Gandaki. The weather in Pokhara had opened on Thursday morning after the previous day’s rain. The mountains and hills around Pokhara looked attractive in the bright sun. The movement of tourists in pokhara, the tourist capital, is heavy at this time due to the travel season. Most of the tourists coming to Pokhara go to distant destinations for trekking. Some go to Annapurna area. They also enjoy visiting nearby tourist villages.
A large number of foreign tourists visiting Pokhara this season are Indians. Some of them come to Pokhara to escape the heat. Some travel through Pokhara to visit religious places including Muktinath. There are many destinations around Pokhara for tourists to forget. One of them is Pumdikot. Pumdikot of Pokhara Metropolitan City-22, which has been attracting tourists who love religion and nature, has become a favorite of domestic and foreign tourists lately.
In a short span of time, Pumdikot has been established as a famous religious tourist destination of the region. “The dream of developing Pumdikot as a religious destination has been fulfilled 10 years ago,” said Chandra Kanta Baral, chairman of Pumdikot Development Committee. From big business houses to the general public, they have joined hands in the construction of Pumdikot. The state’s investment is also linked to Pumdikot.
Pumdikot was in the news four years ago when a 51-feet-tall statue of Bhumeshwar Mahadev was installed. There are important religious structures including the temple of ancient Bhumeshwar Mahadev at this place. A 31 feet high huge damru, kund (Ganga pokhari), 108 streams, 216 Shivlings, 108 swargadwari staircases, Shiva Tandav dance and international meditation center have been constructed. Five feet high brass Shivalinga, statues of Kumar and Parvati, Sameru Parvat, Hariyali Park and other structures are under construction. Committee Chair Baral said that the infrastructure construction plan has been forwarded under the master plan of Greater Pumdikot.
According to him, more than Rs 290 million is being invested in the construction of religious and tourism infrastructure in Pumdikot so far. Of this, rs 70 million has been invested by the federal, provincial and local governments. Chairman Baral informed that other investors and locals have gathered.
MahashivaPurana was installed in 2073 BS and 2078 BS for the same purpose. “We have been working to develop this place of mythological and religious importance as a tourist destination,” he said, adding, “Pumdikot has become the choice of tourists in a short span of time.” ’
Krishna Devkota, an employee (finance collector) of Pumdikot Development Committee, said that up to 6,000 tourists visit Pumdikot every day during festivals and public holidays. “We estimate that at least 900 to 3,000 tourists visit the temple every day,” he said, adding, “There is no place to set foot here during Shivaratri, Saun’s Monday, New Year, etc. ’
He said that after Nepali, Indian tourists who follow Hindu religion come in significant numbers. Pumdikot is a suitable destination not only for religious believers but also for tourists who enjoy nature. One can reach Pumdikot, the lap of nature, in no time, avoiding the noise and busyness of the city. The scenic view of the snow range, Phewa Lake and Pokhara city, which are seen on the north side of Pumdikot, steals the heart of anyone. From Pokhara-17 Chhorepatan, a 7 km car can reach Pumdikot. One can also travel from Pokhara-22, Tilahar. The distance from Tilahar to Pumdikot is 13 km.
It is easy to travel because of the blacktopped road. There is also a trekking route from Phewa Lake to Pumdikot via Shanti Stupa. It takes an hour and a half to walk. One can also visit Shanti Stupa when you go to Pumdikot. Laxmi Baral, a businessman from Pumdikot, said that the local entrepreneurs are also excited with the increase in tourist arrivals. According to him, dozens of businesses are operating from hotels, restaurants, tea shops.
“Earlier, Pumdikot was an open pond, people used to come to worship Lord Shiva as Bhoome Than, as we looked at, Pumdikot became different,” he said, adding, “The number of tourists has increased, business is good, new business people have been added.” ’
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