The Prospects of Ecotourism in Sauraha: A Research Paper on Ecotourism of Sauraha in Chitwan District Nepal

Abstract

This is a study about prospects of ecotourism in Sauraha for the purpose of final semester thesis writing proposed by the Department of Rural Development, Tribhuvan University. The main aim of the thesis writing is to carry out the potentialities and prospects of ecotourism in Sauraha including the assessment of the economic impact and evaluation of the environment impact of eco-tourism in the study area. This research work was done through the field survey in the study area where 60 households; 20 hotel owners and 15 tourists were interviewed. This research accepted explanatory and descriptive type of research design. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected through different tools of survey. Different books; prospectus; brochures; reports etc. were consulted to collect important data for the study. While in the research it has been found that Sauraha is a very potential place for ecotourism destination because of its attachment to the Chitwan National Park; Rapti River and nearby wetlands. It was also found in the research that some activities can be established in Sauraha such as managing parks and fairs; promoting home stays; creating public view tower; promoting afro farming; establishing zoo and improving museum etc. to promote ecotourism in the region. This place can be linked with Siraichuli; Upperdanggadi; Devghat; Jalbire; Lothar and other many more places. The research also shows that the socio economic status of the place is also positively affected by the tourism. It is also significant to note that the people in Sauraha are very aware about proper conservation and utilization of the natural resources. Sauraha seems to be finely managed while doing bird’s eye view, however when we go through the micro level of analysis the situation is not like that. People in the area are still to be made aware, the infrastructures such as road condition etc. are to be improved very well. The multilateral relationship among local people, entrepreneurs, concerned authorities etc. are to be serenely established what helps the tourism to meet its real destination in the days to come. This research doesn’t include each and every aspect of ecotourism in Sauraha and it may not be utterly valid or reliable in the areas of study; however the strategic, logical and experiential matters have been skillfully and wittily applied to minimize the faults. This research will work best for those who want to know Sauraha as an ecotourism destination; or for those who want to study in the same or similar or related topics.