So glad to have chosen this Taj experience for my 60th birthday celebration. The location is so serene and idyllic; on the expansive banks of River Rapti with the other side of the bank being the Chitwan National Park. The big warm thoughtful in every way cottages open out to the river bank. The lobby and restaurant give such a infinitive view through the day. The hospitality reeked of Taj hospitality culture. Rupa and team from the front office made us feel like we are coming to a home away from home, right from the booking to the end of the stay, navigating us through the busy safari days as well as the inclement weather dependent arrival and departure with great care and sensitivity. Chef Hitendranath and team made sure that we were fueled with the right and conscious foods throughout out our stay, especially given our special dietary needs. They did an excellent job for the year end, as well as with the local Tharu cuisine. Our server Chitra eagerly looked after our minutest special needs. The head Naturalist Pradip and our Naturalist Maan, brought us wild life experiences that we will always remember through our life. Chitwan gave us sights of Tigers, Rhino near encounters, and very rare baby Ghariyal with Mom. Safari cruises at the times we preferred, boat cruise to sync up with year end sunset are all indelibly etched in our memories. The year end party was also exquisitely managed, with a sophisticated musical band and sitting layouts that did not intrude on each other, despite being full house for the night. Last but not the list, 15 of them gave a wonderful surprise by being there to cut my birthday cake. GM Benny and the whole team, thank you so much for giving us such a caring, hospitable memorable time for our very special occasion.

We booked for 3 nights and ended up staying for 4. A big thanks to Binny and the team for a memorable NYE stay. Food overall was great and well presented, only suggestion is to change the menu for lunches for people who stay over a certain duration. The NYE dinner was amazing – so much variety and well presented. So lovely to see silver service again – nice touch. My husband was very impressed with the Japanese food – Sushi was great. For outside dining (especially for December/January) be prepared for a cold night – bring warm clothes. Thankyou Robin for looking after us in the restaurant – always remembered what we liked to drink. Alcohol is expensive and we found even house wine over priced. Getting to the lodge - The trip from Kathmandu to Chitwan (dependant on time of year) can be hit/miss ie. air flights get delayed or cancelled due to weather – especially in December, so have a ‘plan b’ if the flights get changed. The road from the local airport to lodge is mainly open road so have your transfers booked through the lodge for a more comfortable ride. Safaris – Thanks Asbin for your knowledge and insights into the animals in Chitwan whilst on our drives. We saw deer, tigers, rhino, peacocks, monkeys, crocs and while bore and lots of birds. We have done many African safaris – so this was a first Nepalese safari, especially seeing the tiger so close. To see animals in Chitwan, you need to be patient and do more than one safari. Safaris are quite expensive (in comparison to others we have done) and additional to room fee, so suggest you budget accordingly. Would not suggest early morning safaris due to the fog - doesnt start to lift until about 11am. Accommodation – we had a one-bedroom villa on the river front, which was well presented, quiet and also close to the main lodge. During December, it can get cold, so air cons warm up the room and bathroom. I would highly recommend a visit to this lodge but be prepared for the air or road trip – not always easy in Nepal to get to places due to traffic or weather.

This hotel is utter perfection. But the staff are what really brings it to life. We stayed here for a few magical days. But really that wasn’t long enough to do this special place justice. This small boutique hotel is nestled on the edge of the park. All of the rooms have incredible views. They are clean and beautifully decked out. We were lucky enough to receive a room upgrade (thank you). Upon arrival all the staff come to greet you. Nothing is too much trouble for them. We went on game drives, where we were lucky enough to see a rhino & baby and even a tiger. These naturalists really know the park and are experts in their field. Every evening the team prepared a special meal for us in various locations across the hotel. It was my husbands birthday while we were there and they utterly spoiled him with decorations (thanks Prabita)and even a cake. Sadly our trip was cut short due to the corona issues at home. And the staff yet again were amazing. They supported us in the best ways possible, holding and rearranging flights. They went above and beyond for us and we are truly grateful. (We made the flight- thank you)!!! We are lucky enough to have travelled to many parts of the world. But never in my life have I cried as I departed. The kindness of the staff here are a credit to the Taj brand. I hope these special employees are supported through these difficult times ahead so many more people (including us again) get enjoy their hospitality in this breathtaking place.