A Visit to Chitwan National Park

A Visit to Chitwan National Park

Birds Seen While Canoeing

Well the plan to go to Chitwan had been going on for a long time but I had not got an opportunity to visit the place. Finally, the time had come. So as soon as my exams were over on 8th February, me and a few friends decided to hit the road on the 10th. 

As planned, we reached Gongabu Bus-park as early as possible and were in dilemma where we could find a bus to Chitwan. What surprised us is that many people approached us and it was as if there was a competition among themselves and we were the trophy. Everyone had their own opinion about which vehicle will go farther. Anyway we decided to have tea before boarding the bus. At last, we found a bus which would take us to as near as seven kilometers to Sauraha.

So our bus left Gongabu at around 8:00 am and thus our pleasant journey began.

Baby Elephant

Oh! wait. Did I just say pleasant?

The journey was not quite pleasant after all. The bus was not cozy as it seemed to be and furthermore, it ran like a snail. We were embarrassed to learn that it was a local bus on a long route. Nevertheless, this feeling did not last all way long as we got to experience the pleasant views of Trisuli river and the snow capped mountains. After 7 hours ride we were glad to reach Ratnanagar which was 7 km from Sauraha. So we caught a taxi to Sauraha.

Canoes parked

We had no knowledge about where to stay. So we relied on our taxi driver and he took us to Tiger Wildlife Camp.

Elephants heading towards destination

Adventures in Chitwan

Rare One horned Rhinoceros

After freshening up we decided to go to Rapti River Bank. When we reached there, we were excited to see long types of boats called Canoe. Also on the way to the Bank, we noticed Tanga( a ride pulled by horse) and Elephants heading to their destinations as it was growing darker. About 2 hours were left to sunset and so we decided to take a package which included the Tanga ride, Canoeing and a visit to Elephant Stables. 

Walking through Tharu Village

Tanga ride was the first one. So we rode Tanga upto the point where Canoeing was to start. Tanga ride was one of my first experiences. It was really fun bumping and laughing and talking to the rider who was a Native Tharu of that region. After that we got on Canoe. Truly speaking, the river was not so deep. It was around 3 to 4 feet deep but we were afraid as hell. Another thing is that the guide of ours told us the tale of crocodiles in that river. This was another reason we were terrified of . So the silly acts and laughing and taking photos continued for about half an hour. We got to see a lot of different types of birds, elephants taking bath in the river and fishermen fishing. After the Canoe ride, it was time for a little walk through the outskirts of Chitwan National Park. So we visited the places where elephants were kept and fed. Also we got to see the Tharu Communities and their unique lifestyles.

It was growing darker as the sun had already bade goodbye for the day. So we decided to go to Tharu Naach(dance) after freshening up. But as we reached our Hotel, we decided not to go to it as we were all tired and exhausted. Of course, we were sad to have missed an opportunity to watch such a spectacular dance which every person visiting Chitwan should have to see for. 

The Next Day in Chitwan

Deer Seen during Jeep Safari

Early in the morning, we had plans to go to visit the inner Chitwan National Park. So we waited for our jeep to arrive but it was late. For the timing we decided to drink tea. While waiting we got to see huge Elephants heading towards the National Park and also capture them in our cameras. Half an hour late, our jeep arrived and we headed our way to the Park. We pushed our way through the Tharu Villages and the cold of the early morning did not matter at all. Then our journey through jungle started with a hope to see as many animals as possible. At first wewere not so lucky but as time passed we started seeing animals and birds. Deer was the common animals we saw very often. Furthermore, we saw Wild Badel, Jackal, vultures, kingfishers and eagles. Also our driver showed us the tracks of tigers and rhinos at least. Also 20,000 Taal(Lake) was a pleasant place to visit. We felt 

 2 hours Jeep Safari gone in a blink of eye.

Although we missed certain things like Tharu Naach, Elephant Ride and also we did not get to see many animals we were still happy and satisfied. Therefore, with heavy heart and a promise to return someday soon, we pushed our way towards Lumbini.