Money
Terhathum moves to boost tourism
The identity of the eastern hilly district of Terhathum is changing gradually.Chandra Karki
Popular tourist destinations like Hile, Basantapur, Lashune and Mude Sanischare now feature replicas of popular items in the region such as Tongba container, rhododendron flower, and Lord Buddha to attract tourists round the year. Youths affiliated to Hile’s Sa-Yatra Club have built a 22ft-tall replica of a Tongba container at the main road junction with an investment of Rs900,000. Already a popular destination for Tongba, Hile has been named as the “City of Tongba”. “Hile was already popular for its tasty Tongba. The replica has added to the place’s identity,” said Ram Tamang, the club’s president.“Our aim is to boost tourism in the long-run.”
A replica of rhododendron plant is placed at the gateway of Basantapur, where 28 species of the National Flower is grown. Niroj Khadka, secretary of the construction committee, said visitors are enthralled to see its replica. The replica has been constructed with an investment of Rs1 million. “We aim to promote Basantapur as the ‘City of Rhododendron’,” the committee said. “This will help ensure increased tourist inflow.” A large garlic clove is being placed at Lashune. Dharma Raj Khadga, coordinator of the construction committee, said they placed the replica in line with the place’s name.
A Lord Buddha sculpture has been erected at the gateway of Sankhuwasavha. Hundreds of tourists come to see and offer puja to Buddha on a daily basis, according to Dorji Sherpa, a local resident. He said the area could be also developed as an important place for those wanting to study Buddhism.