Jungle Safari in Chitwan National Park

see all photos »

After traveling along the narrow highway from the Trisuli River to the entrance of the Royal Chitwan National Park, we switched over into a jeep to drive the remaining 7km deep into the jungle to reach our lodge. Along the way, we saw many "Barking" deer and a Serpent eagle. We also crossed the river several times through small creeks and streams. Water actually came in from under the jeep at one point.

Our lodge was in a jungle paradise surrounded by beautiful smelling flowers and many species of trees including Jackfruit trees. Exotic birds chirped and cuckooed from above as they flew from branch to branch, showing their bright colors as they spread their wings. The only downfall with being in the jungle is the multitude of insects and creepy-crawlies in our rooms.

see all photos »

In the afternoon, we went on an elephant safari deep into the jungle. All we saw were more Barking deer, a white-spotted deer, peacocks and wild chickens. It is very rare to see tigers, leopards and the one-horned rhino. The scenery was amazing though. Lush jungle forests covered in vines, swampy watering wholes, creeks and the setting sun were some of the highlights.

The next morning, we had a 5:30am wake-up call to go on another elephant safari. It was much cooler in the morning time, but all we saw was the usual wildlife. In the afternoon, we went on a very bumpy jeep safari into the plains. We saw the Sambar deer, the largest deer in the park and a wild boar.

see all photos »

That night we had the most violent thunderstorm where it sounded like it was coming through the rickety roof. The lightening illuminated the entire night sky and cracked loudly. It is getting closer and closer to the monsoon season and the weather is beginning to change dramatically.

In the morning, we went bird-watching on foot in the soggy jungle. We saw many species of birds including various fly catchers, magpies, storks, kingfishers, woodpeckers, eagles, and a buzzard. Nepal has over 850 species of birds; which is also about 8.5% of the worlds bird population, and over 150 different species of mammals. All very interesting when you factor in that Nepal only occupies 0.1% of the world's land mass.

see all photos »

After breakfast, we left the jungle to head back to the mountains which was a huge relief because Jessica and I have managed to develop a mysterious rash on our bodies. It is painfully itchy and I curse the jungle for it.