Temple Tiger Jungle Lodges and Wildlife Camps one of the finest in Asia, is situated in the heart of Royal Chitwan National Park on the far western side and has the enviable distinction of being the best located property inside the National Park. This is proven by the record sightings of the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger, one horned Rhinoceros, crocodile and Gharial. Our territory of this fantastic reserve appeals to wildlife enthusiasts as well as visiting Ornithologists who consider our area a paradise for bird watching as both resident and migratory birds visit here in abundance.
Temple Tiger is the only Lodge inside the National Park of Chitwan, from where you can witness the natural game of prey and predator, from the hanging platform itself. This viewing deck, constructed above a huge man-made swamp provides a fantastic display of animals visiting the swamp or on the land. Besides the view from your balcony, we also arrange jungle safaris on elephant back or by land rover. Nature walks accompanied by well-trained naturalists are very popular among nature lovers. Canoeing on the Narayani River provides an opportunity to watch gharial, dolphins and crocodiles from close quarters.
The Temple Tiger Jungle Lodge has tried and succeeded in creating a truly relaxing and welcoming atmosphere without disturbing the surrounding tranquillity of the jungle. There are 32 individual super deluxe jungle lodges. These wooden lodges or villas as they are called are on stilts and are equipped with all 5 star amenities and have a private balcony over-looking the grassland. The tastefully decorated rooms with Tharu artifacts have wall to wall carpets, a sofa and international size twin/ double bed, The spacious, attached bathrooms with running hot and cold water are a beautiful blend of wood, marble and bamboo (rattan). The thatched roofs of the villas are made from the abundant Siru grass therefore they blend easily into the surroundings. The tented camps are situated in the vicinity of the jungle lodges.
GETTING THERE
Depending on time available and preferences, a number of options are available for the discerning traveler. International arrivals are all via Tribhuban Airport in Kathmandu(1300mtrs.) the capital city and heart of the culture of Nepal. Two hundred kilometres west lies Pokhara (1000mtrs.) at the foot of the great Annapurna mountain range. Between these two and in the lowlands to the south, is Chitwan National Park(200mtrs.)home to Temple Tiger Jungle Lodge.
By Air :
The Temple Tiger Jungle Lodge in the Royal Chitwan National Park can be reached either by domestic airlines or the land route. 3-4 domestic airlines fly to Bharatpur which is a 25 minute flight. You will be met at the airport and driven to the Amaltari Ghat by a TTJL representative which will take 1hour 20minutes. On reaching the Ghat on the banks of the Narayani River, your jungle oddessy begins. Upon arrival, the guests will be transferred by riverboats and elephants/landrovers to the Temple Tiger Jungle Lodge.
By Land Route:
Roads leading west from Kathmandu, or east from Pokhara meet midway between the two at Mugling. The main road turns south from here following the course of the Narayani through the middle hills to the Terai (lowlands) belt 35 kms south. At Narayanghat, we meet the Mahendra Highway and turn east through Chitwan. After about 50 kms, we drive south on a dirt road for the 15 kms drive to Amaltarighat.
The 190 kms. drive gives a fascinating view of life in rural Nepal, rivers, and villages, rice terraces and forested hillsides. A good option is to drive one way, fly the other.
By Raft:
A thrilling activity can be incorporated into the drive About 2 ½ hrs. after leaving Kathmandu Charaundi is reached, from where the rafting begins. After 3 hours white water rafting on the Trishuli river, we arrive at Kurintar. There a packed lunch will be provided. Another 3hr. drive will take you to AmaltariGhat, on the banks of River Narayani. Variation in the rafting itineary can be arranged with trips lasting upto three days, camping enroute. For visitors from Pokhara it would be an overnight stay at a lodge and rafting on the Seti River. Special rafting itineraries ranging from a day to 15 days with all camping facilities can also be arranged. (see our special section on rafting).
All the guides possess knowledge about emergency medical treatment, on the flora & fauna and also about the geology & history of Nepal. River trips vary from one to ten days and from scenic floating to some of the most challenging white water rafting available in the world. All the equipment meet highest standards of comfort and safety including life jacket waterproof bags, ammo boxes & camping gears.
The best times for visiting Temple Tiger are from mid- September as the monsoon ends, right through until the next pre-monsoon period the following June. The Lodge can be reached from Kathmandu and Pokhara by air, road, or a combination of road and river trip (see detailed section Getting there)
The main Lodge area consists of a central complex carved out from the jungle. Here are found the main Lodge buildings. Traditionally built and thatched roofed, briefing and relaxing areas, the bar, a fine restaurant, a shop to meet most needs, a library and an outstanding wildlife viewing platform built out unto the wetlands adjacent to the lodge. Accommodation is in bungalows supported on wooden stilts and distributed in well-spaced jungle clearings. All rooms have their own bathrooms, solar heated water systems, and solar powered electricity. They offer a cozy and warm environment.
Guest activities include early morning and afternoon elephant safaris lasting up to two hours. Large tracts of the surrounding countryside can be visited and diverse wildlife can be encountered. The nearby Narayani River offers tranquil float trips with opportunities for sighting Gharial, dolphins and crocodiles from close quarters, picnic lunches and rambles back through the jungle to the lodge. Four wheel drive vehicles can venture further afield and separate visits can be arranged to the park headquarters and the Gharial Breeding Centre at Sauraha. The trips are accompanied throughout by our trained wildlife guides who also present slide shows, briefings and can oversee evening discussion programmes around the campfire. Food is varied, fresh and healthy. A mix of western, Asian and oriental, there is generally something to meet everyones expectations.
The aim of Temple Tiger jungle Lodge is to create a truly relaxing, welcoming and fascinating atmosphere without disturbing the surrounding tranquility of the jungle.
VIEWING DECK:
This viewing deck is a major attraction from which various species of birds including migratory ones can be spotted. The man made swamp below has become a waterhole for occasional wildlife visitors too.
BOATMEN:
To ferry you across River Narayani
ROUND HOUSE:
This lounge area in the gazebo style with its welcoming atmosphere is a favourite with all. The bar makes it a good relaxing spot.
SQUARE DINING HALLl:
its central sunken fireplace sets the perfect mood for a warm meal or quiet relaxation.
