Division Forest Office begins study of 12-km Barandabhar stretch in Chitwan for hiking, evening safaris

NARAYANGADH, CHITWAN: The Division Forest Office has begun studying and managing a nearly 12-kilometre stretch in Chitwan’s Barandabhar forest area. The stretch runs from Tikauli to Panchakanya and Chaturmukhi community forests and has been identified as having potential for jeep safaris, hiking and evening safaris.

The study, launched to link local community forests with income generation and ecotourism, involved a field hike on Tuesday by a team that included Division Forest Officer Bishnu Prasad Acharya, environmental science students from Saptagandaki Multiple Campus in Bharatpur, teachers, conservationists and nature guides.

During the hike, the team assessed infrastructure needs, wildlife and bird species, vegetation, security arrangements and viewpoint management. Stakeholders noted that Khageri River irrigation area, which originates from Ichchhakamana, offers significant potential for biological tourism and that hiking and evening safaris could become important activities for the region.

Division Chief Acharya said the office is moving forward with a visionary plan for development. He noted that when people think of tourism in Chitwan, they usually consider only Sauraha and Kasara, but the community forests under the Division Forest Office’s jurisdiction can also be excellent tourist destinations. He added that, given the condition of the wetlands and grasslands, the area could become an important destination in Nepal for wildlife management and tourism.

While jeep safaris are already operational, Acharya said hiking and evening safaris could also be introduced. He explained that evening safaris are not permitted within the national park but could be operated in this forest area to allow tourists to observe wildlife during the evening hours, and that an action plan is currently being prepared to support this.

Hari Kumar Gurung, Chairperson of Chaturmukhi Community Forest, said the community is prioritising jeep safaris and tourism activities to generate income through diverse tourism promotion rather than by selling timber. He expressed confidence that the hiking feasibility study, conducted in coordination with the Forest Office, would further support regional tourism development. According to Gurung, a machan (watchtower) has been constructed where tourists can stay overnight, and wildlife such as tigers, rhinos and various bird species can be observed in the area.

Krishna Prasad Bagale, Chairperson of Panchakanya Community Forest, said the forest is rich in wetlands, Sisau, Sal and Khayer trees and various medicinal herbs. He said the area’s proximity to the highway and Sauraha makes it attractive to tourists. Bagale added that jeep safaris have been operational since last December and have proven successful, paving the way for hiking and evening jeep safaris, which are feasible in the Panchakanya, Chaturmukhi and Bhimbali community forests.

(With inputs from RSS)