Lumbini’s hidden gems draw tourists
Several municipalities in Lumbini Province have developed new tourist destinations in their villages, enhancing natural heritage sites and making them more attractive to visitors. Even with modest investments, these areas—from war museums to peace parks and adventure ziplines—are drawing tourists.
Many municipalities have created rock gardens and other attractions, with sites across all 12 districts awaiting visitors. Malika Rural Municipality, in northwest Gulmi, is known for its naturally cool climate, making it a popular summer escape. Tourism has further grown since the construction of Malika Peace Park in Deurali, Arkhawang.
The park’s unique picnic facilities and central statue of Lord Gautam Buddha make it a standout. It also houses the Malika Bhagwati Devi Temple. “This is a proud project of the rural municipality,” said Chairperson Deviram Aryal, noting that Rs 30m has been allocated for the current fiscal year to further organize and develop the park. A small entry fee—Rs 15 for students and senior citizens, Rs 20 for others—and a Rs 500 picnic stall fee have been set since July. The nearby Dhuldhunga Community Forest has also been developed into a tourist park, maintained by two staff members. Visitors can enjoy close views of the Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and Annapurna ranges from here.
In Pyuthan, Mallarani Rural Municipality, perched at 1,655 meters above sea level, is emerging as a key tourist spot. Infrastructure has improved, with the access road now blacktopped. The municipality invested about Rs 6m in a zipline a year ago, but it has yet to operate regularly due to legal complications involving the Kasipani Community Forest area where it was built. “We are preparing to grant permission for the zipline after completing all legal procedures,” said Vice-chairperson Ramesh Kumar Shrestha. The area is being developed under a multi-year, Rs 50m plan, funded 70 percent by the federal Ministry of Tourism and 30 percent by the rural municipality.
Mahat village in Bhume Rural Municipality-6, Eastern Rukum, is being developed as a war tourism destination to educate younger generations. Between 1995 and 2002, 50 government personnel and seven rebels died here during the conflict.
In Dang, Banglachuli View Tower in Banglachuli Rural Municipality-5 offers sweeping views of the Indian coalfields at night, markets in Kapilvastu, and mountains like Sisne and Machhapuchhre. Chairperson Tulsiram Punmagar said Rs 60m was invested to develop the Rafal hill area as the main attraction. The site draws more than 25,000 visitors annually, according to the Banglachuli Tourist Area Conservation Committee.
Lohori Lake, in Malrani Rural Municipality-6 of Arghakhanchi, is another highlight. Located along the Saljhandi-Dhorpatan road at the junction of Pyuthan and Gulmi districts, the lake is celebrated for its natural beauty. The municipality organizes an annual tourism promotion program here but limits heavy infrastructure to preserve its charm. “We are focusing on comfortable facilities for visitors and developing nearby attractions to extend tourist stays,” said Chairperson Dal Bahadur Bhattarai.
Lumbini Province’s Minister for Industry, Tourism, and Transport, Prachanda Bikram Neupane, said the ministry has identified more than 300 hidden destinations across the province and is working to bring them into the tourism mainstream. However, he expressed concern that despite policy commitments to prioritize agriculture and tourism, budget allocations have not matched these goals.
In collaboration with the Gandaki provincial government, the current fiscal year includes projects to build infrastructure and beautify tourist sites, organize the month-long Uttar Gandaki Mahakumbh Mela, develop the Lumbini International and Himalayan tourism hubs, create a travel route targeting Sisne Mountain in Eastern Rukum, and establish a digital platform for major destinations. The plan also includes morning and evening prayers at the Mayadevi Temple to encourage longer stays in Lumbini.
