Chitwan needs no introduction. It is the home of 25% of the world's great one horned rhino and a substantial percent of the Royal Bengal tiger. It used to be, until as late as 1951, a hunting reserve where dignitaries were entertained. Up to 120 tigers were sometimes killed in a single hunting expedition. In 1970, Chitwan was declared a wildlife reserve and in 1973 it was designated The Royal Chitwan National Park.

Location:
Chitwan, more specifically Bharatpur, is located some 146 km from Kathmandu, 126 km from Pokhara, 166 km from Lumbini, and 76 km from Hetauda. It is the exact centre of Nepal on the east west axis. Chitwan, an oriental almond eye shaped valley, is drained by two major rivers, Narayani and Rapti. These two rivers define the northern and western edges of the national park. The park itself is 967 square kilometres in area with altitudes varying from 200 meters to 700 meters above sea level.

How To Get There ?
Chitwan is easily accessible by road, river, and air. There are two highways each from Pokhara and Kathmandu and the east-west highways runs through the entire length of Chitwan. It is also served by several domestic airlines operating into Bharatpur airport. For the more adventurous, Chitwan can also be reached by one, two or three day rafting trips.
In short, it is the most accessible part of Nepal.

Climate:
Temperatures vary from 06 degree centigrade in the winter to 35 degrees centigrade in the pre-monsoon month of June. It is cool to warm from October until March and hot from March to July middle when the rains break the heat. Light woollen are recommended from November to February and cottons for rest of the year.

Day one:
Transportation to Chitwan from Kathmandu.

Later in the afternoon, you will proceed toward the lodge. Driving through the Terai or the low-lands of Nepal, you will pass villages of the farming community. Alluvial and humus rich soil ensures good harvests making Chitwan perhaps the richest agricultural valley in Nepal. After an hour's drive, you will arrive at your destination. Your Lodge is strategically located close to the Rapti river and Chitwan National Park entrance.

Tea is served upon arrival and rooms allocated.

You will proceed directly to the elephant boarding area for your first encounter with them. After a short briefing, you will proceed on elephant-back into the Royal Chitwan National Park in search of animals, reptiles, birds and other denizens of the jungle. The elephant ride will be between one to two hours.

Upon returning, you will be free to retire to your room or join company around our "Ramailo" Bar.

Shortly thereafter, dinner will be served at the restaurant, after which you are advised to retire to your room early as the next day's program starts before sunrise.

Day two:
Morning: Wake up call at dawn. Timing will vary depending on the season. Elephant ride in the Lamital area. This area is the pride of the Chitwan National Park. The animals are numerous and sightings frequent. The ride will be for about 2 hours.

Breakfast will be served on your return from the elephant safari. You will have a spectacular view of the jungle from your breakfast table.

After breakfast, a ride on a traditionally dug-out canoe will take you from the Lodge to Kasara, the park headquarters. The ride is on the Rapti river for approximately 5 km. On this silent ride you will get an opportunity to view aquatic birds and see animals on the river banks. At the end of the ride, a visit will be made to the Gharial Project and possibly to Kasara palace.

From the Gharial project you will begin your jungle walk. You will be accompanied by a trained naturalist and a tracer. The latter will walk some distance ahead to check on animal movement on the trail ahead. You are advised to closely follow the instructions of the naturalist at all times.

You will be back at the Lodge in time for lunch and a short rest.

Afternoon: Depending upon the season, elephant bathing demonstration will be held in the Rapti river, and you are most welcome to join in giving the elephants a scrub.

Later in the afternoon, visit an ethnic Tharus village. The surrounding farmland and villages has a pulse of its own, giving it a sense of timelessness. An experienced guide will accompany you.

For those on the 2 night program, after the day's activities, you will return to Hotel by jeep for dinner & overnight stay, departing the following day after breakfast.

Those of you on a 3 night program, will continue with your stay at the Lodge.

Day three:
Morning: Carrying breakfast boxes, you will leave early in the morning by jeep travelling eastwards along the banks of the Rapti river. You will cross streams, meadows and scrubs before being met by your elephants. They will then take you through different types of jungle vegetation, criss-crossing rivers to finally arrive at the Elephant Breeding Centre.

The Centre is home to a score of elephants. You will have ample time to observe these lovely animals and ask questions about them. After the visit, you will stop on the banks of Rapti river for breakfast.

Canoes will be waiting to take you down-stream, through some of the best river routing in Chitwan.

The ride will be for about 2 hours and you will have close encounters with the Gharial and Mugger Crocodiles. Sighting of aquatic birds and other wildlife is very good.

You will return to the Lodge and have a late lunch.

Later in the afternoon, you will return to Hotel for rest and relaxation in its huge gardens. You may want to make use of the hotel's 25 meter pool or it's twin tennis courts. For those wishing to see the local bazaar, rickshaw rides down to the town of Narayangarh are possible.

Dinner will be served in the Restaurant.

Day four:
Departure will be after breakfast or late morning.