Among, 18 tourism zones, Chisapani-Thakurdwara tourism Area is one of the tourism zones of Nepal consisting 3 districts of south-western part of Nepal namely, Bardiya, Kailali and Kanchanpur. It is bordered by Bheri-Kakrebihar Tourism Sector in east, Khaptad-Ramaroshan Tourism Area in north and India by west and south. Among the 12 national park of Nepal, two of them lies in this tourism area namely Bardiya National Park and Suklaphanta National Park. These national parks are popular for Royal Bengal Tiger, Swamp Dear, Wild elephants, one horned Rhinoceros, etc. Dhangadi Domestic Airport (DHI) is the airport connecting with the regular flights from Kathmandu. This area is the gateway to the far-western part of Nepal. Here is the list of tourism destinations and their information of this tourism area.
A. Bardiya (Headquarter: Gulariya)
Bardiya District is located in Province No. 5, covering an area of 2,025 sq. km. Gulariya is its administrative headquarter of Bardiya. It is bordered by Banke in east, Kailali in west, Surkhet in north and India in south. Most of Bardiya is in the fertile Terai plains, covered with agricultural land and forest. The northernmost part of the district extends into the Churiya or Siwalik Hills. The Karnali, one of Nepal's largest rivers, divided into multiple branches when it reaches the Terai. The westernmost branch forms the boundary between Bardiya and Kailali districts. The endangered Gangetic dolphin was often seen in its waters.
Tourism in Bardiya
Bardiya is dominated by Tharu community which is well known for the hospitality towards the guests and visitors. It is around 535 km from Kathmandu and connected by East-West Mahendra Highway. The nearest airport from Bardiya is Nepalgunj Airport (KEP). Karnali Lodge operated by Tiger Tops is also located in bardiya. Similarly, there are many jungle lodges providing the lodging, fooding, etc. Bardiya National Park is famous for Royal Bengal Tiger, wild elephants and various plants and animals. There are various religious sites in Bardiya.
Places to visit in Bardiya
Bardiya National Park
Bardiya National Park is a protected area in Nepal that was established in 1988 as Royal Bardia National Park, covers an area of 968 sq. km. (374 sq. mi). The Park offers a variety of experiences in its vast undisturbed wilderness. About 70% of the forest consists of sal tree with a mixture of grassland and riverine forests. Sal leaves are used as traditional plates in festival and religious offering. The park is home to endangered animals such as the Royal Bengal tiger, wild elephant, greater one-horned rhinoceros, swamp deer, and black buck. The other endangered species include gharial and marsh mugger crocodiles and gangetic dolphin. Endangered birds found in the park are Bengal florican, lesser florican and sarus crane. More than 30 different mammals, over 230 species of birds and several species of snakes, lizard and fishes have been recorded in the park area. In addition to the resident species, several migratory birds visit the park. Museum and Tharu culture are available for visitors at Thakurdqara, the heasquarter of national park. An elephant ride provides a different view of the park as one can go off the main trail. Morning and late afternoon is the ideal time to go on a ride. Karnali River is the suitable home for Gangetic dolphin. Babai valley is a majestic place to visit where flagship Rhino, tiger, and elephant can be cited in the wilderness site.
Temples of Bardiya
Baglamukhi Temple in Gulariya is one of the most important temples for Hindus. It is dedicated to goddess Baglamukhi. Kotahi temple and Thakurdwara temple are equally important worship places and is very famous in this region. Bed Byash Batika Temple Located in Shantitole-8 is one of the popular place to worship lord Krishna and Radha.
Kailali District is situated in Province no. 7 (Sudurpashchim Pradesh) covering an area of 3,235 sq. km. Dhangadhi is the administrative headquarter. This District is Bordered by Bardiya and Surkhet in East, Kanchanpur in West, Doti and Dadeldhura in North and India In south. Most part of the district lies in Tarai belt with varying the altitude ranging from 179 m to 1,957 m above sea level. Although it is a District situated in Terai but around forty percent of this District is situated in hilly region. Dhangadhi is the prime commercial hub. Dhangadhi-Dadeldhura Highway would become the backbone for the development of Kailali.
