2 weeks Ago
By Mina Kandel,Kawasoti, Dec.1: Amaltari Maddhari Community Homestay, recently declared as a Gharbas Gaun (Homestay Village), has rapidly gained recognition as a prominent destination for educational and observational tourism, attracting visitors eager to explore its rich culture and sustainable living practices. Situated in Ward 15 of Kawasoti Municipality, Nawalpur district, this village is home to marginalised communities, including the Tharu, Bote, and Musahar castes.
Over time, it has developed into an attractive tourist destination within Gandaki Province, showcasing the vibrant culture of these communities. Visitors are welcomed into the village by Tharu women adorned in traditional attire, who greet them with red vermilion powder and flower garlands, creating a warm and joyous atmosphere. The homestay, which allows visitors to directly experience and observe the Tharu culture, is increasingly popular among both domestic and international tourists.
Prem Shankar Mardniya Tharu, Chairman of the Amaltari Homestay Management Committee, said the initiative was launched to preserve cultural heritage and promote sustainable livelihoods for the local population. The homestay, which began in 2070 BS with 18 households, is now expanded to 33 homes catering to visitors. Chairman Tharu noted that the enhanced services offered to guests have driven the homestay’s commercial success.
The Amaltari Homestay has gained recognition as one of the best in Nepal and has become a centre for educational visits and cultural exploration. Pratibha Ghimire, a visitor from Bardaghat Municipality, expressed her admiration for the natural beauty of the Tharu village, as well as its art and culture. She also enjoyed a jungle safari, where she observed wildlife such as elephants, rhinos, and peacocks.
Dipisa Chaudhary, another visitor from Bardaghat, was captivated by the Tharu cultural dances, traditional food, and the experience of jeep safari. Guests at the homestay can also partake in activities such as elephant jungle safari and boat rides in the surrounding community forest. Tourists here spend their afternoons observing wildlife and their evenings immersed in cultural dances performed by the Tharu and Bote communities.
Chairman Tharu shared that visitors from countries including the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada frequently visit the homestay, with daily arrivals ranging from 50 to 100 tourists. By integrating wildlife conservation with tourism, Amaltari has gained national and international reputation, contributing significantly to the village’s economic development. What was once considered a remote area has been transformed through the homestay initiative.
Since the government declared Amaltari a village destination in 2072 BS, it has also hosted several national-level programmes. Located approximately 7 kilometres south of Kawasoti Danda on the Butwal-Narayangadh road section, the homestay lies adjacent to the buffer zone of Chitwan National Park. This prime location has made it a magnet for domestic tourists, who make up the majority of visitors.
The homestay has played a vital role in the economic upliftment of the Bagkhor area, with tourists arriving to observe rhinos in the buffer community forest and to learn about the culture, customs, and daily lives of the Tharu and Bote communities..
