Chitwan National Park

In the south of Nepal, close to the Indian border, lies one of the largest national parks in the country - Chitwan.  To get there, we had to endure a six hour bus ride through the mountains, a ninety minute taxi ride over dirt roads, and boat ride across a crocodile infested river in an old wooden boat (see pic above). "Chitwan" means “heart of the jungle” and the description is very apt. It is miles from everywhere and the scrub is quite dense. In places the grass grows 6-8 m/18-24ft tall and vines join all the trees together to make a thick green canopy in every direction.

The park is one of the best areas in Nepal to spot wildlife – one-horned rhinoceros, bengal tigers, spotted and barking deer, sloth bears, and monkeys as well as countless birds, insects, and butterflies. Over the course of our stay in Chitwan we were lucky enough to encounter a solitary rhino, some monkeys high up in the tree tops, a crocodile, birds, and many interesting insects.  Unfortunately, the tigers and bears proved elusive.

Exploring the jungle is the whole reason to go to Chitwan and we got to do it both on foot and on elephant-back: 

We also got to enjoy elephant bath time. And, of course, Nick was more than willing to participate while Jo held the camera:

The elephants and the wildlife aren't the only attraction though. The views along the river from our camp were spectacular as well:

Chitwan was our last stop in Nepal. From here we head back to Kathmandu for one last night before we fly to northern India. Next stop, Leh in India's Ladakh region.