50/ The Third Pole PROSPECTS OF ECOTOURISM IN BANDIPUR

Tej Prasad Sigdel Teaching Assistant Department of Geography Education Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur

Abstract Ecotourism denotes ecological or environment friendly tourism. This study is confi ned to Bandipur area, a popular tourist destination in Tanahun district. Bandipur has a great prospect of ecotourism owing to natural beauty, scenic attraction and cultural diversity. It is rich in natural paradise and socio-cultural diversities. Accessibility, pleasant climate, richness of natural beauty, suitable place for view point, high stock of biodiversity and native culture of simple and friendly people make Bandipur unique ecotourism destination. Key Words: Tourism, ecotourism, biological diversity, cultural diversity, natural beauty, natural diversity.

Introduction effi ciency, water conservation, and creation of economic opportunities for local communities. For Ecotourism is quite popular in tourism literature these reasons, ecotourism often appeals to advocates and tourism activities at present. Ecotourism of environmental and social responsibility (Tewari, means many things to many people. To some 1994). Ecotourism discourages mass tourism, mass it means ecologically sound tourism while to constructions of hotels, tourism resorts and mass others it is synonymous to nature tourism. activities in fragile areas". The International Ecotourism Society defi nes ecotourism as "responsible travel to natural areas Since 1980s ecotourism has been considered as that conserves the environment and improves the a critical endeavor by environmentalists, so that welfare of local people". Likewise, Gurung (2007) future generations may experience destinations states it as ecologically sustainable tourism that relatively untouched by human intervention. It fosters environmental and cultural understanding, includes programs that minimize the negative appreciation and conservation. Ecotourism has aspects of conventional tourism on the environment benefi ted the environment by stimulating measures and enhance the cultural integrity of local people. to protect physical features of the environment, In addition to evaluating environmental and historic sites and monuments and wildlife. The cultural factors, an integral part of ecotourism is natural areas are becoming major attraction and the promotion of recycling, energy effi ciency, water constitute the basis for what is now known as nature conservation, and creation of economic opportunities tourism or ‘ecotourism. It should have a minimum for local communities. Ecotourism often appeals to impact on resources and bio-physical processes, use advocate of environmental and social responsibility. little energy, cause little pollutions and contribute to The major components of ecotourism include the welfare of local and indigenous population. travel, environment, economy, culture, people and development or change. Sustainable development Trekking, hiking, bird watching, nature has become prevalent concepts since the mid 980s, photography, wildlife safaris, camping, mountain and ecotourism has experienced arguably the fastest climbing, fi shing, snorkeling, river rafting and growth of all sub-sectors in the tourism industry. canoeing, and botanical and zoological studies The popularity represents a change in tourist are some of the forms of ecotourism. According to perceptions, increased environmental awareness, Lars Eric, ecotourism in a single word is "Respect." and a desire to explore natural environments. Respect is the root of everything worthwhile and good- respect to nature, local people, culture, Ecotourism has greater implications in local as history, community, aspirations and tourist well as national economy. Sustainability as well as themselves (Cited in Chauhan, 2004). It is a form development concern of ecotourism destination is of tourism involving visiting fragile, pristine, and equally important. However, little attention has been usually protected areas, intended as a low-impact paid to promote ecotourism by exploring possible and often small scale alternative to standard ecotourism destinations in Nepal. In this context, commercial tourism. In addition to evaluating this study aimed at highlighting tourism assets and environmental and cultural factors, an integral part tourism infrastructures and its future prospects of of ecotourism is the promotion of recycling, energy Bandipur area, a well known historic site of Nepal. Tej Prasad Sigdel... PROSPECTS OF ECOTOURISM IN BANDIPUR/51

Study Area heritages and more than 90 spoken languages The study area Bandipur is located in the eastern represent various cultural practices. The country is part of Tanahun district (Figure 1). It is a pleasant rich in the diversifi ed ecologically mountains, hills, as picturesque place, situated at an elevation of fl ora and fauna, echoing rivers and lakes. Tourist about 1000 m from the sea level. It is located at 280 loves to nature and enjoys its unique beauty. The 02’ north and 840 06’ east. Bandipur bazaar area is combination of stunning natural environment and situated south of the Prithivi Highway midway strong cultural heritage, make it a truly remarkable between Kathmandu and Pokhara (about 128 km country for the development of ecotourism. Nepal is west of Kathmandu and 74 km east of Pokhara), near tourists paradise with an infi nite variety of interesting the point