WILDLIFE
TOURS AND JUNGLE SAFARI
(October through May)
The Royal Chitwan National Park located about 200 km southwest of
Kathmandu in the Terrain region is famous for game viewing,
western style comfort, and fine food. Visitors to Chitwan may view
game on elephant back excursion, nature walks, canoe trips, jeep
driven safari and jungles treks.
A wide range of wildlife from the rare great one-horned
rhinoceros, several of deer, sloth bear, leopard, wild boar, fresh
water dolphin, the marsh mugger and rare gharial crocodile, more
than 350 species of birds can be seen, and for lucky ones; chances
to have a glimpse of the famous "Royal Bengal Tiger". There are
several authorized agencies with expert guides to organize such
safaris. About 2 nights 3 days tour is recommended for an
experience of the wilderness. Twin bedded huts with separate bath
facilities and comfortable accommodations in harmony with the
jungle setting are provided by most Jungle Lodges. Tiger Top
jungle lodge, Chitwan jungle lodge, Machan Wildlife Resort, Gaida
Wildlife Camp, Temple Tiger and Narayani Safari are some of the
well reputed agencies, to maintain a few.
CULTURE TOURS
The culture of the Tharu people of Kanchanpur area in western
Nepal is one of the most interesting life-styles to see and a
marble to study for the anthropologists. The Dongra Tharu and the
Rana Tharu are two major native tribes who till days practice
simple, age-old customs in all their activities like, hunting,
fishing, farming and division of labour. Families of eighty or
ninety members stay under the same roof in long houses. The Tharus
are a gay and lively people and nature of both tribes are very
similar. Singing, dancing, drinking and merry making - during the
festivities are common; child engagement, exchange of brides and
arranged marriages or by eloping in adulthood are their ways of
life. Unlike the Dongra, the Rana Tharu society is female
dominated.
The Dongra Peacock dance, culture show, the Rana marriage and Badi
dance, Witch Doctor show and Tharu fishing are some of the
highlights to be enjoyed. Besides the cultural program, the 'Shukla
Phanta' Wildlife Sanctuary offers a variety of wildlife viewing.
It is the habitat of the endangered Barashingha or the Swamp Deer,
other include the spotted deer, the Pygmy hog, wild elephants many
species of birds and occasional glimpse of the elusive 'The Royal
Bengal Tiger'. An early morning drive, or elephant back ride;
offer you an interesting jungle experience. We recommend a 3
nights 4 days program for a memorable tour to experience untouched
culture and tradition. Wildlife spacious safari tents; camp cots,
camp chairs and modern camp toilets are provided in the camp.
The best time to visit is October to May.
ACCESS
Regular air services are available from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. A
drive to the Tharu Village tented Camp from Nepalgunj takes 5
hours. Charter flights can also be arranged for going near to the
villages.
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