Bhairahawa, Aug. 16 -- Indian tourists no longer limit their visits to towns along Nepal's southern border. Increasingly, they travel deeper into the country, reaching some of Nepal's top destinations.

Tourism entrepreneurs say Pokhara is the most popular destination for Indians entering through the Belahiya border point in Bhairahawa. It is followed by Kathmandu-mainly for the Pashupatinath Temple-and Chitwan for jungle safaris.

Pilgrimage sites such as Supadeurali in Arghakhanchi and Swargadwari in Pyuthan also gain Indian visitors.

While just over 300,000 Indians arrive in Nepal annually by air, those entering via land routes are not officially counted as tourists.

Customs data show that in the last fiscal year 5,000 Indian nationa...