WILDLIFE
SAFARI
Royal
Chitwan National Park ( 932 sq. km.) : A few countries exist
in the world as fascinating as Nepal. Compacted within its small area
is a roster of highest mountains of the world, a collection of enchanting
cultures and exquisite temples, thundering rivers, and far beyond
your imagination - the thick tropical jungles holding a treasure of
wildlife - the Royal Chitwan National Park, in the southern Terai
belt (lowland) of Nepal. This is one of the most famous game parks
in Asia for an abundance of rich wildlife.
Worried
about malaria? No, Chitwan was declared malaria-free in 1960. You
will see another visage of Nepal in this unique wild world. Excitement
rises high in its wilderness. Who knows, may be you are only the
fortunate generation to see the last surviving Great Asian One Horned
Rhinoceros, elusive Royal Bengal Tiger, sloth bears, leopards, Gaur,
Sambar, Spotted deer, the endangered Gharial and Marsh Magar and
rich bird life.
You can track the animals from the top of our elephants
or take jeep or go on foot with our skilled nature guide to explore
the flora and fauna of Chitwan National Park. A traditional dug
out canoe ride in search of Gharials and other aquatic life is simply
great. Focus with your binoculars the amazing bird life of Chitwan.
Chitwan is abundant with more than 545 different species of residential
and migratory birds. Enjoy a cultural tour to the village of Tharu
people, whose lifestyles has roots in an ethno-botany culture. This
brings you back to human civilization of 100 years ago. You can
take an elusive ox-cart ride to the elephant breeding farm where
you will have opportunity to see how elephants mate, how pregnant
females are nursed, how newly born babies are reared, trained and
tamed.
Accessibility : Chitwan is within
easy access. From Kathmandu, you can drive 5 hours or take a rafting
trip down Trishuli River concluding in Chitwan. For travelers entering
Nepal overland from India is via Sunauli, Birganj or Kakarbhitta,
its better to stop in Chitwan instead making straight for Kathmandu.
Chitwan is also accessible by a half-hour flight from Kathmandu.
What to bring : Chitwan has a tropical
monsoon climate with high humidity throughout the year. In coldest
Winter (December- January), the temperature falls to 2 or 3 degree
Celsius at night and warm clothing is essential but surprisingly
days are warm with temperatures ranging from 15 to 20 degree Celsius.
It is very hot and humid in May and June and one may feel like throwing
clothes off. One should be very cautious with choice of colors of
cloths. Green, blue or dark colored cloths (with long sleeves and
full-length trousers) are recommended while you are in jungle safari
excursions. Sun hats, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, insect repellents,
flashlights and good walking shoes are other needs. In the rainy
season -July, August and September, a raincoat is a must. Binoculars
and some reference books on Chitwan's flora and fauna will be an
advantage.
Royal Bardia National Park (968 Sq.Km.) :
Wilderness and relatively unexplored deep jungles of far western
Nepal where wildlife is more that abundant. Remote, Challenging
and offering unique adventure for wildlife and nature lovers.
The Royal Bardia National Park was initially a Royal
hunting reserve. It was in 1976 that it was gazetted as Royal Karnali
Wildlife Reserve with an area of only 368 Sq. Km. in 1982, It was
renamed as Royal Bardia Wildlife Reserve Which also included the
Babai River Valley. It was only in 1988 that granted a status of
National Park in order to preserve the dwindling species of rare
ecosystem, including flora and fauna, particularly the tiger and
its other prey species. This park is the largest and most undisturbed
wilderness area in the terai providing excellent habitat for most
of the endangered species of wildlife and birds. The park now covers
an area of 968 Sq. Km. It was only 1994 basic facilities existed
for independent visitors. It has extensive and varied wildlife-all
endangered rhinoceros, Wild elephants, The Royal Bengal Tiger, Swamp
deer, Black buck, Gharial Crocodile, Gangetic Dolphins.
More than thirty different mammals, over 400 species
of birds, many snakes, lizards , and fish have been sighted and
recorded in the park's forest, grassland and river habitats.
Among these include, Langur monkey, common leopard,
Jungle cat, fishing cat, large and small Indian civets, mongoose,
hyena, wild dog, jackal. sloth bear, otter, porcupine, bandicoots,
blue bull (Nilgai), Sambar deer, hog deer, barking dear, wild boar
etc. This park is one of the best places to view the most magnificent
of cats, The Royal Bengal Tigers. The chance are almost 80% depending
on season.
Activities : Nature walks, Bird watching, cycling
tours to black buck area, isolated villages and surrounding farmlands,
visit to the Karnali Bridge. Elephant safaris, Jungle drive, Tharu
culture program, Canoeing Trips, Rafting and more.
Climate : October-March (warm days
and cool nights); April-June (hot, up to 45 degrees Celsius), July-September
(rainy)
Accessibility: There are regular
daily flights from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Upon arrival at the Nepaljung
airport you are picked up by jeep to Bardia which is a two hour
drive. There is also bus drive but it takes 16 hours one way from
Kathmandu to Nepaljung and Bardia. By private vehicles the drives
is about 12 hours.
We suggest a minimum of three nights at Bardia in
order to appreciate what Bardia as a destination has to offer, in
terms of a unique wildlife experience. More than three nights will
make you fully appreciate and participate in most of the activities
and view more wildlife game.
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve(155Sq. Km.) :
The camp is centrally located at the reserve's eastern
edge, a known site good for birds and wildlife . It is easily accessed
from the east-west highway which is only 6 km away. The reserve
headquarter is also a similar distance from the camp. Close to several
waterholes, Koshi Camp is furnished with 11 large natural-colored
luxury safari tents with a spacious restaurant and a well stocked
bar. At one time, the camp can hold a maximum of 22 guests only.
For guests looking for 'extra adventures' we organize several exciting
and memorable tours. For many who are looking for peace and tranquility
this is an ideal place. On a clear day, you may be lucky to see
the world's 5th highest mountain 'Makalu' from your tent.
Birds seen in Koshi : Spot-billed
Pelican ,Lesser Adjutant Stork, Black-necked Stork , Falcated Duck,
Baer's Pochard, Comb Duck, White-tailed Eagle , Imperial Eagle,
Pied Harrier , Caspian Tern.Black-bellied Tern,Stork-billed Kingfisher,
Swamp Francolin, Striated Grassbird, Bristled Grass bird. Ratities
include Greater Adjutant Stork, Red-necked Falcon, Indian Skimmer,
Indian Courser, Bengal and Lesser Floricans , Hodgson's Bushchat,
amongst others.
Excursions: At Koshi Camp you
will meet our knowledgeable ,helpful and enthusiastic naturalists
who will give you company throughout your stay at the camp. Your
tour will be guided by these friendly lads whose knowledge about
the bird life of the area is out standing. We operate nature walks
, boat rides ,bicycle trips and safaris in four wheel drives. For
guests staying for longer periods we get them explored the nearby
Sal forests north of the reserve at Patnali and Dharan. For those
who would like to combine their holidays with a short raft journey
, trek or wildlife tour of the eastern Himalayas , we offer our
help and guidance
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