The Eco-Tourism Haven of Jhapa

Located in the Kankai Municipality (Surunga / Dandagau area) of the Jhapa District in Koshi Province, Jamunkhadi Simsar (जामुनखाडी सिमसार क्षेत्र) is one of eastern Nepal’s most popular wetland conservation projects and community-managed eco-parks. Spanning approximately 10 hectares within the 25-hectare Jamun Khadi Community Forest, this lush green sanctuary features the scenic Jamuna pond, botanical gardens, mini-zoo wildlife rescues, suspension bridges, and family recreation facilities just north of the East-West Mahendra Highway.

Quick Facts and Key Information

Location Kankai Municipality (Wards 2 & 5 / Dandagau, Surunga), Jhapa District, Koshi Province

Total Wetland Area ~10 hectares within a 25-hectare protected Community Forest

Proximity to Highway Situated approximately 1 kilometer north of the East-West Mahendra Highway

Key Water Body Jamuna Pond (historic pair to former Ganga pond)

Wildlife & Mini-Zoo Pythons, Himalayan black bears, sambar deer, barking deer, porcupines, and migratory birds

Core Activities Paddle boating, recreational fishing, wildlife viewing, children’s park leisure, and nature photography

Wetland Conservation, Wildlife Rescue & Recreation

Jamunkhadi Simsar is a prime example of community-led forest conservation transformed into a sustainable tourism destination. Originally encompassing two sacred ponds named after the holy rivers Ganga and Jamuna, the area has revitalized and preserved the surviving Jamuna Pond as its central aquatic attraction, complete with pedal boating facilities, scenic crossing walkways, and regulated fishing zones.

Beyond the water, the surrounding Sal forest shelters a mini-zoo and animal rescue center where visitors can view rescued wildlife such as pythons, Himalayan black bears, spotted and sambar deer, porcupines, and various wetland birds. Well-manicured picnic spots, children’s playgrounds, and hanging bridges make it a bustling weekend retreat for families across Jhapa, Morang, and neighboring Indian border towns.

Nearby Destinations and Regional Sidetracks

Nearby Destination	Location / Route Corridor	Key Features & Links
Kankai Dham (Kotihome)	West along the highway on Kankai River bank (~4 km)	A revered Hindu religious site and temple complex situated along the holy Mai (Kankai) River, drawing massive crowds during Makar Sankranti.
Birtamode	East via East-West Highway (~12 km / 15 min)	The main commercial and hospitality powerhouse of Jhapa, featuring major hotels, shopping centers, and Mechi Eye Hospital.
Damak	West via East-West Highway (~25 km / 30 min)	A major urban center offering the 18-story Damak View Tower, Himalaya Mahalaxmi Tea Garden, Kashi Garden and regional cultural landmarks.
Mechinagar (Kakarvitta)	East via highway corridor (~30 km / 40 min)	Explore Mechinagar, Nepal’s eastern gateway border entry point from India, connecting transit from Siliguri and Assam.
Kanyam & Ilam Tea Gardens	East to Charaali, then North via Mechi Highway (~65 km)	Explore Ilam, famed for lush green tea hills, horseback riding, and cool mountain breezes.
Domukha	North of Surunga along the Kankai River gorge	A scenic riverside picnic and canyon spot where the Kankai River emerges from the Chure hills into the plains.

Travel Tips – Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s

Take a relaxing pedal-boat ride across Jamuna Pond to enjoy the tranquil water and forested surroundings.
Keep children closely supervised near pond edges and animal enclosures.
Combine your trip with visits to Kankai Dham (Kotihome) and Domukha nearby.

Don’ts

Do not feed wild or rescued animals inside the enclosures without staff permission.
Do not throw plastic bottles, food packets, or trash into the wetland water bodies or park lawns.

Routes and Transportation Options

By Road: Jamunkhadi Simsar is situated just 1 km north of the East-West Mahendra Highway at Surunga Bazaar in Kankai Municipality. Any long-distance or local bus running between Damak, Birtamode, or Kakarvitta stops at Surunga Chowk.

Local Transit: Auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, and taxis are readily available at Surunga Bazaar to transport visitors directly to the Simsar entrance gate in 3 to 5 minutes.

Local Administrative & Emergency Contacts

Managed under community forest committee oversight and municipal administration:

Management Committee Jamun Khadi Community Forest Users Group & Simsar Conservation Committee, Surunga, Jhapa
Local Municipal Body Kankai Municipality Office, Jamunkhadi Road, Jhapa (Phone: +977 023-550100)
Area Police Office Area Police Office, Surunga, Jhapa (Dial 100)
Emergency Tourist Police Hotline Dial 1144 (Toll-Free)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Jamunkhadi Simsar located?

Jamunkhadi Simsar is located in Kankai Municipality (Surunga / Dandagau), approximately 1 kilometer north of the East-West Highway in the Jhapa District of eastern Nepal.

What activities are available at Jamunkhadi Simsar?

Visitors can enjoy pedal boating and fishing in Jamuna Pond, wildlife viewing in the mini-zoo, nature photography, children’s park activities, and family picnic outings.

What wild animals are conserved at Jamunkhadi?

The protected sanctuary and rescue center cares for pythons, Himalayan black bears, sambar deer, barking deer, porcupines, and varied bird species.

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Sweta Gautam
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Well-maintained community forest area with hanging bridge and boating pond. Nice peaceful picnic spot in Jhapa.

2 months ago
Rohan Adhikari
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Jhapa Surunga ko ramro simsar area. Deer park, mini zoo ra boating garna family sanga weekend ma jana best chha.

2 months ago

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