The Hariharpurgadhi Conservation Committee has started a drive to maintain and preserve the historical fort in Sindhuli built in the 14th century BS. Chairperson of the Committee Kamal Jung Rai said the drive, which is supported by the provincial Ministry of Social Development and the Rural Municipality, was introduced to attract tourists to the fort.

Preliminary construction work, such as a staircase, a picnic spot, and a drinking water service, have already been completed in the fort.

“Nowhere else in Nepal will you see a fort with such intricate design and structure,” Rai said. “This is a truly unique fort with a major historical significance.”

According to Rai, the Hariharpur fort is even older than the Sindhuligadhi, perhaps the most popular fort in the district.

The fort was set up in 1378 BS by Hari Singh Dev, then king of Simraungadh in Bara, after he was forced to flee when Bengali Muslim troupes attacked. The fort was a simple structure when it was first set up, but King Dev developed a state ruling from the fort, which is named after the king.

The preservation of the fort was fueled by the completion of a 75-km-long trekking route bridging the two most iconic forts in Sindhuli—Sindhuligadhi and Hariharpurgadhi.

Karsang Lama, chairperson of the rural municipality, said his office has disbursed a total of Rs 1.5 million budget for the preservation of the fort. “We aim to develop Hariharpur Gadhi as a major tourist hotspot,” said Lama. “We aim to generate revenue from it as well. The preservation and beautification already started.”

While the rural municipality has repaired the external structure, the Department of Archaeology is on the process to take care of the internal structure.

Hariharpurgadhi Rural Municipality is one of the most rural local units in the district, and promise is aplenty to make the area a tourist spot, as it features places such as Kunda Pokhari, Lasun Pokhari and the fort.

Furthermore, a homestay is also being set up, in view of providing lodging for the tourists. “The rural municipality is poised to welcome tourists and the work has already started,” Lama said.