Chitwan, July 30 -- Hotels and resorts in Nepal's popular jungle safari destination of Sauraha, Chitwan will be throwing open their doors to thrill seekers on Thursday, ending a four-month-long virus closure that brought the tourism economy to the brink of collapse.

Elephant rides, jeep safaris and canoe tours will resume in Bagmara and Kumroj buffer zone community forests, but jungle tours inside Chitwan National Park will have to wait until the monsoon is over as they are closed during the rainy season.

Hoteliers said it was uncertain whether tourists would return immediately, but they are hopeful that the decision to reopen the hotels will give a much-needed boost after being mothballed for months.

Hotels, restaurants, and trekking ...