Indian tourists flock to Nepal, seeking refuge from scorching heatwaves

Nepal's tourism sector is experiencing an unexpected surge in Indian visitors, driven by extreme heatwaves across northern India. This trend is revitalizing destinations like Chitwan National Park, which traditionally sees fewer tourists during the summer monsoon season.

Entrepreneurs in Sauraha, a gateway to Chitwan, report a significant influx of travelers from Indian states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. These visitors are seeking refuge from the intense heat in their home regions. Hotelier and safari operator Rishi Tiwari noted that Indian tourists often combine their trips to Chitwan with visits to other popular Nepalese sites like Muktinath, Pokhara, and Manakamana.

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The heat is extreme in parts of northern India. Many Indian travellers visiting Nepal for religious and leisure purposes are also spending time in Chitwan.

T Tiwari highlighted that Nepal's cooler climate and lower travel expenses are major draws for Indian travelers. The current June-August period, typically Nepal's off-season due to the monsoon, also offers relatively affordable airfares, further incentivizing travel. This year, however, Chitwan has recorded a notable increase in Indian arrivals even during the hottest months, a departure from previous years when the park experienced a seasonal slowdown.

Many Indian visitors engage in jeep safaris, a key attraction in Chitwan. Ramesh Regmi, owner of Nature Heritage Hotel in Sauraha, observed that tourists frequently stop in Chitwan en route from or to pilgrimage sites like Muktinath or the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. While some stay longer, many use Chitwan as a brief stopover before returning to India via the Sunauli border. Visitors arrive in both private vehicles and organized bus tours, with those in private cars tending to dine out more frequently.

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I have seen many travellers returning from Muktinath spend a night in Chitwan. Others stop after visiting Pashupatinath. Most stay only for a night before returning to India through the Sunauli border.