Nestled in the Himalayan foothills, the district of Makwanpur offers a glimpse into the real, rural Nepal. While it may not have the famous trekking routes or soaring peaks of other regions, Makwanpur has its own low-key charms waiting to be discovered by the curious traveler. From revered Hindu temples to serene nature reserves and charming local villages, here are some of the top attractions that make Makwanpur well worth exploring.
Daman
The scenic village of Daman is one of Makwanpur’s highlights. Perched atop a ridge at an elevation of around 2,300 meters, it commands spectacular views out over the Mahabharat Range and the sprawling plains stretching towards India. On a clear day, you can even see the snowy peaks of the mighty Himalayas looming in the distance.
Daman is particularly renowned for its sunrises and sunsets, which paint the sky in vivid shades of orange, pink, and purple. It’s a prime spot for photographers and nature lovers alike. As the sun sets, head to the park lined with quaint eateries to tuck into some hearty Nepali fare while soaking up the beautiful vistas.
For hiking enthusiasts, the surrounding hills and forests offer ample trails to explore. Keep an eye out for wildlife like monkeys, deer, and over 200 species of birds. The village itself has a pleasantly sleepy pace, with a monastery, some small temples, and handicraft shops selling pottery, weavings, and other artisanal goods.
Bajrayogini Temple
Tucked into a forested valley about 18km west of Makwanpur’s main town of Hetauda lies the sacred Bajrayogini Temple. Built in the 17th century, this important Hindu pilgrimage site is dedicated to the fearsome incarnation of the goddess Kali.
The two-tiered pagoda temple sits atop a hill, surrounded by lush greenery and small shrines. Over 1,000 steps lead up to the main complex, passing under a dizzying array of prayer flags, deities, bells, and sacred carvings. The clanging of bells and chanting of devotees fills the air with an almost mystical ambience.
During major festivals like Dashain and Navaratri, throngs of devotees flock here from across Nepal and India to offer prayers and sacrifices of animals, fruits, and grains to Bajrayogini. Even on regular days, the fragrance of incense hangs thick while devotional music plays from loudspeakers. For visitors, it’s a fascinating glimpse into deep-rooted Hindu traditions.
Indrasarobar Lake
About 10km west of Hetauda lies the pristine Indrasarobar Lake, which is the main reservoir for the Kailash Khola Drinking Water Project. The serene lake is surrounded by lush forests and gentle hills that provide a blissfully peaceful rural escape.
Popular activities here include boating, fishing, hiking the nature trails that loop around the lake and exploring the nearby jungles. For birdwatchers, over 200 avian species like egrets, pond herons, cormorants, and kingfishers make their home near the lake’s tranquil waters. The more adventurous can even go kayaking if they bring their own gear.
There are a few small teahouses and snack stalls along the lakeside where you can relax with a cup of tea or a picnic lunch while enjoying gorgeous views of the shimmering waters backed by rolling green hills. It’s best to visit during dry season between October and May.
Parsa Wildlife Reserve
While Nepal is famous for the wildlife-rich Chitwan National Park, the adjoining Parsa Wildlife Reserve is lesser-known but no less spectacular. Located at the edge of the Terai plains in Makwanpur, it boasts equally varied flora and fauna in a secluded, pristine setting.
Spread across 637 square km of lush forests, grasslands, and the meandering Rapti River, Parsa shelters 50 different mammals and over 500 bird species. Rhinos, tigers, leopards, elephants, four-horned antelopes, wild boar and monkeys roam freely through the reserve. Open grasslands full of spotted deer, sandpipers, plovers, and cranes provide a paradise for birdwatchers.
For wildlife enthusiasts, the best options are jeep safaris or staying overnight in the reserve’s lodges to increase spotting chances. Canoe tours also offer a unique perspective cruising along the Rapti and its tributaries. Elephants no longer give rides due to concerns over conservation ethics, but visitors can see them grazing in the wild from a distance.
Makwanpur Gadi
For a glimpse into Nepal’s traditional rural life, spend some time in the authentic villages of Makwanpur Gadi. Dotting the area around Hetauda, these peaceful farming communities move at a delightfully slow pace amidst fertile fields, terraced paddies, and rambling stone houses.
Join local villagers going about their daily tasks like tending to crops, animals, and households. Get a feel for how people here have lived largely unchanged for centuries. Hiking between villages provides opportunities to appreciate the humble yet visually striking vernacular architecture. Houses crafted from stone, wood, and mud brick cluster together with intricately carved windows and doors.
If you can, visit during festivals and celebrations like Dashain, Tihar, or weddings. These are lively affairs of feasting, singing, dancing, and ceremonies that offer a vibrant window into local customs. Visitors are often warmly welcomed into family homes for a chance to experience authentic traditional hospitality over a cup of milky tea or a hearty Nepali meal.
Other Noteworthy Sites
• Gadhi Mai Mandir – A temple complex on a hilltop outside Hetauda that’s popular at Hindu festivals.
• Tarapani – A forested hilltop park with a temple and hiking trails near the municipality of Kulekhani.
• Makwanpur Caves – A series of ancient caves in Sarikhet where prehistoric human fossils have been uncovered.
Whether you’re looking for spiritual awakenings amidst centuries of Hindu heritage or respite in lush natural settings, Makwanpur offers it all wrapped in an authentic slice of rural Nepali life. Though often overlooked by visitors favoring more famous destinations, it’s a tranquil jewel worth discovering off the beaten path.