Jungle Safari in Nepal

Jungle Safari in Nepal

Adventure travel in Nepal offers something for everyone. This lovely little country nestling in the mighty Himalayas has some of the world’s highest mountains in the north and tropical forests in the lowlands in addition to rivers and lakes. Mild weather makes possible to enjoy numerous extreme adventure sports here and best of all adventure travel in Nepal is extremely cheap. If the magnificent peaks in the north of Nepal challenge you to climb, trek or bike in their midst, the dense tropical forests of the low lying Terai region beckon you to come on a jungle safari.

The terai region has several protected wildlife reserves with some of the best wildlife in the subcontinent. You can tour the various national parks and wildlife reserves on elephant back, 4WD, dugout canoe or on foot accompanied by a licensed guide. A small country like Nepal has a staggering sixteen national parks, wildlife reserves and conservation areas that occupying sixteen per cent of its total geographical area. The well known ones are Parsa Wildlife Reserve, Royal Bardia National Park, Royal Chitwan National Park and the Royal Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve.

The National Parks offer protection to 56 species of mammals including the one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, leopard, sloth bear, wild elephant, striped hyena, Gangetic dolphin and wild bison. There is plenty of accommodation in and around the reserves for all budgets and you can drive here by public transport or hire a car. An exciting way to reach the Royal Chitwan National Park is by a rafting down the Trisuli River to Narayanghat, or directly into the Western edge of the park. This is a two day trip and offers most spectacular views of the region.

The best time for a jungle safari in Nepal is from October through February when it is cool in the lowlands though chances of seeing big game are higher in the summer months. It can be stiflingly hot during summer and you will need a shady hat and sunscreen. If you have planned your adventure travel for winter, bring along a sweater or jacket.

Certain requirements are mandatory irrespective of when you visit the forests. Wear brown and green, colors that merge with the forest and good walking shoes. Cameras and a pair of binoculars will prove invaluable. Do not forget mosquito repellant, anti-diarrhea tablets and anti-histamines.