Nepalgunj. The ‘Barfani Baba’ temple located in the Chure hills of Raptisonari-4 is being developed as a tourist destination.

The temple is located some 30 km east south from Nepalgunj bazaar. Former President of Nepal Association of Tours and Travel Agents (NATTA), Banke, Shreeram Sigdel, said that one can reach the temple by trekking and observing the panoramic views.

Stating that one can reach the temple by walking for about two hours from Kumbhar of Rapti Sonari Rural Municipality of Banke district, he stressed the need of increasing investment for the development of the area.

Lahuram Chaudhary, former chairman of Raptisonari Rural Municipality, said that the development of physical infrastructures was necessary as the temple of ‘Barfani Baba’ is an important destination for religious tourism. According to him, the temple was constructed six years ago at a cost of Rs 30 lakh, and Rs 28 lakh was also spent on the construction of the road.

“There was no arrangement for drinking water and accommodation for devotees, but now everyone has been arranged,” Tharu said. There is still no arrangement of toilets in the temple area. Chaudhary said that adequate physical infrastructure has not been developed yet.

Chief of the temple, Baba Keshav Giri, said that the huts have been facing difficulties due to the fire that has broken out in the temple every year.

Indian journalist SK Madeshiya said he was fascinated by the natural beauty and said that it was necessary to make it easier to go to the temple. Local journalist Bimala Chaudhary said the form of the temple has changed compared to the past.

Harilal Neupane of Gulmeli Sewa Samaj, Banke, said that he was enjoying trekking there because of the natural beauty. The state government has been investing the budget for the temple by spending Rs 70 lakh a few years ago.