BETTIAH, Dec. 22 -- As a cold wave tightens its grip and temperatures continue to drop with each passing day, residents across the region are seen wrapped in hand-woven shawls, woollens and headgear. With lofty hills, dense forests, biting winds and icy waters, the Nepal-bordering areas would ordinarily be expected to witness a lull in tourist activity during the winter months.

However, defying the harsh weather, tourist footfall at Valmikinagar - a picturesque destination in Bihar's West Champaran district - has been steadily rising this winter, official data show.

According to records, 5,135 tourists visited forest areas in Valmikinagar in September this year. The number rose to 6,543 in October and surged to 15,769 in November. As of...