As temperatures continue to rise in India’s Bihar state, hundreds of Indian tourists are heading to Bhedetar, Dharan, to escape the heat.

While temperatures in Bihar have crossed 35 degrees Celsius, Biratnagar is recording around 30 degrees. But Bhedetar, a popular tourist destination located 60 kilometres north of Biratnagar, remains cool, with temperatures hovering around 20 degrees.

Situated at an altitude of around 1,400 metres above sea level, Bhedetar is often covered in thick fog, with intermittent drizzles followed by brief sunshine.

Local tourism entrepreneurs said the number of both domestic and Indian tourists has increased in recent weeks.

“More visitors from Bihar are coming here to escape the heat,” said Sanjay Rai, a local hotelier. “It has helped revive the tourism business here.”

The hill station’s green hills, cool weather, and panoramic sunrise and sunset views have made it a preferred destination among visitors from neighbouring Indian districts.

According to the hotel entrepreneurs, most Indian tourists come from Bihar’s Purnia, Katihar, Araria, Kishanganj, Saharsa and Bhagalpur districts.

“They usually enter Nepal on Saturday afternoons, spend the night here, and return on Sunday afternoon,” said Juddha Bahadur Limbu, a hotel operator in Bhedetar. “Most come with their families and enjoy sightseeing as well as local food.”

Ramesh Shrestha, president of the Bhedetar Hotel Association, said domestic tourist arrivals have also increased, particularly after the introduction of the two-day weekend.

“There are more than 200 small, medium and large hotels operating in Bhedetar, and most are fully occupied during weekends,” he said.

Shrestha added that the liquor ban in Bihar is also one of the reasons Indian tourists choose Bhedetar for short leisure trips.

“Indian tourists usually arrive on Saturday and leave on Sunday,” he said. “The alcohol ban in Bihar has also encouraged many to come here to unwind.”

According to tourism entrepreneurs, most Indian visitors travel in private or reserved vehicles with their families. Some arrive in Biratnagar by train or air before travelling by road to Bhedetar, which takes around two to two-and-a-half hours.

Bhabish Kumar Shrestha, a tourism entrepreneur based in Biratnagar, said travel has become easier in recent years due to improved road conditions.

Aman Kumar, who travelled from Katihar with his family, said Bhedetar’s weather continues to attract him.

“The green hills are something new and refreshing for us,” he said.

Tourism entrepreneurs said Indian visitors generally stay in Bhedetar and nearby areas for one to two days, spending between Rs10,000 and Rs100,000 on accommodation, food, transport, entertainment and shopping.

Apart from sightseeing, tourists also purchase local handicrafts, cardamom, tea, vegetables and Nepali food items to take home.

“This has helped keep the local economy active,” said Shrestha, secretary of the hotel association.