Chitwan National Park

We took a gamble on a 2 day prepaid all-inclusive trip to Chitwan National Park amd for an amazing $60, it was fabulous. The NP is in the south of Nepal bordering with India. It was the first time in 3 weeks we would not be at altitude and immediately we noticed the heat and humidity.

We took a early morning canoe ride floating downstream and it was a wonderful way to take in the peaceful atmosphere of the park. After the stresses and chaos in Kathmandu it was a perfect way to relax. We were also lucky to see both species of crocodile by the banks.

Our expert guide took us for a walk through the jungle which was a great way to get a feel for the habitat. We saw monkeys swinging from trees high above but not much else, except for some fresh rhino footprints. This was quite worrying, since before we had started walking we were given safety procedures for meeting a rhino on foot which included climbing the nearest tree (and meeting a ). We had to cross a section of tall grass which due to the monsoon was completely overgrown (see picture), we wouldnt have been able to see the rhino if it was two metres away. Luckily our paths didnt cross.

Later that day, however, we did see two rhinos from the safety of an elephant. Elephant safari has to be the most sedate civilised manner to travel through the jungle. The rhinos seems very unalarmed by the presence of 3 tourists near by. Has we had just started our safari it decided to pour with rain, and I mean monsoon style. So within minutes we were drenched to the skin but it added to the atmosphere of the rainforest.

A highlight of the stay was the chance to wash our elephant in the river. This meant climbing on her back and attemped to hold on to the rough leathery skin whilst she sprayed us with water through her trunk. Actually I think we got more of a bath than she did!