Simsar, located in Ward No. 6 of Ramdhuni Municipality, has recently emerged as a popular domestic tourism destination, attracting nature lovers and families seeking recreational activities.
Established 13 years ago, the wetland area has been developed into a tourist-friendly site through the active participation of the Local Consumer Committee, continuous conservation efforts, proper sanitation management, and support from provincial and local governments.
Rising Visitor Numbers and Seasonal Trends
According to Ratna Rai, former chairperson of the Simsar Management Committee, the wetland now sees thousands of visitors daily. During the peak picnic season, which runs from Kartik to Poush (mid-October to mid-January) and Baisakh 15 to Jestha 20 (late April to early June), visitor numbers can exceed 10,000 per day. Even during the off-season, more than 150 tourists visit daily to enjoy the natural surroundings.
Rai highlighted that the Shankar Beli Wetland is particularly attractive for picnics and recreational activities, offering a serene natural environment combined with scenic views.
Natural Beauty and Attractions
The wetland is surrounded by Shirish trees, which bloom spectacularly in Baisakh (April–May), drawing additional visitors to the area. This natural floral display significantly enhances the beauty of the region and attracts photography enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
The wetland has the capacity to host approximately 110 groups at a time, making it an ideal location for large-scale picnics. A nominal fee ranging from NRs 300 to NRs 1,000 per group is charged, which is reinvested in the conservation, maintenance, and cleanliness of the site, according to the management committee.
Infrastructure Development
Spanning approximately 4.5 Bigha, the wetland has seen infrastructure development funded by the Koshi Province government, which allocated NRs 20 million in the fiscal year 2080/81 for facilities, pathways, and visitor amenities, said committee member Nischal Tamang.
Adding to the attraction, a ‘White House’ pavilion was constructed in the middle of the pond with support from Ramdhuni Municipality at a cost of around NRs 150,000. This structure has become a popular spot for photography and gatherings, further enhancing the tourist experience.
Visitor Demographics
Shankar Beli Simsar draws tourists from nearby urban centers including Dharan, Itahari, Biratnagar, Jhapa, and Udayapur. Notably, it also attracts visitors from India, demonstrating the wetland’s growing regional appeal.
The committee emphasizes that conservation and cleanliness remain a priority even as visitor numbers increase, ensuring that tourism development in the area is sustainable and environmentally friendly.
The management committee hopes that Shankar Beli Simsar will continue to grow as a model domestic tourism site in eastern Nepal. By combining natural beauty, recreational facilities, and organized management, the wetland aims to provide both economic benefits to the local community and a high-quality experience for visitors.
As domestic tourism continues to gain momentum, destinations like Shankar Beli Simsar highlight the potential of Nepal’s lesser-known natural attractions to contribute to local economies while offering memorable experiences to visitors.
