Whereas Nepal’s premiere vacationer locations are the beautiful mountain climbing trails that wind by means 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 contemplate beginning their journey in Kathmandu. The Nepali capital boasts a global airport and affords 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 might be temperate, the southern Terai area might be sweltering, and is greatest visited exterior of the summer season months. Like most of southern Asia, Nepal is a comparatively low-cost vacation spot, and inns and meals ought to show pretty cheap. Rooms are typically clear and wi-fi and different services might be discovered simply, however don’t anticipate 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 you need to be capable to navigate with out a lot hassle. Most inns 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 apparent draw right here – accurately. Nonetheless, there are a number of alternative ways to expertise it, every with their very own deserves. By far essentially the most unique and thrilling technique to see the park is from atop an elephant. Excursions are provided this fashion as an eco-management software 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 might be steadily noticed within the park, as can the extra elusive Bengal tiger. The park can be toured by means of jeep, canoe, or jungle stroll, every permitting their very own distinctive park experiences. Canoe journeys are extremely beneficial for these wishing to see birds and crocodiles of their pure habitat. Day tickets for the park run just below twenty U.S. {dollars}, and excursions could value a further charge.
Exterior the park, there are a number of native points of interest value exploring. For these fascinated by getting a style of the native tradition, contemplate visiting the Tharu Cultural Museum, a slice-of-life model museum that recounts the historical past of the native folks. Afterwards, step exterior and take a bike or bicycle tour by means of the encircling villages to see how the Tharu folks have thrived. In your tour, you can even buy scrumptious regionally made honey or cease by the riverbanks to see locals bathing their elephants. With a lot to do and see round Chitwan, it’s beneficial that you just spend just a few days right here in order to not miss something. This time might be mixed into a bigger Nepali circuit or with a visit to close by Lumbini – birthplace of the Buddha.
Header picture by Kedar Bhusal on Unsplash