By Sujan Gurung, Kathmandu, July 26: Sauraha, one of the most happening tourist destinations in the nation, has worn a deserted look due to the COVID-19 pandemic followed by series of prohibitory orders.

All the tourist activities, hotels, and restaurants in Sauraha are empty while the tourism entrepreneurs are awaiting domestic and international tourists.

Balaram Dahal, hotelier and ward chair of Ratnanagar Municipality-6, said, "Although the movement of a few domestic tourists are being seen in the area, it is not enough to recover the damage done by the pandemic."

He said that the hotels were being run partially with the permission of the District Administration Office.

Similarly, the tourist guides have run out of work as various activities done in the Chitwan National Park including jungle safari, jeep safari, and hiking among others are not in operation. Raju Riksan, who has been working as a tourist guide in Sauraha for the last 11 years, said that he was waiting for the situation to get back to normal. "As the CNP is closed and only two to three domestic tourists are visiting Sauraha in a day, it is being difficult for us to ensure hand-to-mouth existence," he said.

Photos: Sujan Gurung/ TRN