Far from the snow-capped Himalayas and bustling Kathmandu trails lies Nepal’s Terai – a lush, lowland region rich in wildlife, culture and tradition. Home to the indigenous Tharu people, the Terai offers a slower, more intimate window into Nepali life, where national parks teem with rhinos and elephants, and villages welcome travellers as family.
In the remote village of Bhada, visitors stay through the Community Homestay Network – a project empowering local women by hosting guests in traditional homes made from mud, timber and paddy stalks. One such host, Shyam Chaudhary, invited a guest to cook in her kitchen, preparing spicy fruit pickle before taking part in Auli, the joyous post-harvest festival. Drums echoed across the fields as villagers gathered, dancing, sharing homemade food and rice liquor, and roasting rice-field rat – a symbolic offering meant to protect future crops.
The celebration highlights the Terai’s deep-rooted customs, where spiritual rituals and community life blend seamlessly. Guests are treated with deep respect, expressed through the cherished Tharu saying: “Atithi devo bhava – the guest is god.”
With growing homestays and tourism interest, Bhada and the Terai are beginning to welcome more visitors seeking cultural immersion beyond Nepal’s mountains. Here, the reward is not only scenic beauty but connection – shared meals, shared stories, and a glimpse into a way of life shaped by land, seasons and hospitality.
