From a Village Dream to a Tourism Model
In 2014, Barauli Community Stay opened its doors in the quiet plains of Nawalpur - a region where tourism was an unfamiliar concept. The pioneering step not only transformed Baraulu but also widened the horizon for the Community Homestay Network, proving that responsible tourism could create meaningful change. What began as 12 households involved in the community stay, soon became a catalyst for progress - strengthening the local economy, providing sustainable livelihoods and most importantly supporting the empowerment journey of the women in their financial and leadership roles. For many hosts, this was the first time they managed their own income and opened bank accounts.
Today, Barauli stands as a model for sustainable accommodation in Nepal. It has placed Barauli firmly on the tourism map and inspired ripple effects throughout the region. Every stay here is a part of a larger story - a story of resilience, shared growth, and a community that turned hospitality into empowerment.
Where is Barauli?
Barauli lies in the southern plains of Nepal, within the Nawalpur District on the edge of Chitwan National Park. This tranquil Tharu village lies about 160 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu, roughly a 6-7 hour drive from the capital. Located in the Terai region of the country, it is surrounded by fertile farmlands, serene riverbanks, and abundant wildlife. The climate here is subtropical, with hot summers from April to June (temperatures often reaching 35°C), a monsoon season from June to September bringing heavy rains and vibrant greenery, and cool, pleasant winters from October to March when temperatures range between 7°C and 24°C. The best time to visit Barauli is during the winter and early spring months (October to March).
Accommodation
While staying in Barauli you are living in traditional Tharu homes - simple, neat, and thoughtfully maintained to offer comfort while preserving local architectural style. Mud-plastered walls, open courtyards, and thatched designs echo Tharu heritage, while essential amenities like clean rooms, western bathrooms, and mosquito nets ensure a restful experience. Meals are an experience in themselves. Cleanliness and hygiene are well maintained, and the hospitality is heartfelt.
Activities and Experiences
Life in Barauli offers a rich blend of culture, nature, and hands-on experiences. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in local traditions, participate in daily village life, and explore the natural beauty surrounding the community. Some of the experiences you can enjoy include:
Tharu Cooking Class - Learn to prepare authentic Tharu dishes using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, guided by your host family.
Tharu Cultural Dance and Music - Enjoy traditional performances, often accompanied by dinner, under the stars
Cycling through the countryside - Take guided rides along scenic village trails, riverbanks and farmlands
Canoe Ride on the River - Glide through tranquil rivers near the village, perfect for birdwatching and experiencing the natural beauty of the Terai
Handicrafts and Traditional Skills - Enjoy Henna Art, cultural dress and Tharu wall painting with the community hosts
Nature and Wildlife Spotting - Visit community forest for birdwatching and wildlife observation
What you can do In and Around Barauli?
Beyond homestay activities, Barauli’s location offers countless opportunities for discovery. Take a jeep safari into Chitwan National Park to see rhinos, deer, and—if you’re lucky—even a tiger. Visit local markets to witness the vibrant rhythms of rural trade, or join the community during seasonal activities. For those interested in festivals, Maghi, the Tharu New Year, is a time of vibrant celebration with music, feasts, and traditional games. Guests who arrive during this season often find themselves able to enjoy the vibrancy of the village.
Why Barauli?
Barauli is more than a scenic escape—it’s a story of resilience and reinvention. The village is home to the Tharu people, an indigenous community known for their deep connection to land and forests. When Barauli Community Stay began, most residents had never considered tourism as a livelihood. Today, it stands as a model for responsible tourism that strengthens culture and community. The impact goes far beyond income. Women who once had no financial voice now manage earnings, make decisions, and lead community projects. Many have opened their first bank accounts, saved for their children’s education, and started small businesses—all sparked by the confidence hosting travelers has given them. By staying here, you support an ecosystem where tourism sustains culture rather than eroding it, and where every traveler becomes part of a positive ripple effect.
Your Stay, Their Story
At Barauli Community Stay, every visit is part of a story of transformation. Women who were once shy and dependent on agriculture now welcome guests with confidence, lead cooking classes, cultural performances and other tourism experiences and earn independently.
Take Isha Mahato, one of the hosts - her life was once tied to seasonal farm work, but today she supports her family through tourism. Her journey even took her to Kathmandu, where she shared her experience through the platform of Community Connect and insights on how community tourism is transforming lives.
Community tourism here has strengthened Barauli as a sustainable destination, supporting local traditions, eco-friendly practices and infrastructure, while empowering women to take leadership roles. Your stay is more than sightseeing—it is a meaningful contribution to a thriving, resilient community.
