Itahari, December 3:

With the onset of winter, large number of picnickers have started thronging places including Bhedetar in Dhankuta, Mai, Domukha, Kanyam and Phikkal in Ilam, Taltaliya and Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in Sunsari and Betana wetland in Morang.

“More than 100 groups of picnickers come to Bhedetar every day,” Deependra Rumdali of Hotel Bhedetar View said.

“I earn quite good money during the three months from November to January,” Rumdhali said.

“Bhedetar, which is half-an-hour drive from Dharan is a famous picnic spot so we came here,” Jagadish Bhattarai of Sindhuli said yesterday. “We are greatly attracted by the natural beauty and good hilly atmosphere here,” he said.

“I like to watch the panaromic view from the view tower at Bhedetar. It gives me a pleasant feeling,” a picnicker, Ganesh Adhikari, of Morang said.

“Large number of picnic groups can be seen dancing and merry-making in Bhedetar everyday,” Dharan-based journalist Sudip Rai said. “Every Saturday a large number of picnicking youths throng the Betana wetland at Belbari of Morang,” a local journalist Manoj Gajal said.

It is reported that the wetland is home to some 126 different species of birds and different kind of fishes.

“As the wetland lies near Mahendra Highway, a large number of picnic-goers come here every year during winter,” a local Lila Subedi said adding that the hotels, restaurants and shops near the picnic spots make good income during this season.