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The increasing inflow of visitors to the Sunakhari Buffer Zone Community Homestay, located in Thori Rural Municipality-5, Subarnapur, Parsa District, has brought a wave of enthusiasm among local homestay operators.
Despite limited publicity and branding, the Sunakhari Homestay—the first community homestay in Madhes Province—has witnessed a remarkable rise in guest numbers this fiscal year. According to homestay president Shambhu Ram Poudel, the site has already welcomed around 3,000 guests by the third week of April, a significant jump from the 1,800 visitors recorded last fiscal year.
Among the notable visitors were over 60 film crew members, including technicians and artists, who stayed at the homestay for three months between November and February. The crew was involved in shooting the film Elephant in the Fog, produced by Anup Paudel, in Shikharibas and the surrounding areas of Thori. The film, in Nepali and Bhojpuri, has drawn attention to the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region.
Established in 2073 BS, the homestay currently operates across 15 households, each offering two guest rooms. Located just 34 kilometers from Birgunj, Sunakhari Homestay treats visitors to panoramic views of Thori and sightings of diverse wildlife.
🌿 Local Attractions and Unique Experiences
Key attractions in the area include:
Baghmorcha Mai Temple
Local Gumba (Monastery)
Pranami Temple
Martyrs’ Memorial
Sunakhari Forest
Guests are also treated to local culinary delights such as corn-based dishes, free-range local chicken, and traditional corn husk specialties. In addition, the Tamang community often organizes cultural programs to entertain and engage guests, adding a unique cultural dimension to their stay.
🚙 Challenges in Tourist Transport
While the homestay’s popularity is growing, it still faces challenges. Bhim Bahadur Pakhrin, Chairperson of the Sunakhari User Committee, shared that transporting tourists to local attractions during public holidays has been difficult due to restrictions on using white number plate safari vehicles.
“We’ve approached the Madhes Province Ministry several times, but the issue remains unresolved,” said Pakhrin. However, Chief District Officer Ganesh Aryal has pledged to facilitate a solution to this problem.
As the Sunakhari Community Homestay continues to attract more visitors, local entrepreneurs remain hopeful that with proper infrastructure and government support, the area could become one of Nepal’s leading models of sustainable community tourism.
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