Religious areas in Banke to be developed as tourism destinations

The temples and shrines in Rapti Sonari and Narainapur rural municipality in Banke district will be developed as religious tourist destinations.

A plan has been set to link Bhuwar Bhawani Temple and Baba Barfani Santaneshwor Mahadev Temple in those local levels with Bageshwori Temple in Nepalgunj to develop a religious destination.

Newly elected member to the House of Representatives Surya Dhakal pledged to streamline Santaneshwor Mahadev Temple within five years.

Furthermore, he reaffirmed his commitment to link Bhuwar Bhawani Temple and Bageshwori with Santaneshwor Mahadev and Baba Barfani to develop these sites as a religious tourist destination.

“There’s a huge potential in Banke for religious tourism for which we need proper policy and plans,” he observed.

Similarly, Basanti Adhikari, Province Assembly member under Proportional Representation, viewed that the Santaneshwor Mahadev Temple is becoming a religious tourist spot lately. Tourism promotion related programmes will be executed for the development of these areas, she assured.

The Santaneshwor Mahadev Temple is known as ‘hill’ of the Terai as one has to climb a difficult and steep cliff (hill) to reach the Temple. This place that lies six kilometres northeast from Narainapur-6, offers a stunning view of landscapes of Terai from its top.

This temple attracts tourists from other neighbouring districts as well, shared Sohanlal Yadav, one of the local residents.

A team consisting over 50 members including HoR member Dhakal reached the Temple to offer obeisance to Lord Mahadev. Dhakal, while talking to Yogananda Giri, the priest in the Temple, pledged to work for the tourism promotion of this place.

According to him, plan was afoot to introduce home-stay programme in this area. (RSS)