A wildlife safari in Chitwan National Park in southern Nepal is the perfect complement to the unforgettable cultural touring and breathtaking scenery in other parts of the country.

The best way to experience beautiful Chitwan is with a stay at Meghauli Serai, a Taj Safari Lodge in an ideal location on the edge of the Rapti River and the national park.

The intimate lodge has 16 villas overlooking the river and the subtropical jungle of Chitwan. Each features a luxurious bedroom, an expansive indoor-outdoor bathroom and a private plunge pool with views of the landscapes.

Traditional Nepalese design elements in the rooms include wall murals painted by a local artist.

During wildlife safaris in Chitwan, guests take a boat across the river and then travel through the park by open four-wheel drive vehicle.

Chitwan’s dense forests, broad grasslands and oxbow lakes support an enormous variety of photogenic wildlife, including greater one-horned rhinoceroses, Bengal tigers, spotted deer, gaur, wild boar and mugger crocodiles.

Among the hundreds of bird species are great hornbills, grey-headed fish eagles and Indian pittas.

Breakfast in the jungle is standard during safaris.

A walking safari is a wonderful and unusual way to experience the forest and wildlife.

Another favorite activity at Meghauli Serai is floating in an open wooden boat down the Rapti River, passing Tharu villagers playing in the water and gharials (a type of crocodilian) hunting for fish.

The cruise ends with drinks on a secluded sandbar, the perfect place to relax while watching the sun set amid the stunning Nepalese landscapes,

Many guests also enjoy bathing an elephant in the river at Meghauli Serai, an unforgettable experience relished by both parties.

Other activities at the lodge and in the surrounding region include wildlife talks, swimming in the infinity pool, massages and other treatments at the Jiva Spa, biking through the countryside and visiting a rural village to learn about the local Tharu people.

Meals are another highlight at Meghauli Serai.

The chefs create some of the finest Nepalese and international dishes in the country based around vegetables grown in the lodge garden.

Guests can opt to eat in the main dining room with views through the glass walls, al fresco on the terrace overlooking the river, by the swimming pool, in their rooms, or, for a special occasion, at a private table in the shade of a shimul tree.

A stay at Meghauli Serai and wildlife safaris in Chitwan National Park are included in many of our private Nepal tours, including Highlights of Nepal, Journey Through Nepal, Best of Nepal and Luxuries of Nepal.

All Artisans of Leisure private Nepal tours include the top accommodations in each destination and customized private cultural and scenic touring.

Contact an Artisans of Leisure specialist to learn more.