Meghauli Serai by Taj Safaris is a luxury safari lodge, set at the edge of Chitwan National Park, south-central Nepal. Although Nepal is known more for its high peaks and valleys, there is a well-conserved tract of the Terai lowlands in the south of the country. It is where the East Rapti River flows, forming the northern border of Chitwan National Park, home to a wide variety of wildlife and rich birdlife. Meghauli Serai offers a fresh perspective on this park and its population of Indian rhinos.
Situated on a wide expanse of the Rapti River floodplain, Meghauli Serai offers 29 rooms and villas. The lodge architecture is inspired by local Tharu tribal homes: thatched roofs and mud walls; pebbled footpaths bordered by terracotta pots. The bar and restaurant display minimalist chic décor with dark wood furniture, woven baskets and tribal masks. And, the lobby frames an infinity pool that looks over the jungle. There is also a library with a small collection of books.
Chitwan conservation area is one of the best places to spot the Indian rhino, and, if you’re lucky, leopards and Bengal tigers. Meghauli Serai has a joint venture with Taj Safaris and &Beyond ensuring you have the best of cuisine and guides. Experiences include wading through its tall grass on an elephant and jeep safaris through its riverine forest. Bird-watchers may see many of the astounding 550 native bird species, including the Great Hornbill, Ruddy Shelduck and Pied Kingfisher.
Amenities
24hr Room ServiceBar/PubConciergeCribs/Infant Beds AvailableFitness CentreGardenMultilingual StaffOutdoor PoolRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesSpa/SaunaWi-Fi AvailableStay Meghauli Serai in Chitwan Park has 29 rooms and villas. The 13 rooms have large balconies that boast outstanding views of the Terai grasslands and the Rapti River, while 16 villas and the plush Rapti Mahal presidential suite have their own private plunge pools. The design is a mix of local Tharu house architecture incorporating thatched roofs and Newari handicrafts. Ensuite bathrooms have twin vanities, a claw-footed bathtub, a large rain shower and an outdoor shower.
ChildCare Families with children are welcome to stay at Meghauli Serai, but there are no specific facilities available for children. Babysitting service can be arranged, on request.
Dine Dining options at Meghauli Serai are supervised by a team of Taj chefs who specialises in traditional Newari and Tharu cuisine as well as western cuisines. Pre-game drive breakfast is western in style while lunches are typically continental but dinners are a grand Nepali fare with about 70 types of local lentils, vegetables and non-veg dishes. Evening meals are mostly served under the stars in the balmy weather. Romantic candlelit dinners can be served on a deck right next to the river.
Relax Facilities at the Meghauli Serai include the main infinity swimming pool, lounge and deck dining area with views of the Rapti River. There is a private machan for wildlife spotting and plenty of spaces with comfortable seating within the lodge to relax. There is no spa, but the Taj’s signature Jiva spa therapies are available in rooms or massage huts and the fitness centre has all the usual accoutrements. Alternatively, guests can take leisurely walks in the surrounds.
Experience Chitwan National Park is known for its biodiversity and its three most prominent inhabitants; one-horned Indian rhinoceros, gharial river crocodile and the Bengal Tiger. Meghauli Serai offers unique experiences through its three habitats; elephant safaris through its grasslands, boat rides on the crocodile infested Rapti River, jeep safari through its e riverine forest and bush walks. But the best activity on offer is getting into the shallow river to give Anjali the elephant a bath.
Location Meghauli Serai is located in Chitwan National Park to the south of Nepal.
Getting there Meghauli is easily accessible from Kathmandu by road or by a short 20-minute flight from Kathmandu to Bharatpur airport, followed by a 45-minute drive to Meghauli Serai Jungle Lodge in Chitwan National Park. You can also drive from Pokhara (5-hours) or Kathmandu (8-hours). Alternatively, you can tie it together with rafting along the Seti River, the town of Bandipur or more remote hotels in Nepal.
When to go Nepal has a Monsoonal climate with four main seasons. Autumn and spring are the two most favourable seasons for visiting Nepal. Autumn (September to early December) brings in clear weather with sunny days and warm nights. Spring (March to May) with occasional rain falls. From June to September, is the monsoon season. Uncomfortable time to visit as the climate of Nepal at this time of year brings about hot weather and rain falls almost every day.
Destination
Central, Nepal
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