Potentialities and Challenges of Rural Tourism in Meghauli VDC of Chitwan District

Abstract

This study is made in Meghauli VDC of Chitwan districi by keeping theview of the promotion of tourism. The general objectives of this study are to examines and explore the potentialities of tourism development in the Meghauli VDC. Similarly it also help to identify the challenges of tourism in Meghauli VDC. A research study of prospects and problems of tourism in Meghauli VDC conducted to determine the problems and prospects of tourism there. This study is based on both primary and secondary data which are obtained by field observation, interview with concern stakeholders like: tourist, local residents, hotel owners, shopkeepers, different personalities and so on. The total number of population recorded in Meghauli is 16252.Number of male is 8219 and female is 8033. Economy is agro-based. Basic infrastructures such as roads, communication, drinking water supply, health service and security measures are in existence. However they need to be upgraded. Based on the attractions available at Meghauli associated activities for the tourists are envisage being cultural program, picnicking,visitingChitwan National Park and observing its Bio-diversity. Similarly other attractions are Meghauli village, the unique pattern of Tharu aborigine, Wildlife safari (riding on an elephant,. The community forests and Machan towers, Jungle watch and bird watching, National museum and crocodile project, World elephant polo and Para jumping, Joint-venture (Confluence of two big rivers Rapati and Narayani rivers), Sunset and clear mountain views, Boating and rafting trips,Typical Nepali and Tharu Cultural Programms, Home stays Programme, An amalgam place for Religious sites and Eco park (Children Park, picnic spot, camping spot, Tharu aborigine museum, open zoo, lodges, crocodile project, gardorn sovenier center, Seminar hall etc. are under construction). Meghauli VDC has many tourist destinations, unique natural beauties and various cultural specialties of its own and the sustainable and vision-full exploitation of these destinations offer a wide range of comparative advantages for which suitable and effective plan is needed. Increase in business and increase in resident's income are most beneficial areas of tourism in Meghauli VDC. With the major attractive areas for tourists like Golaghat Chitwan National Park, Bikram, and others,Meghauli VDC demands visionful plan for adequately managed tourism and bring more positive benefit. There is no exact official record available of the tourist visit in Meghauli. So, this is necessary for making future plan related with the tourism in the study area. In the view of its potential for the tourism development, the local community is seen to be more interested and aware on the development of this area jointly as tourist destination. There are no so good accommodation and catering facilities for tourists but recently home-stayprogramme is launched which is found very popular.Though again, most of the house owner told that if they got the financial as well as other support they are ready to serve tourists as their demand. Tourism awareness campaign (with inclusion of topics such as tourism, its benefits, likely negative impacts, and measures to avoid such impacts) should be addressed to all community members, focusing on specific skill training programs. That could include lodge management, guiding, handicraft development etc. Similarly, programs such as literacy and enterprise development need to be organized.