September 16, 2015 TnH Global

Tourism in Nepal bouncing back to normalcy

The heritage monuments in quake-hit Nepal are being restored to woo tourists.

The Himalayan land that shares a century-old civilization with India is Nepal that was recently struck by the great Himalayan tragedy. Post tragedy, all is not lost for the tourism industry of the country. Kathmandu, one of the best-known destinations and the home of the living goddess has geared up to provide a perfect holiday experience to travel bugs. Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha is the spiritual hub.

Surendra Thapa, Deputy Consul General of Nepal in Kolkata said, “There has been partial damage of public properties in 11 districts of the country. There has been a sharp drop in tourist footfalls by 50 per cent after the tragedy. The best known trekking trails like Mt. Everest, Annapurna, and Kanchenjunga have escaped the ravages of the quake. Around 43 heritage sites have suffered partial damage in Kathmandu while as many as 20 monuments have collapsed in Bhaktapur. Around 10 per cent hotels in Kathmandu have been affected by the tremors. The reputed heritage structure of Changu Narayan will reopen for tourists once the restoration work is over. Kashta Mandap in Durbar Square of Kathmandu and Vatsala Devi Temple in Bhaktapur have been revived.” Thapa was speaking at a road show themed “Nepal- A tourist destination” hosted by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) in Kolkata.

Tourism is one of the main occupations of the residents of Nepal and nearly 1,50,000 Indian travellers tour the Himalayan country every year. There are more than 60 weekly flights flying from the Indian metros to Kathmandu. Thapa added, “All highways in the country are safe for travelling and around 90 per cent motels have bounced back to activity. Indian tourists need to plan out their holidays to Nepal after the rainy season.”

Status of restoration of heritage sites in Nepal:

• NTB has doled out Rs 10 crore.
• Kashta Mandap in Kathmandu’s Durbar Square and Vatsala Devi Temple in Bhaktapur have been restored.
• All highways are safe and around 90 per cent motels are open for tourists.
• Around 43 heritage structures in Kathmandu and 20 sites in Bhaktapur have suffered partial damage.