Apart from the magnificent Rhino, appreciate a host of other animals such as sloth bears, Asiatic wild elephants, stripe hyenas, hog deer and the Bengal fox. The river is home to crocodiles and ghariyals (crocodile-like amphibians with a snout, endemic to the Indian Subcontinent) not usually found in the same habitat. The park is a bird watcher’s delight with a count of around 600 including indigenous and migrant species such as the spectacular Great Hornbill, Ruddy Shelduck, Pied Kingfisher, Red-headed Trogon and the endangered Bengal florican to name a few. With active involvement of the local community the conservation efforts in Chitwan are a success story.The quaint riverside setting offers a magical view from all of the rooms and villas. The Rapti Villas, each with a plunge pool offer a close to nature experience while the Meghauli Rooms with generous balconies provide a perch point for unhindered views of the forest landscape. The walls are adorned with floor to ceiling sketches depicting the daily life of Tharu villagers. The guest areas include the arrival lounge, library, dining room, bar, the Rapti bank deck and the swimming pool overlooking the river.Chitwan provides a holistic wildlife experience which is not just limited to game drives. Guests have the option of exploring the jungle through walking safari, elephant safari and boat safari. Our Naturalists make it an enriching experience. Not only do they share their knowledge about the flora and fauna of the forest but also help guests appreciate their relationship with the local community. On a day with the Mahout, one can learn about the majestic Asian elephants while helping to bathe and feed them. Guests can also visit a Tharu village to fully experience the local life and feel immersed in the destination.
Authentic local cuisine and unvarnished native culture are prized experiences for any traveller. At Meghauli Serai, these two aspects are beautifully woven together in the Tharu village dining experience. A small village has been recreated within the lodge. An open courtyard with a veranda running parallel along its length serve the dual function of providing indoor and outdoor dining options. The entire structure is plastered with mud and decorated with traditional tribal patterns on the wall. The thatch roof, a bullock cart and a ‘kabootarghar’ or a pigeon house add a rustic touch. Traditional dishes like sticky rice, spicy duck and mustard greens are served along with other local delicacies. Tharu dancers moving in unison to a heady drum beat make the atmosphere festive
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