HETAUDA, April 26 - To take a break from the hectic schedule of political parleys and get away from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu, CPN-Maoist Chairman Prachanda arrived Thursday at Everest Panorama Resort at Daman.

Prachanda was accompanied by his wife Sita and son Prakash when he arrived here in the evening. Some 50 Maoist combatants and a similar number of police were stationed

at the resort round the

clock for the Maoist chairman's security.

"He must be here to spend quality time with his family and of course to unwind and relax from his busy political life," said one security guard.

Except for family and a handful of Maoist activists, no one at the resort was allowed to meet Prachanda.

On Friday, Prachanda reached Simbhanjyang for sightseeing.

One of the Maoist activists said, "Comrade Prachanda likes Daman a lot. He spent a night at View Tower Resort here before this."