Chitwan & Teraiबेतना सिमसार

Betana Wetland

A community-managed pond and wetland beside the East-West Highway at Belbari, used for picnics and birdwatching.

Altitude: -*
Best months: Oct-Mar
Type: Lake
District: Morang, Koshi
Permit: None needed

Why go

Betana is a small wetland and pond in Belbari municipality, Morang district, right beside the Mahendra (East-West) Highway. Surrounded by forest and gardens, it has become a popular stop for travellers on the highway and an outing for families from Biratnagar, Itahari and nearby towns.

Paths run around the water through trees, and pedal boats or rowing boats are usually available. The pond and surrounding vegetation attract water birds and other wildlife, especially in the winter months, and early mornings are the best time for a quiet walk.

Betana is easy to reach and easy to combine with other sights in Morang, such as Raja Rani lake to the north or Biratnagar to the south. It suits a short break of an hour or two rather than a long stay.

For birdwatchers it offers an easy introduction to the wetland species of the eastern Terai, before or after a longer visit to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve further west.

History and culture

The wetland lies in an area of the eastern Terai that was historically forest, used by Dhimal, Tharu and other indigenous communities. Much of the surrounding land was cleared for farming in the twentieth century, which makes remnant wetlands like Betana important for birds and other wildlife.

In recent years local community groups and the municipality have developed Betana as a recreation area and wetland conservation site, with paths, seating and boating, while promoting awareness of the value of Terai wetlands. A small shrine nearby reflects the local custom of treating ponds and springs as sacred.

Things to do in Betana Wetland

Wetland walk
Walk the paths around the pond and through the trees.
Boating
Hire a boat on the pond where available.
Birdwatching
Visit early on a winter morning to look for water birds.

Weather and the best time to visit Betana Wetland

Weather in Betana Wetland

Conditions change fast in the mountains.

Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.

Best time to visit

Oct-Mar

Good month: Jan
Good month: Feb
Good month: Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Good month: Oct
Good month: Nov
Good month: Dec

Autumn (Sep-Nov): October and November are dry and pleasantly warm after the monsoon, and Dashain, Tihar and Chhath bring festival life to the towns.
Winter (Dec-Feb): December to February is mild by day, but dense morning fog is common and nights can feel cold.
Spring (Mar-May): March is comfortable; by April and May the plains are hot and humid.
Monsoon (Jun-Aug): June to September is hot, humid and wet, with local flooding in low-lying areas.

Where to stay

HotelsGuesthouses

Visitors usually stay in Biratnagar, Itahari or Damak; a few simple lodgings exist in Belbari.

No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.

Getting there

Betana is beside the Mahendra Highway at Belbari, between Itahari and Damak, and any east-west bus can stop nearby.

Nearest hub: Biratnagar

roadTake a bus along the Mahendra Highway and get off at Belbari or Betana; the wetland is by the road.
roadFrom Biratnagar, drive north to the highway and east to Belbari, under two hours depending on traffic.
flightFly from Kathmandu to Biratnagar, the nearest airport.

Boundary: Government of Nepal, Survey Department (2020). Peak data: Wikidata.

Permits and fees

None needed

No permit is required. The managing committee usually charges a small entry or boating fee.

Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-08 against Nepal Tourism Board.

Risks and conditions

Seasonal risks around Betana Wetland

What this place is typically exposed to, and when. These are seasonal patterns, not a report on conditions now.

Heatmoderate in a typical yearApr-Jun
Late spring and early summer in the eastern Terai are hot and humid, with midday heat that makes walking and sightseeing tiring.
Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Nepal
Floodingmoderate in a typical yearJun-Sep
Heavy monsoon rain can cause local flooding and waterlogging around the wetland and on low-lying local roads, and rivers in the eastern Terai rise quickly.
Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Nepal

Check current conditions before you travel

Roads, trails, passes and flights change with the weather and with roadworks, and nothing on this page describes conditions today. Before you set off, check the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology for weather and flood warnings, the Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction Portal for incidents, and the local authority, police or your licensed operator for road, trail and flight status.

Practical tips

Go early in the morning for cooler weather and more birds.
Bring insect repellent, especially in the warm months.
Weekends and holidays are busy with family groups.

Questions about Betana Wetland

Where is Betana Wetland?

In Belbari, Morang district, beside the Mahendra (East-West) Highway in eastern Nepal.

Is there an entry fee?

A small fee is usually charged by the managing committee; amounts change.

What can you do at Betana?

Walk around the pond, take a boat and look for birds.

Nearby

Lake