Whereas Nepal’s premiere vacationer locations are the beautiful mountaineering trails that wind by way of the Himalayas within the north, the points of interest alongside the nation’s southern border shouldn’t be dismissed so simply. Residence to numerous uncommon species of birds, to not point out elephants, rhinos, and tigers, Chitwan Nationwide Park is a dream vacation spot for any animal lover.
What To Know
Any vacationers trying to go to Chitwan ought to think about beginning their journey in Kathmandu. The Nepali capital boasts a global airport and provides vacationer buses that run on to Chitwan. Journey time runs someplace between 5 to seven hours, so be ready. Whereas the local weather in Kathmandu may be temperate, the southern Terai area may be sweltering, and is greatest visited outdoors of the summer time months. Like most of southern Asia, Nepal is a comparatively low-cost vacation spot, and resorts and meals ought to show pretty cheap. Rooms are typically clear and wi-fi and different amenities may be discovered simply, however don’t count on five-star lodging. Look to remain in Sauraha, the village that serves as gateway to the park. English is the lingua franca right here, and it is best to have the ability to navigate with out a lot bother. Most resorts and eating places serve Nepali dishes or bigger buffets, each scrumptious choices, and vegetarian choices are available as effectively.
What To Do
The park is the plain draw right here – accurately. Nonetheless, there are a number of other ways to expertise it, every with their very own deserves. By far probably the most unique and thrilling method to see the park is from atop an elephant. Excursions are supplied this fashion as an eco-management device and because of the relative silence of the animals’ footsteps, theoretically permitting for extra wildlife encounters. Whereas no sighing is assured, deer, monkeys, and endangered Indian rhinoceros may be ceaselessly noticed within the park, as can the extra elusive Bengal tiger. The park can be toured by way of jeep, canoe, or jungle stroll, every permitting their very own distinctive park experiences. Canoe journeys are extremely really helpful for these wishing to see birds and crocodiles of their pure habitat. Day tickets for the park run slightly below twenty U.S. {dollars}, and excursions could value an extra price.
Outdoors the park, there are a number of native points of interest value exploring. For these focused on getting a style of the native tradition, think about visiting the Tharu Cultural Museum, a slice-of-life model museum that recounts the historical past of the native individuals. Afterwards, step outdoors and take a bike or bicycle tour by way of the encircling villages to see how the Tharu individuals have thrived. In your tour, you can even buy scrumptious domestically made honey or cease by the riverbanks to see locals bathing their elephants. With a lot to do and see round Chitwan, it’s really helpful that you simply spend a number of days right here in order to not miss something. This time may be mixed into a bigger Nepali circuit or with a visit to close by Lumbini – birthplace of the Buddha.
Header photograph by Kedar Bhusal on Unsplash