Chasing the Wild in Charming Chitwan
Time visited: May 2022
Time spent: Three nights
Nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, Nepal is a land where adventure meets spirituality. From snow-capped peaks to lush jungles, this tiny yet diverse country offers an unforgettable experience. Nepal is not just about nature; it is rich in culture too. In Nepal, Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries echo centuries of faith and tradition in stark contrast with dazzling casinos and bustling markets. When I could no longer ignore the call of these attractions from my neighboring country, the three of us packed our bags and went! The first major stop on our itinerary was Chitwan.
Documents and Foreign Exchange
No visa is required for Indians to travel to Nepal. Even a passport is not mandatory. A valid voter ID is enough for adults, and a birth certificate or a school ID for children. The Indian Aadhaar Card, however, is not accepted. Since we travelled in May 2022, post-COVID protocols were in place, so we had to produce our COVID vaccination reports. And that was all. We didn't even convert any currency as the Indian Rupee is accepted all over Nepal.
Day 1
We had booked a direct flight to Kathmandu, Nepal's capital, from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata. The flight route offers breathtaking views of the majestic Himalayas. As the plane neared Nepal, snow-capped peaks rose dramatically above the clouds. The mountain panorama unfolded around us in all its glory. We landed at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, around 12.15 pm.
After immigration, we bought a local SIM card (N Cell) for my phone. Then we took a pre-paid taxi to the Grand Hotel in Thamel. By the time we reached, it was almost 2:00 pm. We were very hungry and tired and had momos and noodles brought up to our room. We then decided to take a nap in our elegant hotel room as it had started to rain and we needed some rest.
After the rain stopped, we walked around Thamel, a vibrant area of Kathmandu known for its gorgeous shops, bustling streets, and diverse restaurants. It is a hub for tourists. Thamel offers everything from trekking gear and souvenirs to live music and nightlife. Its mix of culture, convenience, and energy makes it Kathmandu’s go-to travel hotspot.
Day 2
We had breakfast at the hotel. It was included with our stay. Then we took a taxi arranged by the hotel and headed to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu Airport to catch our flight to Bharatpur, the nearest airport to Chitwan. With no extensive railway system to connect its remote corners, Nepal has taken to the skies. Fleets of small aircrafts weave through towering Himalayan peaks and deep valleys, making short-distance flights an iconic and indispensable part of travel for locals and tourists alike. There are a number of domestic airways operating in Nepal. We booked with Buddha Air as it could be booked from India.
The flight to Bharatpur was our first experience in a small aircraft. The flight took roughly 25 minutes. We flew "o'er vales and hills". Below us was the Kathmandu valley. We landed at Bharatpur. The tiny Airport was surrounded by mountains and greenery. The clear sky that day added to its beauty. From the plane we walked to a hall, which was more like a shed with a big window, to show our baggage coupons and collect our luggage. No conveyor belt was there. A man brought our luggage in a hand pushed cart. The simple and rustic system of this small airport makes it unique and worth visiting.
Our pick up vehicle from the resort in Chitwan was already there. We had booked a three-day package at Chitwan Paradise Hotel, a resort covering a large area inside the Chitwan National Park. The package included our stay in a triple bed airconditioned cottage, all meals, a guided jungle walk, a jungle safari either in a jeep or on elephants, canoeing and a cultural programme. The resort was a 20-minute drive from Bharatpur Airport. The first stretch of the road was through the jungle and then we saw villages and farms on either side of the road.
We checked in to resort. The tranquil green environment of this vast resort made me fall in love with the place almost instantly. After an elaborate and tasty Nepali lunch and a bit of rest, we met our guide Mr. Narayan. He took us for a walk into the jungle. It was one of the most thrilling ways of exploring the wildlife of Chitwan up close. We were on foot and had a chance to see a rhino just a hundred metres away. Our guide took us deep inside the jungle. Beside us, the Rapti River was flowing by. We saw a large herd of Deer on the other side of the river. The sounds of the jungle made this walk more thrilling. Mr. Narayan showed us a timber godown where some elephants were kept tied with chains. After walking through jungle trails for an hour and a half, we came out of the forest and arrived at the sunset point beside the river. There were stalls of beverages and snacks and most importantly, seats for visitors to enjoy the sunset. We had some barbecued chicken and soft drink while enjoying the beautiful sight of the sun setting behind the trees. We then headed back to the resort to give our legs some well-deserved rest.
Later that evening, at around 7:00 pm, a car from the hotel took us to Sauraha Tharu Cultural House. As I am always curious about different cultures and communities, this experience of watching a Tharu cultural programme was a huge bonus for me. The performance began with the rhythmic sound of the Madal (traditional drum). The performers, dressed in traditional attire, presented several folk dances including the famous Stick Dance, Peacock Dance, and Fire Dance. Each performance told a story - of bravery, love, nature and daily life. The dancers moved in perfect coordination, creating patterns with their sticks and feet.
What I loved the most was how proud the Tharu people were of their heritage. The show wasn’t just entertainment; it was a celebration of their identity. The programme ended with the audience joining the dance as an old Bollywood song was played on the Madal and sung by the performers.
