Belbari (Morang)- Betana Wetland, known for its rich natural beauty and biodiversity, has increasingly become a major attraction for domestic tourists in eastern Nepal.
Located about 16 kilometres east of Itahari Chowk along the East-West Highway in Belbari Municipality, the wetland draws around 500 domestic visitors daily during the winter season. Tourists visiting the area enjoy the cold, clean water, fresh air, and scenic surroundings, while also observing migratory birds arriving from Siberia and wildlife such as turtles, fish, crocodiles, and deer.
President of the Betana Wetland Community Forest User Group, Shambhu Bhattarai, said the wetland has become a preferred destination due to its natural environment and accessibility from the highway. He said the presence of birds, fish, turtles, and lush greenery has added to its appeal among nature lovers.
Joint Secretary of the user group, Rajan Prasai, said the area witnesses a high influx of visitors, particularly for picnics during the winter months. He added that pedal boat services have been introduced to allow visitors to enjoy boating in the wetland lake.
Prasai also informed that a water fountain is currently under construction at the site with financial support of Rs 2 million from the Koshi Province Government’s Ministry of Tourism, Forests and Environment.
Spread across approximately 65 bighas, Betana Wetland is home to migratory birds from Siberia as well as 25 species of rare birds. Bhattarai said more than two dozen individuals of the critically endangered Black Softshell turtle have been released into the wetland as part of conservation efforts.
He said the community forest user group is actively engaged in conserving the flora and fauna found in the area, noting the presence of rare turtle species, diverse fish, animals, and plant life.
Belbari Municipality Mayor Dil Prasad Rai said Betana Wetland is being developed as an important tourist destination in eastern Nepal. He added that in recent times, biologists and researchers have also been visiting the area for wildlife studies.
Bhattarai said conservation of local wildlife remains the top priority of the community forest user group, with tourism development being promoted alongside environmental protection.
