Shuklaphanta National Park in Kanchanpur, Sudurpaschim Province, has recorded an increase in visitor activity following its reopening after the monsoon season. A total of 590 domestic and international visitors explored the park over 13 days, from October 14 to October 26, as holiday travel brought more people to the region’s natural attractions.
Park officials said visitor numbers have increased during the festive period, when people returning to their hometowns and travellers from other parts of Nepal have taken the opportunity to explore the area. The park had remained closed to visitors during the rainy season and reopened in the final week of Ashoj, allowing tourism activities to resume.
Wildlife and Grasslands Draw Nature Enthusiasts
Covering approximately 305 square kilometres, Shuklaphanta National Park is known for its large herds of swamp deer, locally called barasingha, as well as its diverse wildlife and grassland habitats. The park is an important destination for visitors interested in wildlife observation and nature-based tourism in far-western Nepal.
According to park information cited in the supplied report, the area is home to more than 2,300 swamp deer, around 50 Bengal tigers, more than 20 rhinoceroses and over 450 bird species. These natural assets make the park significant for wildlife conservation and provide opportunities to promote responsible tourism in Sudurpaschim Province.
Domestic Tourists Make Up the Majority in Shuklaphanta
Of the 590 visitors recorded since the park reopened, 560 were domestic tourists, 23 came from SAARC countries and seven came from other countries. The figures show that domestic travellers currently account for the largest share of visitors to Shuklaphanta National Park.
The Shuklaphanta National Park charges an entry fee of NPR 100 per person for Nepali visitors, NPR 750 for visitors from SAARC countries, and NPR 1,500 for other foreign visitors. Park officials have also been working to promote the destination and encourage more people to explore its wildlife and natural landscapes.
Kanchanpur’s Tourism Attractions Gain Attention
The increase in visitors extends beyond the Shuklaphanta National Park, with other attractions in Kanchanpur also drawing domestic tourists during the holiday period. These include the four lane Mahakali Bridge, local suspension bridges, Bedkot Lake and Jhilimila Lake, which contribute to the district’s growing profile as a regional travel destination.
Local tourism representatives have stressed the importance of improving transportation, accommodation and visitor safety to support this growing interest. Better promotion and coordinated tourism services could help Kanchanpur attract more visitors, extend their stays and generate greater economic opportunities for local communities.
