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About Chitwan and Sauraha
Chitwan is central distric of Nepal. Here is many tourism and holy places.
The Chitwan National Park lies in the Terai region of southern Nepal. It encompasses an area of 932 square kilometers of sub-tropical forests consisting of grasslands, Sal forests and reverie forests. This region is one of the most diverse wildlife areas. It harbors many globally threatened species including the royal Bengal Tiger, Great One-Horned Rhino, Gharial Crocodile, Asian Elephant, Sloth Bear and Leopard.
When to go ?
The Chitwan National Park lies in the Terai region of southern Nepal. It encompasses an area of 932 square kilometers of sub-tropical forests consisting of grasslands, Sal forests and reverie forests. This region is one of the most diverse wildlife areas. It harbors many globally threatened species including the royal Bengal Tiger, Great One-Horned Rhino, Gharial Crocodile, Asian Elephant, Sloth Bear and Leopard.
Description & Comments ?
A quickly growing but still small village that caters to the needs of the visitors to Chitwan National Park, the best known safari park in Nepal. It is located 160 kms by road from Kathmandu, 155 kms by road from Pokhara and 160 kms by road from the Indian border at Sunauli. The Chitwan National Park (R500 entrance fee) is home to Bengal tigers, rhinoceroses, bears, leopards, crocodiles and monkeys amongst others, and hundreds of species of birds and butterflies. The village of Sauraha is separated from the national park by the Rapti River, which is safe to swim in. During the dry season one can wander the sand dunes of the shrunken river. It is possible to walk for miles along the mud roads west, north and east of the village to other, rural Tharu villages. What to do ? Watch the sun set over the National Park/ Go for a ride on an elephant / Bird watch on the oddly-named 20,000 lake / Stay overnight in the jungle spotting wild animals from the lookout tower / Watch a Tharu cultural show/Hire a bike and wander about Tharu villages / Swim in the river and watch the elephants being bathed / Drink cool beers at one of the "beach" bars / Go for a jungle safari on foot, by elephant or by jeep / Go for a canoe trip on the river.What you may not like ? Mosquitoes at certain times of the year (nets are provided in hotels/lodges) / The overzealous hotel touts at the bus park (simply board any jeep that will take you the 3 kms to the village. If you stay in the hotel the jeep goes to the ride is free. If you don't like the look of the lodge, hand the driver R30 for the ride and choose another place).How long ? You might really like the laid back atmosphere and stay longer than you had originally planned. The small village has a few restaurants a la Pokhara and Thamel, but local-style eateries as well. There are no asphalt roads here, just dirt/mud tracks and hardly any traffic. Life is tranquil here. You will want to spend at least one day in the national park, and a couple more days to walk/bike around about. Give yourself at least a minimum of three days.
When to go ?
The dry season would be best (November-April) and March would be the ideal time. The daytime temperature is not too hot and the elephant grass in the national park has been cut, allowing for better animal spotting.
Where to stay ? Twenty years ago when Sauraha was a one horse village, the only places to stay were the lodges inside the national park, and these are not exactly cheap accommodation. Now there are upwards of fifty-five hotels/lodges in and around the village and the competition for guests is fierce. Except in the peak season, you will find a room for a very good price. The most convenient places are on the main track that leads into the village or, once you get to the river, turn right and choose a lodge along the river bank (especially if you want to watch the sunset from your lodge/hotel). And From beach Restaurants & Pub.
Where to stay ? Twenty years ago when Sauraha was a one horse village, the only places to stay were the lodges inside the national park, and these are not exactly cheap accommodation. Now there are upwards of fifty-five hotels/lodges in and around the village and the competition for guests is fierce. Except in the peak season, you will find a room for a very good price. The most convenient places are on the main track that leads into the village or, once you get to the river, turn right and choose a lodge along the river bank (especially if you want to watch the sunset from your lodge/hotel). And From beach Restaurants & Pub.
Jungle Pub (Restarant and Bar) is best place for sunset view.
Sauraha Resort (tel. 056-580114) A new place still under construction. Semi detached cabin with attached bathroom at R300.
Where to eat ?
Probably not in your lodge/hotel restaurant where the prices tend to be too high. Fairly basic meals can be had at the three beach bars. In the village Jungle View Restaurant & Bar serves decent multi-continental,American or Mexican food at good prices. If you want to German Bakery then River View Restaurant is best for your choice. It is found in the heart of the Sauraha village. Those on a tight budget can eat well in the small, local eateries found on the main drag as you exit the village.
Getting there and away ?
From Pokhara and Kathmandu many tourist buses leave, usually at 7 or 8 a.m. Just pop into any ticket and travel agency for all the details. From Kakarbhitta or Raxaul, take the bus for Narayangadh and get off at Ratnanagar, Tandi, Chitwan, 6 kms from Sauraha. The last 6 kms can be made by jeep.When leaving, your lodge/hotel will organize a motorbike or jeep to take you to the bus park to pick up the tourist bus or take you the 10 kms to Ratananagar where buses connect with Kathmandu, Pokhara Sunauli, Kakarbhitta and Raxaul.
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