Tourism in Kailali
Kailali is famous for its own natural beauty, bio diversity and cultural importance. Although it is a District situated in Terai but around forty percent of this District is situated in hilly region. We can reach to Kailali via Plane from Kathmandu. Kailali District is the entrance gate for Far West Region of Nepal. It is approximately 700 away from Kathmandu. Beautiful green forest, attractive rivers and parks and its own Cultural importance makes this district best for traveling. Around sixty four percent of this district is covered by green forest. Karnali Bridge, Tikapur Park, Karnali River, Pathariya River and the beautiful Dolphin in there, Puraina Lake, Ghoda Ghodi Lake are other attraction of this district.
Places to visit in Kailali
Karnali Bridge
Karnali Bridge, the asymmetric, single-tower, cable-stayed bridge is the second longest of its type in Nepal. The bridge lies in Mahendra Highway at Chisapani at the border of Kailali and Bardiya district. The bridge site is 500 km from the capital city of Kathmandu, and 86 km from the closest airport facilities in Dhangadhi. The design of the bridge and its location have made it a tourist attraction for domestic and international visitors. The wonderful design of bridge, cold and fresh air and deep blue water flowing river attracts all. The Delicious fish of Karnali are also attracting points of Karnali Bridge.
Tikapur Park
This Park is situated in Tikapur municipality. This park is situated in the bank of Karnali river and which covers an area of 12 bigha. We can reach this place by traveling around six kilometer from Tikapur. The beautiful flowers and the attracting natural forest makes you lost in this place.
Dolphin
Dolphin can be found in Karnali River, Pathariya River. Dolphin usually travels from India to this place when the water level of these rivers are high. It is believed that there are around one hundred Dolphin of Platanista gangetica species in Karnali region. We can view Dolphin playing Hide and Seek in these rivers.
Ghoda Ghodi Lake
Ghoda Ghodi Lake is also the largest lake in Terai belt of Nepal. It is located about 53 Km east of the Dhangadhi on the east-west high way. Thirty-four species of mammals, 29 species of the fishes, 32 species of the butterfly, 11 species of snails, 140 species of birds 9 out of them four are in endanger), 455 species of plants are reported from these areas. It is 4 meter deep and covers an area of 138 ha. It has a palm with 19 fingers shape. There are other 13 lakes in the surrounding areas. The total area of all these lakes is 248 ha. The area is rich in natural bio-diversities.
Aircraft Museum Dhangadhi
Aircraft Museum Dhangadhi is an aviation museum located in Dhangadhi, Nepal some 500 km west from Kathmandu. It was established by former Nepalese pilot Bed Upreti and his trust on 17 September 2014 as the first aircraft museum of Nepal. The museum is inside a defunct Fokker-100 plane, which is 35.53 meters long and was operated by Cosmic Air until it's shut down in 2008. There are around 200 miniature commercial planes and fighter jets on display. Along with the miniature planes, there are aerial photo gallery and cockpit cafe. The revenue from the museum is used to assist cancer patients. A second museum, the Aviation Museum Kathmandu, has been established in the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu by Bed Upreti Trust in 2017 following the success of the Aircraft Museum Dhangadhi.
Bhada Homestay
Bhada Homestay is a clean and comfortable place for resting and refreshing after your trip. To stay at homestay in Tharu-Village Bhada is certainly one of the highlights of your visit of Far West Nepal. The homestays in the Tharu Village of Bhada affords guests the opportunity to experience Nepalese rural life, enjoying wonderful Terai landscapes. The attractinjg activities of Bhada Homestay are as below:
- Exploring the surrounding villages on foot or by bullock cart is one of the best ways to experience rural life in Nepal and absorb the simplicity of a farming community,
- Cultural performances: on our village tour, you can enjoy the rhythms of the madal (musical instrument), watch the unique ethnic dances or even join the dancers. In the village you can visit a small workshop making local music instruments.
- Tharu cooking classes: the kitchens in the homestays in Bhada use only the freshest and most delicious local products. If you want you can learn some special Tharu recipes.
- Local shamans: a deeply rooted belief in shamanism still exists in the village. If you are interested, you can see the Tharu Shaman at work and even get cleansed by him.
