In an effort to promote tourism in the region, the Singhpur Community Forest located in Krishnapur Municipality–6 has advanced the construction of a guest house. The project, undertaken as a cost-sharing initiative between the municipality and the community forest, has now reached its final stages.
For the construction of the guest house, the municipality has contributed NPR 300,000, while the community forest has invested over NPR 700,000, according to Jograj Chaudhary, the chairman of the forest committee. He stated that the facility is being built in a local architectural style and will include five rooms. “Each room will be equipped with two beds and other necessary infrastructure. We aim to complete the house within the next two months,” he added.
Once completed, the guest house will offer accommodation to visitors at a nominal fee, facilitating forest exploration and tourism. Chaudhary shared that the house will also provide organic dishes representing Tharu, Rana Tharu, and hill community cuisines based on guest preferences.
Showcasing Local Culture and Traditions
Chaudhary highlighted that visitors will be introduced to the traditional culture, lifestyle, and attire of the Tharu community. “We plan to entertain tourists by combining organic meals with traditional dance performances, giving them a holistic cultural experience,” he said. A detailed operational guideline for the management of the guest house has already been drafted to ensure smooth functioning.
Visitors will also have access to a variety of recreational and nature-based facilities within the forest. These include a view tower, picnic areas, a six-hectare Sal tree reproduction plot, and boating opportunities in a 16-kattha pond, Chaudhary explained. He expressed confidence that these facilities will not only promote tourism but also increase local income opportunities.
Expanding Homestay Opportunities in Singhpur
In addition to the guest house, there are plans to establish homestays in ten traditional Tharu homes in Singhpur. These homestays will be formally registered and operational within the current fiscal year. The project aims to integrate tourism with community-based income generation, benefiting local residents economically while preserving cultural heritage.
Baburam Chaudhary, Ward Chairman of Krishnapur–6, emphasized the importance of linking community forests with tourism to boost local livelihoods. He also assured full support from the ward office in facilitating the completion and operation of the guest house.
With tourism steadily gaining traction in the region, the Singhpur Community Forest guest house and associated homestay initiatives are poised to provide visitors with an immersive cultural and natural experience while fostering sustainable development for the local community.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The Singhpur Community Forest guesthouse project is expected to have a positive impact on the local economy by creating employment opportunities and encouraging local entrepreneurship. Farmers and artisans will be able to supply fresh produce, handicrafts, and cultural performances to tourists, thereby increasing their income.
Moreover, the integration of cultural elements, such as Tharu dance performances, traditional attire displays, and local storytelling, will help preserve and promote indigenous heritage. This model also fosters environmental conservation by ensuring that tourism is conducted sustainably, with respect for the forest’s biodiversity and ecosystem.
Looking Ahead
With its combination of natural attractions, affordable lodging, and cultural immersion, the Singhpur Community Forest guesthouse aims to position Krishnapur–6 as an emerging eco-tourism and cultural tourism destination in Kanchanpur district.
The collaborative funding model between the municipality and the community forest demonstrates how local-level partnerships can successfully develop tourism infrastructure. If the project achieves its goals, it could serve as a replicable example for other rural municipalities across Nepal looking to combine conservation, culture, and commerce.
Local stakeholders are optimistic that the guesthouse and the planned homestay program will soon welcome their first guests, offering them not just a place to rest, but an authentic window into the life, land, and legacy of Singhpur.
