A trip to Chitwan in mid-June may not sound appealing, but I needed a break and Kasara with its simple luxury far from the maddening crowds of Kathmandu was something I looked forward to. On my previous trip to this amazing property bordering the Chitwan National Park, the hospitality and entire experience had been so amazing I had always looked forward to returning.
On reaching the lodge it was wonderful to be greeted by familiar friendly smiling faces. After freshening up, I headed to the dining hall and attacked the dal bhat thali that was served. With a sense of dejavu I remembered the many good meals served up by the chef and his team and by the end of that heavy meal I was reconfirmed in my belief that I was going to enjoy this trip.
I tried to remember things from my earlier visit and realised that not much had changed since my last visit 3 years ago. Kasara is a little paradise that naturally blends into its surroundings on the edge of the national park. Their 35 air-conditioned cottages offer every conceivable comfort and luxury while blending perfectly into the natural setting. Each cottage is spacious with a very comfortable bed, a private water garden courtyard, luxurious bathrooms and sit out area. The modern yet simple, elegant charm of these rooms ensures you have a very comfortable stay even when the humidity and rains are around.
While I had initially planned to just relax and enjoy the resort with its offerings of good food, comfortable stay and refreshing pool with a good book, I could not help being drawn in to the activities that the rest of the group was enjoying. I ended up not just doing the canoe, elephant and jeep safari but also walking through the jungle and bathing the elephants which is an activity everyone must experience.
The charm of Chitwan National Park is hard to resist. Teeming with wildlife, birds and reptiles one can never get enough of it. Each safari into the jungle is made with excitement and anticipation and the hope to spot even more wildlife.
Despite the humidity, Chitwan has a lot to offer in the monsoons. The jungle may be overgrown with tall grass, but the fresh smell of the jungle after a refreshing shower is something to experience. I could not resist the dense jungle with its different shades of green and gold foliage. There is something very exciting about being in the dense jungle that is so alive with sounds and smells, also the heat and humidity brings wildlife to the watering holes and to spot rhinos and other animals near the water does not need much luck.
The lodge runs safaris on elephant back and jeeps in the early mornings and late afternoons which conveniently leave the hottest part of the day free for a siesta or to lie around the perfect sized swimming pool. I have never believed in the seasonal bottleneck or off season. Chitwan like most of Nepal is a destination for all seasons and each season offers a different experience. It’s all a matter of perspective. And then again, it’s in these months that you will see more wildlife than tourist on jeeps in the national park. The fact that you can also get the best rates and ‘off season’ deals is another advantage you should exploit.
At Kasara it is all about discerning comfort, simple luxury and an amazing experience right in the heart of the jungle. With staff that are true professionals and waiting for any opportunity to make your trip memorable, I really felt like I was coming home to Kasara.
For more information:
Kasara Jungle Resort
Call : 980-1171127
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