Kanchanpur, August 12 – In an effort to boost tourism activities, the Singhpur Community Forest, located in Krishnapur Municipality–6, has initiated the construction of a guesthouse. The project, undertaken through a cost-sharing partnership between the municipality and the community forest, is now in its final phase.
According to Jogaraj Chaudhary, Chairperson of the community forest, the municipality has contributed NPR 300,000 while the community forest has invested over NPR 700,000 for the construction. The guesthouse, being built in a traditional local style, will feature five rooms. “Each room will have two beds along with other necessary amenities. We aim to complete the construction within two months,” said Chaudhary.
Once completed, the guesthouse will provide accommodation for visitors coming to observe the community forest, with a nominal fee charged for the stay. Chaudhary also shared plans to offer organic meals representing the culinary traditions of the Tharu, Rana Tharu, and hill communities, based on guest preferences.
“We also plan to introduce visitors to the traditional culture, lifestyle, and attire of the Tharu community as per their interest,” he added. “Guests will be entertained with traditional dances along with organic food.” A set of operational guidelines has already been prepared for running the guesthouse.
Guests will also have access to various attractions inside the forest, including a view tower, picnic spot, a regenerated sal forest spread across six hectares, and boating in a 16-kattha pond, according to Chaudhary. He expressed confidence that the initiative will not only promote tourism but also boost local income opportunities.
Chaudhary further informed that there are plans to launch homestay services in ten houses in the nearby traditional Tharu settlement adjacent to the community forest. These homestays are expected to be officially registered and brought into operation within the current fiscal year.
Baburam Chaudhary, Ward Chairperson of Krishnapur–6, said that the construction of the guesthouse is progressing rapidly and will soon come into operation with the goal of linking community forests to tourism while increasing the income of local residents. He pledged full support from the ward office for the project.
