More exploration of Chitwan
Nepal day six
31.10.2022 - 31.10.2022
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Nepal 2022
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Morning on the Narayani River
We had the luxury of a later start today, and slept better too, so I was more than ready for our outing at 8.00. The plan was to have another boat ride to see the river in a different light. But first Danny proposed a short drive into the park in the jeep. We didn't see as much wildlife as yesterday (no rhinos!) but there were peacocks, a black stork, spotted deer and a troop of lively rhesus monkeys.
Peacock
Rhesus monkey
The boat ride was as tranquil as before but the landscape did as we'd hoped look different. There was still some mist over the trees on the far bank, making it look slightly mystical. And when it came to photos, I was most taken by the shapes of the dead trees that had once been swept up by the currents but now lay abandoned on the river bed or on tiny pebble islands.
Morning on the Narayani River
Our only wildlife sightings were two gaurial crocodiles (one in the water, one on the shore) and an ibis. That didn't matter, this trip was all about the journey.
Gharial
Gharial and local
On the way back to the lodge in the jeep we watched the activity in the fields. Farming here is still very unmechanised, with planting, harvesting etc all done by hand.
In the fields near the lodge
Local shop
After another generous and tasty lunch, including chicken satay, we had a more leisurely afternoon than of late, with a refreshing swim in the pool and time to catch up on photo sorting, notes etc. I also took a few photos around the grounds.
Rufous treepie
A phanera I think
But we weren't going to miss our sundowners by the river, so we went down by jeep around 4.00. We had possibly the prettiest sunset of all, and four elephants came down to bathe.
Elephants at sunset
Local boatmen
Our final Narayani River sunset
Back at the lodge we had a bit of time to freshen up, then joined some of the other guests for a drink around the fire that had been lit in the communal area fire pit, for the first time during our stay. Dinner followed the usual pattern here of soup, Western style mains (tonight chicken, but with a hot spicy sauce on the side) and cake for dessert.
At bed time we reflected on the excellent days we had spent here, but I confess also celebrated the fact that this would be our last night in this rather damp tent. Tomorrow would be time to move on again.
Posted by ToonSarah 15:43 Archived in Nepal Tagged people boats monkeys sunset elephants river safari nepal
The sunsets are spectacular and I am sure getting to see those elephants was fun. I really liked the food in Nepal, so every time you mention your meals, you make me hungry.
by irenevt