where the Marshyagdi River takes a sharp things to see and do, it has many things to offer the turn east ward on its way to join the Trisuli River at visitors as a matter of fact, having along the greatest Mugling. It is 7 km south up from a popular pick-up heights of the Himalayas, Nepal is the land of ancient point at Dumbre bazaar on Prithvi Highway. history, colorful cultures and people, super scenery and some of the walking trials on the earth. Nepal contains signifi cant percentages of wildlife, such as 2.04 percent of the world's fl owering higher plants and 8.6 percent of its birds. Nepal contains some 5,833 species of gymnosperms and fl owering plants with some 315 endemic species of higher plants, 847 bird species, 185 mammal species, 43 amphibian species, 100 reptile species, 656 butterfl y species and 185 fresh water fi sh species have been identifi ed in Nepal. Nepal's combination of stunning natural environment and strong cultural heritage, make it a truly remarkable country for the development of ecotourism. In fact, ecotourism in Nepal tends Figure 1: Location of Study Area to blend with adventure tourism with the magnifi cent mountain peaks attracting trekkers and mountaineers from around the world. Data Sources Various protected areas have been established in Nepal and play a vital role in ecotourism for the country. This study covers only historically signifi cant and natural paradise areas of Bandipur area. The study Tourism is the backbone and leading sector for the is confi ned only to ecotourism in Bandipur. Both economic development of developing countries like primary and secondary sources of information are Nepal, the contribution of tourism for the development used. Household survey, fi eld observation and of national economy is about (4 percent) and 18 percent key informant interview were the main techniques of total foreign exchange earnings. applied to obtain primary data and information. Factors of Ecotourism in Bandipur Intensive observation was also made to acquire necessary information. Secondary data was obtained Bandipur offers varieties of attraction to the visitors. from various published and unpublished sources Visitors from all over the world have been visiting like relevant literature, news papers, journals, Bandipur to experience its cultural heritage, research report and others. views of world famous Himalayan peaks, unique Ecotourism in Nepal architecture preserved in ancient towns and the fl ora and fauna of this wonderful land (Suyal,1999). Nepal is one of the richest countries for the nature Bandipur is paramount of socio-cultural and natural sources, culture and traditional heritages lays 7 assets. Diversity in nature and culture is the major world cultural heritage sites in her bosom. Nepal has component of ecotourism development. A glimpse more than 100 ethnic groups and their own cultural of tourism assets are as follows: 52/ The Third Pole Diversity in Nature product of nature. Bandipur is enormously important from the biodiversity aspect. The ecosystem of

Scenic Beauty: Bandipur is a nature gifted and Bandipur comprises aquatic, amphibians, reptiles, nature paradise overlooking the incredible expanse birds and mammals. According to the local, people of the Marshyngdi river valley and lush terraced more than 200 species of forest plants, more than fi eld being strategically located in central areas 70 species of birds and 35 species of wild animals of mixed canopy of pine and Sal forest (Raniban, have been found in Bandipur area. A number of Gurunchhe hill, Mukundeshwori ) for the fi nest medicinal herbs are found in this area. views that the area has to offer. It offers a breath taking sweep of the Himalayan range from Siddha Cave and Patalidwar: Siddha cave, probably Langtang in the east to Dhaulagiri in the west the biggest cave in Asia, is situated in the north of (Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu and the Ganesh Bandipur bazaar. It takes an hour walk downwards Himal). From nearby hill tops one can see as far as from hilltop Bandipur bazaar to cave on the Prithvi Manakamana and Gorkha to the east, great Chitwan Highway. The way inside the cave is 18 feet width plains to the south. Among the panorama scene of and 50 feet height. The cave is huge and dark where beautiful mountains, Mahabharat range is the fi nest numerous sub trials, gorge, holes and features attraction for tourists, the view of Chhimkeshwori created by water (stalactite and stalagmite) can be (one of the highest hill of Nepal) in the southeast found. Big rock cliff carved different magical fi gures of Bandipur and Mukundeshwori hill in the west can attract the visitors. It may take approximately of the Bandipur bazaar has equally contributed in 2 hours to observe the cave inside. It is said that the beauty ad attraction of Bandipur. The view of this cavern has not been fully explored. Patalidwar glorious sunshine and sun set from Tundhikhel is another popular cave which has religious and Gurungche hill also attract the visitors. For signifi cance for the locals. The local called it as a the eco trekkers or eco tourists, high snow capped way to go inside the earth. Patalidwar is about one mountains, the Marshyangdi River, lush terraced and half hour away by the way of Dhungebari. Extra fi elds all combine to offer a never ending blissful light (torch light or candle) is needed to explore this experience. three storied geological marvel.

