Kumroj Community Forest emerges as top safari attraction in Sauraha (photos)

KATHMANDU: The Kumroj Buffer Zone Community Forest has rapidly become a prime attraction for both domestic and international tourists visiting Sauraha, with jungle safaris drawing overwhelming interest in recent years.

According to local authorities, more than 80 percent of tourists visiting Sauraha now opt for jeep safaris in the Kumroj forest area.

Spread across 750 hectares, the forest stretches 7 kilometers in length and 3 kilometers in width, offering visitors a rich and immersive wildlife experience.

Tourists can explore the forest not only by jeep and elephant safaris but also through overnight stays at watchtowers (machans) located deep inside the jungle.

The opportunity to observe wild animals at close range has significantly boosted the forest’s appeal.

The community forest is known for its diverse landscape, where wetlands, grasslands, wildlife habitats, riverine forests, and dense sal forests can all be observed within a single area.

Located about nine kilometers from Sauraha, the forest was officially opened to tourists in Poush 2074 BS.

With its lush greenery and growing population of rare wildlife, the forest now attracts more than 1,000 tourists daily.

It has increasingly become a key habitat for endangered species such as the Bengal tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, gharial crocodile, gaur (Indian bison), and other rare wildlife.

Currently, up to 170 jeep safaris operate daily, with each jeep capable of carrying 11 tourists. In addition, 13 elephants are regularly deployed for safari services, further enhancing the visitor experience.

The rising popularity of the Kumroj Buffer Zone Community Forest highlights its importance not only as a tourism hub but also as a successful model of community-led conservation in Nepal.

Photos:

-Saroj Basnet