Chhaimale Resort gaining in popularity
KATHMANDU, Nov 28:
Chhaimale Resort, which opened for business from October last year, is becoming popular among Nepalis as well as Indian tourists. Visitors are choosing the resort for night stay as well as picnics.
The resort, which is just 30 km away from Kathmandu, is spread over 29 ropanis in Chhaimale VDC of Kathmandu. The promoters have already spent around Rs 80 million in the resort. They have also renovated an old house in the resort premises and built cosy rooms there.
"Though we started operation last year, it is gaining popularity among visitors now as we chose not to advertise much," Ramesh Panta, head of operations at resort said, adding that Nepalis and Indians were their major customers at present.
The resort is enjoying 60 percent occupancy on weekdays and 100 percent occupancy on weekends and public holidays.
Chhaimale Resort has five deluxe rooms, six wooden standard rooms, six tent houses with attach bathrooms, and three dormitories that can accommodate up to 60 people at a time.
"Demand for dormitory is high at present, as people come in group," said Panta.
The resort charges Rs 4,800 for a couple in deluxe room, Rs 3,800 in wooden standard room and Rs 3,200 in tent house, and Rs 1,700 per person in dormitory. All the prices are under Modified American Plan (MAP) which includes free breakfast and free lunch or dinner. The price, however, is exclusive of applicable taxes and service charge. The tariff for foreign tourists is a bit high.
Encouraged by the demand for rooms, the promoters are already preparing to add 15 to 20 rooms in the near future. “As the demand is very high on weekends and public holidays, we are planning to add at least 15 to 20 rooms very soon. We will also add various recreational facilities,” said Panta.
The resort has an in-house restaurant, a well stocked bar, an amphitheatre, private barbecue areas, and a small meeting room that can accommodate up to 15 people at a time. The resort has five barbecue areas. It also has its own signature drink -- pear juice (seasonal) and pear wine. Besides, it serves local foods.
"We are also building a seminar hall capable of accommodating 100 people as the demand from conference groups is very high. The seminar hall will be ready within one and half months," said Panta.
The resort is also adding a swimming pool and futsal arena within a year. "As the craze of futsal is increasing, we have planned to build futsal arena next year,” he added.
Chhaimale Resort also provides space for day picnics. “We provide our space and food for picnickers as well. As we are located at just an hour drive from Kathmandu, this place is ideal for organizing picnics," Panta said, adding, "Besides, the famous Dakshinkali temple is nearby. People visiting the temple can drop here as it is just 4 km away from the temple.”
Source: Republica