Figure 3: Tourists in Siddha cave Rocky slopes: Rock climbing is being popular in Figure 2: Bandipur bazaar mountain tourism. Very steep and high rocky slopes are also major elements attracting visitors Pleasant and favorable Climate: Bandipur, “all in Bandipur. Tundikhel, Tandrang-Tundrung seasons for all reasons” located in Mahabharat range Chunpahara, Raniban rocky slopes can be used as at an altitude of 1030 m. above sea level, hilltop rock climbing activities in Bandipur. settlement faced directly snow capped mountains to the north and opened small hills and huge Terai Eco trekking Plains to the south has moderate cool temperate Among the tourist adventure activities in Nepal climate all the years around. The maximum trekking is by far the most popular. The diversity temperature in winter is between 18 and 200C. In the in Nepal’s nature and range of exotic culture makes summer the maximum temperature goes up to 300 this country ideal for trekking. Bandipur is also a C and the minimum to 120 C. Due to the pleasant most potential destination due to possessing most and favorable environment, natural treatment for unusual ad delightful trekking routs. Numerous the sick visitors suffered from tropical disease is also foot trials constructed in ancient period and carrying possible in open hill top area like Bandipur. historical and traditional signifi cance, running as Biodiversity: Diversity in fl ora and fauna is the spider’s nets are in Bandipur (Table 1). Tej Prasad Sigdel... PROSPECTS OF ECOTOURISM IN BANDIPUR/53 Table 1: Eco-trekking routes and characteristics Places Time Peculiarity Outlet to (hrs) Bandipur to Ramkot 1.5 Typical Magar village, round houses roofed Return to Bandipur with thatched and slate. Ethnic people and their culture Bandipur to 2 Temple, weapons of king Mukunda Sen, 13th Return Bandipur Mukundeshwori century broken palaces, pond, fl ora, fauna or go ahead to and typical culture Chaudibarahi then Damauli Bandipur to Siddha 0.5-1 Bats, rocks, statues, wonderful cave fl ora and Bimal Nagar cave fauna Bandipupr to 1.5 Way to go inside the earth, wonderful cave, Satrasaya Phant Patalidwar typical settlements of Brahmin, Gurung and Magar. Bandipur via 4 Forest of Rhododendron ,views of cascading Aanbu Khaireni Hilekhadka to Marshyngdi, half garland of Himalaya and Chhimkeshwori Tarai plain Bandipur to 6 Holy place sacrifi ced shrines , typical culture Damauli Chhaaudibarahi of ethnic groups, diversity of nature Bandipur to 2 days Rafting in Seti and Trishuli, cross villages Chitwan Saranghat, trekking through the typical ethnic villages, Chipchipe, Devghat holy place Devghat. and Chitwan Bandipur to Andhi 3 A holy place, sacrifi ced fi sh pond Satrasaya Phant Mool Bandipur to Dumre 1 Views of Himalayas, fl ora and fauna Dumre Bazar Source: Field Survey, 2008

On the way of traveling, the tourist enjoy with Sightseeing around Bandipur farmers in agricultural farms, local culture (Rodhi, Chutka, Balun, Sorathi) and local foods. The visitors A number of places are favorable for sightseeing can do paragliding, rafting in Seti and Trishuli around Bandipur by walk (Table 2). including rock climbing and, bee hunting.

