Tikapur
With the spring season around the corner, Tikapur Park, also known as Tikapur Brihat Udyan, can bewitch anyone with its beauty. In its prime, the park is no less than a ravishing new bride, with her makeup, sitting on the bank of Karnali River waiting for her groom.
Here, you can find hundreds of flowers blooming in vibrant colors: red, white, black, pink, yellow, green and more. The park is about four kilometers away from the eastern side of the town of Tikapur. It is famous as a picnic spot and a sightseeing place among the locals.
Besides being one of the popular destinations of Tikapur, it also has a historic importance. In 1971, late King Mahendra had spent one month in this area and handled the administration of the kingdom from here. He fell sick while hunting at Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve and the doctors suggested him to stay at the park area for recovery.
Tikapur Park sees huge influx of visitors
The king stayed here as it is believed that the air at the park comes directly from Mansarobar of Tibet, through the Karnali River, imbued with healing qualities. After his recovery, he came up with a plan to establish a garden along with a town in this place. And his wish was fulfilled by his son late King Birendra. Under the direction of King Birendra, former minister Khadga Bahadur Singh took charge of the project. King Mahendra’s dream came true when the park and the town were built.
This park is divided into three parts--Birendra Bisram Griha, Aswarya Batika, and Mahendra Arogya Griha--along with Ratna Udyan having flower and fruits garden. The park has two wooden houses that had all the facilities the royal family members needed when they visited the place. These houses are closed for the public now.
The most attractive spot in the park for domestic tourists is the water fountain, best known for the beautiful background it makes for photo. The area toward the Karnali River is allocated as a picnic spot that can hold a thousand persons at one time. The park used to be managed previously by Tikapur Development Committee. It is now managed by Tikapur Municipality.
But unfortunately, the beauty of the park is gradually eroding in lack of proper care. The locals are not happy with the work by the concerned employees that are assigned with the duty to look after the park.
Today, the park stands as it used to be four decades ago, with an old look. With proper maintenance and promotion, it could be turned into a major tourist hub. Durbaraj Acharya, chief administrative officer of Tikapur Municipality, said they were working toward developing a master plan for the management of the park. It could even be given on lease to the private sector, he said.
The park is crowded during festivals and occasions such as New Year, Dashian, and Tihar. In the Fiscal Year 2017/18, the park raised Rs 4.2 million in revenue. The park management has targeted to raise the amount to Rs 5 million this year.
4.2 million Rupees revenue raised in the Fiscal Year 2017/2018
1971 late King Mahendra had spent one month in this area.
4km to reach here from the eastern side of the town of Tikapur.
In its prime, the park is no less than a ravishing bride, waiting for her groom.
