Lack of publicity and infrastructure cloaks tourism prospects of Gaurikhola waterfall

CHITWAN, August 20:Lack of publicity and proper infrastructures in place has overshadowed the prospects of Gaurikhola waterfall, located in Chitwan. 

To reach the waterfall, a motor road has been constructed up to Khani village. The waterfall can be reached in an hour's walk from the mining village. A staircase with railings has been constructed from Khani village to reach the waterfall which s yet to be complete. Gyan Bahadur Magar, a resident, said that half of the construction of the stairs has been completed so far. He shared that the pathway was being constructed with financial assistance of Rs 1.5 million from the Provincial government. “However, the lack of adequate budget has left the project in a dilemma,” he said.  

Magar said that there is a plan to develop the Gauri Khola waterfall as a tourist area. 'There is a three-section waterfall, which adds to its charm, but the top of the waterfall cannot be reached', he said.

This waterfall is located at a distance of 9 km and 5 km of the Narayangadh-Muglin road section. This waterfall can be reached by walking for about two hours from here.

"The Rigdi river which flows near the waterfall also adds to the atmosphere here, making the place comfortable for swimming, bathing, and fishing activities," Magar said. He said that during the winter, people come to visit the waterfall. There are also religious areas in this area including Surya Devi Temple.

Kaviraj Gurung, Chairman of the Gaurikhola Waterfall Development Committee, said that due to a lack of budget, the work of infrastructure development leading to the waterfall could not be done. The staircase leading to the waterfall can be built completely if another 1.5 million rupees budget is arranged. He said that there is also a possibility of water tourism in the Rigdi River, which is famous for fishing.