Key Takeways:

• PM Balendra Shah's 'Switzerland of Nepal' remark boosted publicity
• Attractions include Api-Saipal views, pastures, wildlife and legends
• Locals demand roads, safety, waste management and conservation status

BAJURA, AUGUST 7 Badimalika in Bajura is drawing visitors well before its annual Janai Purnima pilgrimage, with more than 100 people now reportedly reaching the high-altitude religious and tourism destination on an average day. The main Janai Purnima festival falls on August 28 this year, but the flow of visitors has already picked up. Local residents say domestic tourists have been visiting the area in increasing numbers since March. The rise has been attributed partly to greater publicity. Locals say Badi Malika also gained wider attention after Prime Minister Balendra Shah referred to the destination as the 'Switzerland of Nepal' during an election campaign in Dhangadhi. Tourism guide Nar Bahadur Rawal of Badimalika Municipality-8 said the destination previously received visitors only occasionally, whereas more than 100 people are now reaching the area on many days. Last year's Janai Purnima festival saw what locals described as the highest number of devotees in the area's history, and they expect the number to increase further this year.

Located at an altitude of about 4,200 metres, Badimalika combines religious significance with high-altitude landscapes. While the main religious gathering traditionally took place around the day before Janai Purnima, visitors are increasingly travelling to the area throughout the year. The destination offers views of the Api and Saipal mountain ranges, along with expansive green pastures and diverse wildlife. Triveni, 22 Patan, Bishnupani, Dharmadwar and Khetibeti are among the area's major attractions. Badimalika is also associated with several religious legends, including one at Khetibeti that claims rice planted during an ancient battle between the goddess Bhagwati and the demon Mahishasur remains preserved there. The area is also known as a habitat for birds and wildlife including the danphe, monal and musk deer.

Growing popularity, limited infrastructure The increase in visitors, however, is exposing the area's lack of basic tourism infrastructure. Poorly maintained walking trails, limited drinking water, toilets, accommodation, rest facilities and directional signs continue to make the journey difficult for pilgrims and tourists. Slippery trails have also resulted in accidents. Two people died after falling while returning from Badimalika last year. Local residents have called for better waste management, environmental protection, health services, safe accommodation and tourism infrastructure. They have also demanded that Badimalika be declared a conservation area and placed under a dedicated management mechanism. Residents say the destination's growing popularity needs to be matched by investment in safety and infrastructure if its religious and tourism potential is to be sustained. Civil society activist Ramit Bik said locals have also been calling for better management of offerings made by devotees at the Badimalika temple, which, according to locals, are currently collected by the priest. He said the issue has not received adequate attention from the authorities.