Day 21: Sun. Oct.27th:
Pokhara to Sauraha in the Terai
Up early to catch the bus to the Chitwan. Waiting for the bus, the hotel manager approached us about the broken toilet as if he expected us to pay for it. Said it would cost 2000 rs. to repair. [Ram told us when he came there on his next trek he was asked to pay for it too 3900 rs.] Of course he didn't pay it. He told the hotel manger those women where like his own mother, not someone who would break a toilet by being careless.
What a ride. Bumpy with many buses on road, people and cows. After Dumre, the roads were better, lots of curves and hills. Turned at Mugling to come to the Chitwan. Stopped twice to eat. Tout [14 year old boy] came on bus to solicit customers for the "Crocodile Safari Camp".
When we got off the bus it was similar to Kathmandu airport. Everyone wanting you to come stay at their place.. Got in a jeep with 5 young guys and had a wild ride to the Crocodile lodge which turned out to be quite nice. We stayed there for 2 nights. 300 rs per night. Double room with cold water shower and regular toilets. They have only had electricity here for 3 months. Nice grounds, shrubs and flowers. There were cabins with two units in each. verandah in front of room . Very relaxing.
Made plans with the manager for tours to the park. You cannot enter the park without a guide. First afternoon went for a jungle walk. Crossed over the Rapti river in a big canoe with other people to get to the park. Saw deer and monkeys. Just as glad we didn't run into a tiger or a rhinoceros. We could not go into the grasslands as the grass was very tall and could not see a rhino until you would be on top of it. Dangerous animals. Guide from the guide service. The park allowed the natives [Tharu's] to go into the park and cut the grass for thatch for their houses once a year.
At dinner we could hear music and were told there was dancing going on. Too late to go see them. Young guys working here sat around and talked to us. Part of there jobs I think to amuse the tourists.
Good sleep until 3 am when those roosters started crowing.
 Home | Previous | Next |