Kanchanpur District is located in Province No. 7 (Sudurpashchim Pradesh) in the Terai plain covering an area of 1,610 sq. km. Bhimdatta is its administrative headquarters. It is located in south-western of Nepal. It is bordered by Kailali district in the east, Dadeldhura district in the north and with India in the south and west. The elevation of the district is ranges from 176m to 1,528m. The majority of population is ethnic Tharu community and minor groups are the peoples that have migrated from the northern hilly region. The district is renowned for Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve and the 1,456.97 meters (4,780 ft.) long multispan suspension bridge over Mahakali River.
Tourism in Kanchanpur
Kanchanpur, the far western gateway of Nepal is well known for Barasinghas of World famous Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve, lush green natural forests, different religious an dholy destinations, unique diversified culture, tranquil picnic and sightseeing spots and easy access to the famous cities of India like Delhi, lucknow and so on. It is equally famous for its unique Tharu Culture, Chhaliya Dance, Gaura Festival, Deuda Dance, beautiful lakes and varities of local dishes. Jhilmila Lake, Bedkot Lake, Bandatal, Shovatal and Vishnu Temple, Ranital are the other tourist attractions.
Places to visit in Kanchanpur
Suklaphanta National Park
Suklaphanta National Park was established as Wildlife Reserve in 1976 with an area of 155 sq km. In the year 1994, its area was extended to 305 sq. km. Consequently, in 2004 a 243.5 sq. km area was added as a buffer zone. Eventually, this wildlife reserve got its status as a National Park in 2016. The grasslands, waterholes, and wetlands formed by the floodplain of Mahakali River are the main specialties of this National Park. This protected area is part of Terai-Duar savanna and grasslands Eco region. Moreover, it is one of the best-conserved examples of floodplain grassland. It is also included in the Terai Arc Landscape. The name Suklaphanta is derived from one of the dazzling open grassland found inside the protected area called “Phanta”. It is the largest patch of grassland in Nepal with an area of 16 sq. km. Around 700 species of plants are available in Suklaphanta National Park. The large grasslands, wetlands, and lakes of the park are home for a wide range of fishes, birds, and animals. More than 53 species of mammals has been recorded here. The rivers, lakes, and ponds of the park house 28 species of fishes, 12 reptiles and amphibians. Also, a total of 424 bird species have been recorded. Jungle Walk, Bird watching, jeep Safari, Tharu village walk, etc. are the major activities inside the national park.
Chadani-Dhodhara Suspension Bridge
Suspension Bridge in Mahakali River which joins one and only Island of Nepal near Shuklaphanata Wildlife Reserve is one of the main attractions of this district having length of 1496.5 meter. It connects the two villages Dodhara and Chandani separated by the Mahakali River in Kanchanpur District. It is becoming famous for sunbathing, swimming, rafting, picnic spot, sight-seeing.
Lakes of Kanchanpur
Bedkot Lake is one of the most famous destination and pilgrimage for Hindu religion. Bedkot Lake is situated 6 km north of Daijee. Linga is very close to Daijee Chauraha (about 5 km), on the way to Bedkot Lake. Bedkot & Jhilmil lakes are most famous lakes of the national standard in Kanchanpur besides other attractive lakes like Banda Rani, Sundev, Gadbijala, Puraina, Shiva Bantaria, Lamotal, Tara etc.
Lingaa
Lingaa is a very famous tourism place among the local people. It is situated near is Bedkot lake. It is about 8.5 km far from the east-west Highway. There are many religious belief in this place. It is a Natural place with both sights and religious belief. People worship this place as Shiva Linga. People come here with religious belief, they believe that all the wish fulfillment by taking worship from Lord Shiva at Lingaa. Whereas some people some people visit here to observe the natural beauty of this place.
Mahendranagar
Mahendranagar is the ninth largest city in Nepal. It is 5 kilometers (3.1 mi) east of the Indian border and 700 kilometers (430 mi) west of Kathmandu. It is the business and educational hub of the Mahakali Zone. It has become a unique combination of ethnic groups which has a different way of life within an already diverse country Nepal. The festivals celebrated by the ethnic Tharu people are Holi and Maghi. People here are mainly occupied by agriculture as Nepal is an agrarian society.
Moreover, this tourism area is enriched in natural and religious heritage. Most of the places have become the tourism destinations whereas some places are hidden although with the high possibility to attract the visitors. Thus, these places need to explore in the national and international tourism markets.
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