Chitwan Luxury Safari Tour 2 Nights: Wildlife & Tharu Culture

5.00

(2 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

The air felt heavy and warm as we stepped off the transfer in Chitwan—nothing like the cool mornings back in Kathmandu. Right away, someone handed us a chilled welcome drink that tasted faintly of lemongrass. After a quick check-in at the resort (the Soaltee Westend, but I heard some folks got similar spots), we had time to settle in before lunch. The buffet was surprisingly varied—dal bhat for those who wanted local, but also grilled veggies and fresh fruit. Our guide, Suman, gathered us for a walk through the nearby Tharu village. Kids waved from doorways; chickens darted around our feet. You could smell woodsmoke and hear distant drums even before sunset.

Later, we sat by the pool with mugs of sweet Nepali tea as the sky turned orange over the riverbank. It’s hard to describe how quiet it gets here—just birds and the occasional motorbike far off. After dark, there was a slideshow about Chitwan’s wildlife (rhinos, sloth bears, even tigers if you’re lucky). Dinner was another buffet spread; I probably ate too much paneer curry but couldn’t resist.

The next morning started early—a gentle knock on the door just as the sun came up. We grabbed coffee at the little café near reception before heading out for canoeing on the Rapti River. The water moved slow and glassy; we saw a couple of gharials sunning themselves on sandbanks while kingfishers zipped overhead. At the crocodile breeding center inside the park, our guide explained how they’re trying to protect these rare reptiles—honestly fascinating stuff if you’re into conservation.

After lunch back at the resort (try their momos if they have them), we piled into jeeps for a proper safari drive through Chitwan National Park. The ride gets bumpy—hold onto your hat—but it’s worth it when you spot rhinos grazing just meters away or deer darting between tall grass. We stopped for tea at Sunrise Café right after; their masala chai is strong enough to wake anyone up.

Evenings are special here: local Tharu dancers put on a show with drums and fire sticks under open sky while dinner sizzles on outdoor grills nearby. I ended up chatting with one of the performers about his family’s traditions—he said they’ve been doing this for generations.

The last morning was slower paced—a short nature walk for birdwatching (saw at least three types of kingfisher) followed by breakfast outside as sunlight filtered through big sal trees. Check-out felt bittersweet; I could’ve stayed another day just listening to those jungle sounds.