January 24, Kathmandu. A wide leaky field as far as the eye can see. Colorful wild flowers on the surface. A gurgling river in the middle. Temple on the river bank. Like a landscape painted by a skilled painter. Aha! What a charming bigwig. What a wonderful gift of nature!
Whenever it comes to Khaptad and Badimalik, my heart is thrilled. It feels like embracing the great beauty here.
Former member of Nepal Tourism Board Krishna Bahadur Mahara used to talk about Khaptad-Badimalika. What he meant was, you have to get there once in a lifetime. However, as he said, there was no melomeso to reach Khaptad-Badimalika.
This time Deepak Khadka scored a good score. He is a tourism entrepreneur. He has brought a helicopter tour package to support the tourism development of Khaptad and Badimalika. On this occasion, the dream that was lingering in my mind was fulfilled. In other words, meso was made to reach Khaptad and Badimalika.
What is the magic of natural beauty that makes the mind happy forever? As Khaptad and Badimalika were reached, the mind became green.
Badimalika is a wonderful destination for those who enjoy the natural beauty and have religious beliefs. Badimalika welcomes visitors with Api Saipal Himal and others in the background. When you reach the huge fields here, your mind is filled with such and such enthusiasm.
These fields change shape over time. In snow it turns black, covered with snow. It is colorful throughout the year. Lekali flowers blooming in the green fields make it look beautiful.
Madimalika Mela
In Badimalika, a big fair is held every year on the day of Janai Punirma. Ganga Dussehra and Janaipunirma are held twice a year.
At that time some local traders keep shops. At other times there are not many shops. Pilgrims from different districts of the country as well as from India come here to attend the fair. Devotees believe that the gift they ask for will be fulfilled.
Catering and accommodation arrangements
Devotees and tourists have to make their own arrangements for food and shelter as there is no suitable place to stay to reach Badimalika. Since the temple management has built a dharamshala for the devotees to stay in, the devotees stay there.
Risk of stealing herbs
Due to the lack of access of the government to Badimalika, herbs are being smuggled out from there. He demanded that the government should set up a check post at Badimalika.
A priest has been appointed in this temple on behalf of the government. So it is a powerful powerhouse of western Nepal.
How to reach?
To reach Badimalika by car, one has to reach Sanphebgar of Achham from Dhangadhi or Nepalgunj. There is a vehicle facility from there to Sherabazar of Brahmatola. There is no alternative to walking from Sanphebgar. If you use the air route, you can reach Bajura Airport Kolti from Nepalgunj. One day’s walk from Kolti takes you to the district headquarters Martadi. The district headquarters of Bajura can be reached in 3 days on foot from Martadi Bazaar.
(Dhananjay Regmi is the Chief Executive Officer of Nepal Tourism Board)