Table 2: Sightseeing around Bandipur Name of the places Time taken What to see (minutes) Goat research center 45 Different types of goat and trees Bhanu high school 5 Oldest school of Tanahun district Gurunche hill and 50 From where you can see beautiful valleys and hills , 180 degree Thanimai Temple views of Himalayas and human shaped Bandipur etc. Bhanjyang 30 Paragliding spot and resting place Baghtal (Tiger top) 60 Good spot for watching Sunrise Sericulture/ Silk farm 30 Life cycle of silkworm to silk thread, items made from cocoon and silk plus beautiful berry garden and forests, hills etc. Bandipur guest house 5 Oldest typed palace house and museum Bazaar Area Wooden craft, slate roofed full of art, architecture and culture and parallel lined houses Padam Pustakalaya 60 years old community library Bindhyabasini temple 100 years old Temple PaharapaniMahadev 15 Deep gorges, Gupteshwor Mahadev, oldest bathing place of Bandipure Tundikhel 10 Ground from where you can see scenes of forest, valleys, Marshyangdi river plus ranges of Himalayas 54/ The Third Pole Bandipur mountain 10 A well fascinated resort in the heart of pine trees, beautiful Resort garden things remind ancient civilization, swimming pool etc Martyr’s Memorial 20 See this park for good scenarios. And remember martyrs park Baralthok 20 A specifi c Magar village Khagda Devi Temple 10 100 years old temple, big festival in Dashain Notre Dame School 10 One of the best and popular school of Nepal for the quality education Tin Dhar Holy Place 20 Full of Temples, shrines, natural spring water Slate quarry 30 Slate stone (Bandipur product) Silthok /Gadhi 20 A specifi c Magar village Rani ban 30 A beautiful well preserved forest full of birds, different trees, fl owers etc Solay river, Aspate 60 Visit this river for swimming Tandrang Tundrng 15 A deep cavern where you can through stone and hear the eco sound sound Seto Gurans child care 10 Health care center center Source: Field Survey, 2008 replicas of pagoda structures of Kathmandu valley. Bisketjatra (Newari festival) on the occasion of every Socio-cultural Diversity New Year is celebrated at the temple. Socio cultural assets are also crucial components Mahalaxmi Temple: It is located in the southern part to pull the tourists. Sites and areas of archeological of the bazaar just fi ve minute walk to downwards interests, historical building and monument, place from the main Bazaar. Pagoda style exquisite of historical signifi cance, museum, modern culture, woodwork in its struts, doorways and arches political and educational institutions and religious decorate the temple. Newar community in particular institutions are socio cultural products in any and other cast people in general worship Mahalaxmi destination. National festivals, arts, handicrafts, as the goddess of wealth. music and folklore, native life and customs are also traditional products. These above all socio cultural or Khadgadevi Temple: It is the most revered shrine traditional products are the great assets of Bandipur in Bandipur. The two storied Khadgadevi temple to compel the tourist to travel , stay and enjoy for is famous for Khadga which exists still today. The more and more days in there, as they expected. Khadga is said to have been left by Mukunda Sen who was given the sword by Shiva as a ‘gift of Bandipur, an ancient Newari mountain town divinity’ has been kept wrapped in cloth. The temple having abundance of ancient houses, temples of is opened once a year in October during the Dashain great signifi cance and historical architecture, this festival when 50-60 livestock are sacrifi ced at the medieval era town boasts festivals all year around, temple’s premise. During this period local people besides a plethora of cultural offerings neighboring as well as people of neighboring districts come to Magar, Gurung, Bahun, Chhetry, Damai and Sarki worship goddess. villages all contribute to the cultural diversity of the region. Mukundeshwori Temple: The hilltop shrine of Mukundeshwori where the 10th century king Historical Monuments Mukunda Sen of Palpa had maintained his hide out. Medieval Hilltop Town: Main bazaar of Bandipur is This site is an hour and half away. On the way, the occupied by ancient Newar settlement. Newars had priest in Muchchuk village shows the visitors the migrated from Kathmandu valley during the late artifacts left behind by that famous king: a blow eighteenth or early nineteenth century. The typical horn, Damarus and Chimta, Khadga, Sikka