It was an unforgettable experience - colorful, joyful, and deeply cultural. The Tharu dance programme gave me a deeper appreciation of Nepal’s rich diversity and traditions.
The day wrapped up with a delightful Indian dinner served in our cottage. We went to bed a bit early as we needed to wake up early the next day for the canoe ride and bird watching experience.
Day 3
Waking up early, we realised it had been raining all night. The drizzle lingered until 9:00 am. We had to skip the canoe ride and bird watching as those magical experiences are reserved for the early morning hours when nature truly comes alive. After breakfast, we decided to roam through the lush greenery of the resort, taking pictures of some unusual trees and flowers. Later, we made the most of the morning by dipping ourselves in the tranquil swimming pool.
Our programme for the second half of the day wasn't changed. After an early lunch, we went for the much-awaited Jungle Safari. We had to choose between elephants and a Jeep. We opted for the jeep because we found out that the jeeps took visitors deeper into the jungle with more chances of animal sighting. Elephant rides were only allowed in the outer parts of the jungle.
Our adventure started at around 12.45 pm in a 9-seater Safari Jeep, We shared the ride with a friendly family from Bangladesh. As we advanced deeper into the forest, we saw one horn rhinos, a sambar deer, monkeys, and of course, many types of birds. A black bear escorted us for about a mile and then disappeared into the bushes. It was both exciting and nerve-wracking. A one horn rhinoceros came near our jeep. It blocked our way for some time before losing interest and moving in a different direction. We kept going and spotted two more rhinos watching us while taking a bath in the ravine that flows through the forest.
The Jeep took us deep into the jungle to a crocodile breeding centre, where we saw crocodiles and gharials of all sizes in their natural habitat. By the time we returned, it had been more than five hours. For that long a period, we immersed ourselves in the sights and sounds of the wilderness. enjoying an unforgettable jungle adventure. We returned with the thrill of close-range wildlife sightings, our hearts brimming with joy and our spirits lifted by the magic of the wild.
Later that day, our guide informed us that the canoe ride, which was missed due to the rain, was organised for the next morning. In the evening, the resort served us a special dinner of chicken tikka masala, fried rice and desserts.
Day 4
We got up early and were happy to see the clear sky. Three of us got ready. I made some tea in my electric kettle, had it with some biscuits and rushed to the parking area where a car was waiting for us. It was around 6:30 am. The car headed to the canoe ride starting point. We passed through a residential area and soon reached the bank of the Burhi Rapti River. Not particularly wide, the river slithered through the jungle like a giant serpent, its winding course disappearing in the depths of the wild greenery. The place was misty and felt cool. The land was wet and slippery due to the rain last night, making it difficult for us to walk. We reached the bank of the river slowly and found a few canoes anchored there. Except for the three of us, there was only one more tourist. With such a small group, the jungle felt more raw, untouched and tranquil, giving us a taste of a true adventure into the heart of the wild.
We got into the canoe, a very narrow boat made by hollowing a tree trunk. We squatted on the row of small fixed chairs on the canoe. I was at the very end with the rower standing behind me. We were warned not to touch water while on the boat, for such actions may invite crocodiles!
No sooner had we moved a little forward than the rower showed us a black, partially submerged, crocodile. It was only a couple of metres away! Seeing a crocodile so close was a unique and thrilling experience that was a blend of anxiety and excitement! Our canoe gently moved. We were captivated by the unspoilt wild scenery around us. As we were rowing along the bends of the river, we spotted a number of different types of birds. We were excited to watch a large herd of deer grazing and playing on the bank of the river. Our hearts pounded with excitement as another crocodile glided past our boat. Once again, we experienced an unforgettable moment of wild thrill.
After an hour-long adventure, we reached the other side of the jungle. We stepped off the boat near a small meadow covered with trees and mist. Our guide Mr. Narayan led us through the lush greenery. We crossed a narrow bridge. Soon we reached the Elephant Breeding and Training Centre. The centre covered a vast area, secured by electric fences. There were quarters, kitchens, and offices for the caretakers. Visitors were allowed only up to the barrier.
Unfortunately, the adult elephants were chained in their sheds, but the calves moved freely up to the barrier to meet the visitors. It was fun to see them playing, but offering food was not allowed. We tried to attract a baby elephant with our hand gestures. It came to us for a pat. After a while, he left us to push and annoy his sleeping friend. The playful baby elephants made us laugh.
After spending some happy moments with the elephants, we walked back to the resort. It was around 8:45 am. Having completed all of our activities in Chitwan, we were free for the rest of the morning. We had breakfast, finished packing and then enjoyed some time in the resort swimming pool. At about 11:45 am, we grabbed our pre-ordered pack of momos for lunch. A pre-booked car from the resort then dropped us off at Bharatpur Airport.
Our stay at Chitwan was memorable, The accommodation offered exceptional value, genuine hospitality and countless unforgettable moments that will stay with us. Every detail was thoughtfully organised, allowing us to relax and immerse ourselves in the beauty of Chitwan. We left with grateful hearts, cherished memories, and the hope that one day our travels will bring us back to this little paradise.
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