Our National Parks
Chitwan and Bardia National Parks are two of the most preserved jungle areas in Nepal. Renowned for our jungle conservation, Tiger Tops is synonymous with sustainable jungle tours, operating lodges at both of these sites. Nothing quite beats the exhilaration of a raw encounter with jungle wildlife. Observe tigers, rhinos, elephants, crocodiles, leopards and deer all in their natural habitat on a Tiger Tops guided jungle safari.
About Bardia National Park
Bardia National Park is the largest national park in the terai region, covering an area of 968 sq.km. The park, situated in Nepal’s western terai, was established for the conservation of tigers and their prey species. Initially, a wildlife reserve, it was expanded and gazetted a National Park in 1988. In 1997, an area of 327 km2 surrounding the park was declared a buffer zone, which consists of forests and private lands, and is managed by the park authorities and local communities. Karnali Lodge was opened in 1988 in support of the park’s development through tourism.
About Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the most famous National Parks in South Asia. It was the first national park in Nepal, established in 1973 by His Majesty the late King Mahendra with the help of the founder of Tiger Tops, Jim Edwards.
It is a rich natural area in the Terai, the subtropical southern part of Nepal. A total of 68 species of mammals, 544 species of birds, 56 species of herpetofauna and 126 species of fish have been recorded in the park. The park is especially renowned for its protection of One Horned Rhinoceros, the high population density of Royal Bengal Tigers and as ideal habitat for the highly endangered Gharial Crocodile.
Elephant Experiences
At Tharu Lodge, you can experience the life of mahouts and elephants, and immerse in their daily rhythm as they go about their activities.
A day with elephants
Prepare to get up early and follow the elephants to the grass-lands, where the mahouts cut and collect the grass for the elephants to eat during the day. This is a very beautiful experience and varies a lot over the different seasons. Mornings are often misty, and to see the elephants move through the grass is a truly magnificent sight. You may also learn the grass-cutting and binding techniques from the mahouts.
Back in the camp or at the lodge a hearty breakfast will be waiting. You can spend the rest of the morning with the mahouts learning how to make kuchis, hanging around and enjoying watching the elephants in the corrals, or follow any activity the mahouts may have planned for the morning. Lunch will be ready around noon, and you might wish to relax and be lazy just like the elephants during the hot midday hours.
In the late afternoon, when the temperature is pleasant, go for a walk in the jungle with the elephants and their mahouts. On the way, our naturalist will show and tell you about wildlife and vegetation as you move through jungle, grassland, and wetland with the elephants. You will most likely encounter tiger tracks, deer, various species of birds, and maybe a rhino or two, depending on the route.
Another beautiful afternoon activity is to follow the elephants to the Narayani River, where they go to cool down and to drink. While you dip your feet or enjoy your afternoon tea on the riverbank, you can enjoy watching the mahouts scrub the elephants, and the elephants play around in the water. From late November till March the water will be too cold for the elephants for swimming.
After dinner and a relaxing evening, let the mahouts show you the elephants sleeping inside the corrals. You must make sure to be very quiet, so as not to disturb them.
Jeep Safari
Step aboard one of our restored open-top Landrovers for a jungle jeep safari unlike any in Nepal. With an experienced driver and expert naturalist to lead the way, explore the mystery and magic of the jungle from the comfort of
your seat.
your seat.
Walking Safari
Nepal is one of the few places in Asia where walking safaris are permitted in National Parks. Both Chitwan and Bardia offer excellent wildlife encounters on foot. Head out with our team of skilled naturalists into the jungle in search for the abundant game that both parks have to offer for a safari experience in its purest form.
Boat Safari
A boating experience down the Narayani or Karnali rivers can be a soothing and exhilarating experience. Cruising on the wide expanse of the river, pockets of rapids propel the boats along, as gentle waves lap at the sides. Sitting inside a Tiger Tops hand-carved boat, keep your eyes peeled for a variety of birdlife and wildlife. Top of the list are the endangered fish-eating Gharial crocodile and its more sinister relative, the Marsh-Muggger. With its brown, earthen coloured scales cleverly camouflaged on the banks, the Marsh-Mugger is both a challenge and a treat to spot.
Bird Watching
Nepal is considered a bird watching sanctuary, with an astounding 848 species identified across the country. In the company of an expert naturalist, Tiger Tops will guide you through an unbeatable bird watching tour, identifying species from grassland, farmland, forest and aquatic habitats. With a list of birds to tick off as you go, you’ll learn to recognize different species, their whistles and alarm calls. Beyond watching for birds, you’ll develop an insight into how birdlife are an integral part of Nepal's abundant eco-systems.
EXPERIENCES FOR THE FAMILY
For tailor made family holiday, please speak to our team
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Bringing your family to Nepal to experience some of the most pristine and untouched wilderness areas in the world can be a life changing experience for children and parents alike. Knowing the stress that comes with planning an adventure family holiday, Tiger Tops is here to help you craft that perfect family escape, minus the hassle.