Ghodaghodi Lake

Ghodaghodi Lake ( Tal)  is a natural freshwater lake covering the area of 2,563 hectares located at an altitude of 205m on the lower slopes of the Siwalik Hills, established in 2003 in Kailali district of Nepal. The lake is surrounded by tropical deciduous forest and streams which are separated by hillocks. It is large and shallow lake having finger-like projections with associated marshes and meadows. Beside its ecological diversity, the lake also has its religious importance because it is believed that Lord Shiva and Parvati have visited this lake in different form (horses) and circle around the lake.

The lake is used for traditional fishing and agricultural services. The lake is of a great religious value as there is a shrine to the Ghodaghodi deity where native Tharu celebrate a traditional festival namely Agan Panchami during the month of December by worshiping and offering animals. People take holy bath in the lake and believe that there are several legends related to the origin of Ghodaghodi Lake. The forest in here is used for grazing, fuel wood and to harvest Sal wood for timber. In Ghodaghodi Lake, 388 vascular plants, 253 dicots and 130 monocots has been recorded as flora. The forest and wetlands here also serves as the wildlife gallery supporting the endangered and vulnerable species including Bengal tiger, smooth-coated otter, swamp deer, marsh crocodile, Eurasian otter, lesser adjutant stork, red-crowned roofed turtle and three-striped roofed turtle.

Nevertheless, Ghodaghodi Lake provides accommodation for world’s most diverse species and plants the lake is made up of nine lakes which are the Ghodaghodi, Chaitya, Sunpokhari, Nakhrodi, Budhi, Baishwa, Purbi Pjhuaw, Ojhuwa and the Ramphal. As the place is full of many resident as well as migratory birds, bird- watching is the most famous and interesting things to do in this area.