KATHMANDU: Tourist numbers at Chitwan National Park (CNP) increased in the fiscal year 2023/24, reaching 306,837, up from 299,412 the previous year. 

Visits from Sauraha rose to 274,299 from 271,731, and Bharatpur saw an increase to 27,956 from 23,257. 

Tourism expert Bishwa Subedi attributed the growth to the Chitwan Visit Year’s publicity and upcoming events like religious programs and marathons. The new Diyalo Bangla tourism destination also contributed to the boost.