etc. used Newari houses in main bazaar are built on double during the time when Nepal was still struggling lane and the main street is paved by the slate. Major under the 2200-2400 principalities. The shrine here things to observe are wooden craft, slate roofed is festooned with numerous belts tridents and it is houses, and full of art, architecture and culture. especially revered by Gurung tribes. Bindebasini Temple: Bindebasini Temple is located Gurunche Hill and Thanimai Temple: It takes roughly at the center of the Bandipur bazaar. This pagoda 25 minutes to the top north east of main bazaar where style temple was built 100 years before. Wooden there is a small shrine as well as the Thanimai temple carvings and details brass work make the temple and a Chautaro or rest platform. Thanimai temple Tej Prasad Sigdel... PROSPECTS OF ECOTOURISM IN BANDIPUR/55 revered especially by Magar groups established in architecture. In addition, accessibility, pleasant climate, 1997 holds strong religious belief within the villagers. suitable place for view point and simple and friendly The temple invites number of devotees from Bandipur people make Bandipur unique ecotourism destination. and it’s surrounding as well as Chitwan, Kathamandu Many tourists visit this area for trekking, sightseeing, and Gorkha. The devotees visit the temple every rock climbing, paragliding, bird watching as well as Tuesdays and it holds more importance in the months study or research. These ecotourism activities can have of December and January when week-long poojas are signifi cant impacts on employment, education, and observed. The visitors/devotees can enjoy the bird eye income level of local people. view of the Bandipur area and the Himalayas that fi lls Bandipur-Ramkot,Bandipur-Chhimkeshwari, the horizon. Bandipur-Chhabdibarahi and Bimalnagar- Tundikhel: Tundikhel is a large table top fi eld Bandipur eco-trekking routes are unique and located at the northern part of Bandipur Bazaar. It is mysterious having natural and cultural diversity famous for sightseeing of half garland of Himalayas, especially typical Magar settlement with round Cascading Marshagdi River and its basin. It is houses, the forest of the rhododendron and orchid. popular among domestic tourists for picnic spot as There is a cultural integration among Newar, Magar well as international tourists for camp fi re. and Gurung communities. Besides, Parpani Mahadev, Mahadev Temple, References Narayan Temple, Martyres Memorial Area and Tin Thana are also importance for place of Bandipur. BVP. (2002). Bandipur Village Profi le. Bandipur Village Development Committee. Colorful Festivals Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS). (2002). Diversity in caste system produces the multiplicity Population of Nepal VDCs/Municipalities, of festivals in Bandipur. Almost Brahmin, Magar, Population Census 2001 selected tables on caste/ Gurung and other ethnic groups of Bandipur have ethnicity, mother tongue and religion, Western their own specifi c festivals celebrated in different Development Region. Kathmandu: CBS occasions. Among them some major are as follows: Chauhan, Y. S. (2003). Eco-tourism in Nepal. Table 3: Colorful Festivals Delhi: Kalinga Publications. Festivals Belongs to Figgis, P. (1992). Ecotourism special interest or Gaijatra Newar nd LakheJatra Brahmin and other caste groups major direction (2 rev), New York: John RopainJatra All caste groups Willey and Sons. BaghJatra Newar and other caste groups Gurung, T. R. (2007). Mountain tourism in Nepal. KhadagJatra Magar Kathmandu: PretimaGurung, Nepal. BisketJatra Newar Dokonach Magar and Gurung HMG/N, (2002). Tenth Plan, Kathmandu: National Ghatunach Gurung Planning commission. Rodhinach Gurung Koirala, H. L. (2011). Role of market centers in the Chudkanach Brahmin and Chhetri rural development of Tanahun district, Nepal. Balun/Bhajan Brahmin and Chhetri Nepalese Journal of Education Studies, 1, 39-48. Source: Field Survey, 2008 Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). (2001) National Beside these, festivals of national character like ecotourism strategy and marketing programme of Dashain, Tihar, Shivaratri, Holly, Tij, Krishan Nepal. Kathmandu: NTB. Asthami, Fagupurnima etc are also widely observed Jha, P.K. (1999). Ecotourism. Nepal Nature’s Paradise by the locals of Bandipur. In Majupuria,T.C. & Kumar,R. (Eds.)..pp. 488-49. Conclusion Kunwar, R. R. (1997). Tourism and development. 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