Bustling Bandipur takes pride in its revitalization

KATHMANDU, APRIL 1: Gehendra Kayastha is the ninth generation of his family that migrated from Bhaktapur to Bandipur, a hilltop town in Tanahu district. Currently, the only members at home are Kayastha and his spouse. Together, they run a homestay and a small grocery store. Their children have left home for jobs and foreign studies. While the couple doesn't face any difficulty in managing their livelihood, they love hospitality and are eager to welcome more tourists to this ancient town.

"I enjoy preparing home-cooked family meals and serving visitors. Both of us are over 50 years old, but we have become fascinated by hospitality since the town’s revival," Kayastha explained.

He fondly recalled the difficult days when Bandipur, once a bustling trade hub, was deserted after the district headquarters of Tanahu was moved from there to Damauli, located down the Prithvi Highway. "Many people left this beautiful town, but my family stayed. Those were hard days after the district headquarters was relocated. Trade sharply declined, and the neighborhood became desolate with dwindling public mobility," he recounted. He expressed deep gratitude to those who played a significant role in reviving the old cultural town of Bandipur, transforming it back into a vibrant settlement.

When Bandipur ceased being a trade center after the district headquarters was moved, one of the measures to revive the town's charm was the introduction of the "homestay" scheme in 2008. However, the Kayastha family began their homestay business only in 2018. "I was a transport entrepreneur before. But since 2018, I’ve been running a homestay, welcoming domestic tourists who enjoy the organic cuisine I prepare at home," he shared.

During a visit last week, another local, Raju Pradhan, who hails from the sixth generation of migrants from Bhaktapur, shared that he rents out his home for a hotel business. Living between Chitwan and Kathmandu, Pradhan expressed concern over whether the ancient town could retain its cultural vibrancy for long. His particular worry was the migration of the younger generation despite the town's revival.

Pradhan also expressed his gratitude to intellectuals like Mathura Prasad Shrestha and Chij Kumar Shrestha, who worked tirelessly to launch various projects that revived Bandipur.

Once a bustling trade hub, particularly for clothes from India to Tibet, Bandipur’s charm faded, especially after 1968 when the district headquarters of Tanahu was moved to Damauli. The town, largely populated by Newars who had migrated from Bhaktapur, was originally a Magar settlement. The relocation of the district headquarters was a severe blow to the local economy, causing many people to migrate to Pokhara, Damauli, Chitwan, and even Kathmandu. Some sold their properties, while others left their houses abandoned. As a result, the old town remained desolate for nearly three decades.

However, the people who had migrated from Bandipur to Kathmandu couldn't remain indifferent to their birthplace.

In response to a question on how the deserted town was revived, educationist Bikram Piya explained that the intellectuals of the area worked together to revitalize the town, paving the way for Bandipur to become a must-visit tourist destination in Nepal.

Piya, who is also the Chief of Bandipur Campus, expressed pride in the efforts of local intellectuals such as Dr. Mathura Prasad Shrestha (late), Chij Kumar Shrestha (educationist), Shanta Bahadur Shrestha (senior tourism entrepreneur), Dr. Madan Kumar Piya (senior oncologist), senior advocate Kushum Shrestha (late), and Jivan Kumar Shrestha (bureaucrat). The establishment of the Bandipur Development Committee in 1992 was a landmark step taken by these intellectuals to reawaken the town. This initiative led to improvements in infrastructure, including better roads, a hospital, drinking water facilities, and access to higher education.

Since then, various programs have been implemented to restore Bandipur’s aura and turn it into a popular tourist destination. The Bandipur Eco-Cultural Tourism Project, which ran from 2005 to 2006, played a key role in boosting tourism while preserving the town’s traditional features.

From Trade Hub to Tourism Hub

After its revitalization, Bandipur shifted from being a trade hub to a tourism hub. In response to why it lost its role as a trade center, Piya argued that the town’s location south of the Prithvi Highway led to a decline in business activities.

"The Bandipur trade hub once connected Lamjung, Kaski, and Gorkha to Tibet. Goods were brought from India to Bandipur via Thori, Chitwan," he said.

Piya also recounted the challenges of convincing the locals to embrace new initiatives while preserving the town’s traditional and cultural mosaic. "After the project, Bandipur bazaar introduced a ‘no vehicle entry’ policy. It was really difficult to convince the locals to ban vehicles from the main bazaar, but over time, they realized its value when tourists, both domestic and foreign, appreciated the old footpath and the carved wood on the gates and buildings." The use of modern construction materials is now discouraged to preserve the town's originality.

Interestingly, Piya mentioned that in the beginning, the Newari traders of Bandipur had to speak Gurung language. Now, however, they need to be able to speak English to welcome foreign tourists.

The establishment of an English-medium school also played a significant role in Bandipur's revitalization, according to Piya.

The revival of Bandipur has become a model for other settlements, and many wish to replicate its success. "I was invited by Bhimphedi rural municipality in Makwanpur district to lecture on how Bandipur was revived and what could be replicated there for similar revival," Piya shared.

Located at an elevation of 1,030 meters above sea level, Bandipur is further enhanced by scenic views in the surrounding areas. A hill nearby is known for its sunrise views, and tourists can be seen enjoying morning walks up to the Mini Great Wall.

Ella Rowdon, a tourist visiting from the United Kingdom, spoke with the scribe while atop the hill near the Thani Mai Temple. "I love walking in the village, mountains, and hills. I want to come here again," she said. She added that her friend from Chitwan had recommended the visit. In her view, Nepali people are kind and generous. "Nature is enchanting here. I’m staying for three days," she said.

Similarly, Jamuna Malla, a domestic tourist from Pokhara, mentioned that she had come to Bandipur with a cooperative group. "Although it’s my first time here, I highly recommend others to visit Bandipur once," she said.

The Bandipur Rural Municipality is currently observing the "Bandipur Visit Year 2025" to protect and promote its traditions and culture, as well as foster economic activities.

Some of the top tourist destinations in and around Bandipur include Siddha Gupha, Khadga Devi Temple, Gurungche Hill, Mukundeshwori, and the Football Ground.

The peak tourist season for this hilltop town is after the Dashain and Tihar festivals.

In addition to homestays, more than 60 low- to medium-cost hotels encourage visitors to extend their stay.