Kanchanpur, Sept. 4 -- Shuklaphanta National Park in Kanchanpur, considered one of the most promising yet underexplored tourist destinations in the country, is witnessing a steep decline in visitors despite its immense potential. Known for its vast grasslands, rich wildlife, and proximity to the Indian border, the park recorded just 3,722 visitors in the last fiscal year of 2024-25-down from 4,006 the previous year of 2023-24.

The tourist flow was healthy before the Covid pandemic. As many as 12,138 tourists visited Shuklaphanta National Park, which lies in the southwestern corner of the country, in a single year, 2017-18.

Spread over 305 sq km, Shuklaphanta is home to Asia's largest herd of swamp deer, numbering over 2,300, along with ...