Pune: A group of 45 tourists from Sangamner, Pune and Nashik stranded in Nepal amid floods has returned to India, praising the hospitality and courage of Nepalese citizensThe tourists mainly comprised retired teachers from Sangamner in Ahilyanagar district. The group eventually crossed into India on Friday and was visiting various places in India.Members said locals in Nepal continued to help them despite facing hardships themselves. They went out of their way to ensure visitors remained safe and comfortable, even as several parts of the country grappled with floods and disruption.The group had left Sangamner on Aug24. It reached Pokhara the next day. They members were scheduled to travel to Kathmandu and visit several destinations before returning on Sept 2. However, they abandoned the rest of their itinerary after the floods raised concerns about further travel.“Our guide, Sanjay, continuously apologised for not being able to complete the tour and for the sudden change in conditions, even though it was none of his fault. I told him what could he possibly do amid a natural calamity,” said Vijay Kodule, a retired teacher and member of the group.The tourists had visited Manakamana temple and were preparing to continue towards Kathmandu when tragedy hit. They learnt that the road ahead remained closed. Reports of further risks prompted them to prioritise safety. Sanjay helped arrange accommodation at a short notice when the group members decided to stay back, cancelling their planned two-day trip to the country’s capital. The guide and the tour operator arranged a hotel for them in Chitwan.“We put safety first. There was no point waiting indefinitely for the road to open, so we turned back,” said Bhanudas Chaudhari, retired teacher and member of the group.The group travelled to Chitwan, where accommodation was arranged despite the last-minute demand. “We could see on the local residents’ faces that our requirement was difficult to meet, but they made sure we were not affected by the situation. They provided us with a good hotel and food,” Chaudhari said.Group members also praised local residents for their reassurances. “They would tell us not to worry and that the problem was only in certain affected areas,” said Hiralal Pagdal, a retired teacher and member of the group.The floods triggered anxiety among tourists’ families in Maharashtra. Relatives closely followed the news and repeatedly called up the tourists, urging them to return.“The situation was worrisome. My father and mother were in Nepal. We called them constantly and told them to stay safe and return soon. We approached the local administration to seek help,” said Chaudhari’s son Atul.The tourists kept their families updated using local SIM cards. Ahilyanagar officials continued to enquire about their safety and need for assistance.The group members said their first Nepal trip would be remembered not only for the floods, but also for the kindness of the people who helped them.
