Karnali preparing to become a tourist destination by increasing investment in Kakrevihar
Hemant KC, Nepal News Bank
Surkhet. Kakrevihar located in Birendranagar, Surkhet, is now not only a religious place of worship but also has historical importance. Its historical temple standing in the middle of dense forest, artistic structures carved on stone and natural environment have linked the ancient history, religious coexistence and tourism potential of Karnali together.
With the state government giving priority to the conservation, infrastructure development and publicity of Kakre Bihar, the possibility of developing this heritage as an important tourist destination has increased in the province capital.
Anyone who visits Kakrevihar can get a glimpse of ancient art and architecture along with the religious atmosphere there. The stone sculptures, pillars, arches and various artistic figures in the temple premises reflect the religious beliefs, craftsmanship and construction techniques of the contemporary society. Kakre Vihar is also seen as a symbol of religious coexistence due to its artistic aspects related to Buddhist and Hindu religious traditions.
Living Documents of History and Architecture
The historical and archaeological remains of Kankre Vihar indicate that there was a civilization and cultural activity developed in Karnali since ancient times. The stone structures and sculptures here provide the basis for studying the religious consciousness and artistic potential of the contemporary society.
Therefore, the importance of Kakre Vihar is not limited to the religious aspect of the temple. Along with its conservation, it is equally necessary to take its history, architecture and archaeological importance to the new generation. If it can be developed in a systematic way, it can be made a center of attraction for students, researchers, scholars of history and archaeology, and cultural tourists.
Most of the popular tourist destinations of Karnali are geographically remote. It takes a long time and expense to reach destinations like Rara, Phoksundo, Sinja, Bala Tripurasundari, Shey Gumba, Mansarovar and others. In comparison, Kakrevihar is an easy destination adjacent to the provincial capital Birendranagar.
This geographical location can become an important opportunity for the development of tourism in Kakre Vihar. If the tourists coming to Birendranagar can be connected with other historical, religious and natural places along with Kakrevihar, then there is a possibility of developing it as a tourism circuit beyond a one-day excursion.
Trekking in the forest area, historical information, display of local art and culture and promotion of local products along with temple visit can increase both the stay and expenditure of tourists in Kakre Vihar.
The local economy with tourism
is not the only criterion for tourism development. It is even more important to see how much the local community can benefit from it.
If Kakrebihar can be developed as a well-managed tourist destination, local hotels, homestays, transportation, local cuisine, handicrafts and souvenirs can be expanded.
This can create new employment and income generation opportunities at the local level.
If the development of Kakrevihar can be linked with local products and services, its economic impact can be extended to Birendranagar and surrounding areas.
From road improvement to tourist-friendly infrastructure
Although the potential of Kakrevihar is huge, there is a need to improve the roads and other infrastructures leading to it. Lately, the road leading to Kakrebihar has been dilapidated, causing problems in transportation. The state government has allocated a budget for the infrastructure development of this area in the current fiscal year.
There is a need to add information center, information board, well-managed walkway, rest place, sanitation and other basic facilities for tourists in Kakrevihar. But while building infrastructure, the challenge of preserving the originality of the historical structure is equally important.
There is also a tradition of charging Rs 20 per person for entry to Kakre Vihar. If such fees collected from tourists can be used in a transparent manner for conservation, cleanliness and management, tourists will also be able to experience the service of paying the fee.
The Karnali Province government has allocated a significant amount of budget for tourism sector in the budget for the current fiscal year, prioritizing the development of historical, religious and touristic areas. Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment Kalyani Khadka has said that the budget has given heavy attention to the development of tourism sector in Karnali state. According to Minister Khadka, emphasis has been laid on the protection and promotion of natural, historical, religious and cultural heritages to develop Karnali tourism as a base for economic prosperity.
She said that the government has a plan to promote Kakrebihar, which has historical and archaeological importance of Surkhet, as an important destination for tourism development.
In the fiscal year 2083÷84, the provincial government has allocated Rs 21.35 crore for the conservation and development of Rara Lake, Kakrevihar, Kupinde Daha and Syarputa. Similarly, Rs 53.86 crore has been allocated for the development of other tourism infrastructure.
A 10-year special action plan has recently been forwarded for the conservation and tourism promotion of Kakrebihar.
It is expected that if the long-term plan is implemented, the conservation of Kakrebihar can be taken forward in a systematic manner by raising it above the annual budget and fragmented plans.
Along with the preservation of historical heritage, research, documentation, tourist management, infrastructure, publicity and participation of the local community need to be at the center of the plan.
Emphasis on Digital Publicity
With the change in the nature of tourism, the digital publicity of the destination has also become important. If evidence-based digital materials about the history, religious significance, architecture, archaeological aspects, access routes and surrounding tourist areas of Kakre Vihar can be prepared and publicized through social networks and websites, its reach can be extended beyond the national border.
If content such as short videos, photo stories, digital archives and virtual tours can be prepared specifically targeting the younger generation, it will be easier to connect Kakrevihar with the new generation.
Civic leader Rajendra Shah said that the tourism development of Karnali should not be limited to finding new destinations. He said that equal priority should be given to the preservation and promotion of existing historical and cultural heritage. According to him, Kakrebihar can be developed not only as a place of religious faith but also as a tourist destination with a confluence of history, art, culture and nature, which can contribute significantly to the tourism economy of Birendranagar. The conservation of Kakre Vihar is not only the responsibility of the government but also the joint efforts of the local community, tourism entrepreneurs, civil society, history and archaeology experts and the local level.
How to identify Kakrevihar now?
Kakre Vihar has history, art, religious significance and nature. All that is needed is the will and plan to move forward in a systematic way by combining all these aspects into a single tourism concept.
If the budget allocated by the government is effectively implemented, the 10-year plan is result-oriented, roads and basic infrastructure are improved, the originality of the historical structures is preserved and its publicity is increased through digital means, Kakrebihar can rise above the usual sightseeing of the provincial capital. This can not only establish Kakrevihar as a heritage reminiscent of Karnali’s past but also as a tourism destination of the future that will generate local employment and income.
प्रतिक्रिया दिनुहोस्
