Take a six-hours scenic drive through the pristine mountain and winding roads to Chitwan National Park, followed by a sumptuous lunch at the resort.
Chitwan National Park: This park has numerous lakes and streams that form lifelines for animals and enable a rich floral diversity. The Chitwan valley is characterized by tropical and subtropical forests, with Sal trees being the dominant tree species. Plants like wild ginger, wild turmeric with beautiful inflorescence, and other medicinal herbs grow in profusion, and the locals are allowed to harvest them from the community forests. The atmosphere of Chitwan is very conducive to wild orchids, with over 100 species recorded here. The grasslands are mainly located in the floodplains of the rivers and form a diverse and complex community with over 50 different types of grasses. The Kaleidoscope of different habitats and sub-eco-systems all come together to make a whole that is most favorable to supporting rich biodiversity.
Here one can find the world’s largest terrestrial mammal, a five-ton elephant. The pygmy shrew is one of the tiniest animals, weighing only seven grams. Tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaur, rhinos, and wild dogs are among the 68 mammals documented in Chitwan National Park. Porcupines, otters, martens, and shrews are the smaller species. The proximity of Chitwan to the Himalayas gives the park a geographical advantage, making it an ideal shelter for birds migrating both in winter and summer. Indigenous and migrant species like Great Hornbill, Painted storks, Pied Kingfishers, and Red Headed Trogon are a few of the most exotic birds seen here. Chitwan is a high-priority destination for birders as the total tally of birds recorded in the park is over 600.
Take a cultural tour in Tharu village in the afternoon to learn about the way of life there. Stay overnight at the lodge, and in the evening, listen to and learn from one of the resident naturalists as they discuss the history and details of the Royal Chitwan National Park.