Chitwan luxury lodge accommodation, Nepal

Established before the existence of Chitwan National Park, our venture, its management and staff played a key role in the introduction of the rules and regulations which now govern our special habitat and which have set the foundations for the success of the park’s conservation policies. We continue to work hand-in-hand with the park authorities, army (tasked with guarding the park) and all the leading conservation charities to promote and develop Chitwan as an example of effective conservation underpinned with responsible and sustainable conservation tourism.

The relentless hard work of both our lodge and ITNC has reduced poaching numbers in the area dramatically. We do rely on the continued support of our guests for this success to continue. Notwithstanding the successes of the anti-poaching partnership of ITNC and the park authorities, we continue to monitor its operating area closely at all times.

Our resident expert local naturalists’ work is monitoring the diverse life-forms in Chitwan and maintaining sighting records of key species for bio-diversity monitoring. We provide essential logistic support to the park authorities such as elephants and vehicles for anti-poaching operations.

Conservation aside, we go to great lengths to ensure that the local peoples are not merely spectators of Nepal’s flourishing tourist industry. We employ 170 full-time staff, almost all of whom live in the local villages, which helps keep employment levels in the local Chitwan area high. In peak season, we even contract more help from the local area allowing more local people to be involved. Beyond the obvious financial benefits and social stability this employment provides; we run training programs covering broad sets of skills, which although mainly focused on preparing the staff to deliver the high standard of service we expect, stand them in good stead for employment opportunities elsewhere. Along with the direct benefits and training that our staff receive, our organisation, through funding and guidance, has played a huge role in the establishment of schools and medical centres in the local area. These centres offer services to those who couldn’t otherwise afford them, allowing many people to have the chance to use and benefit from essential services that so many of us take for granted.

The emphasis in our staff training is on the provision of a two-way education: an education for our guests who have enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides at their side during their Chitwan adventure and of course an education for the staff themselves; who learn more about methods of continuing the sustainable tourism practices that will allow future generations to enjoy the wild yet fragile ecosystem of Chitwan National Park.

All waste materials will be collected, sorted and re-cycled through kawarri contracts. For the tented camp, non bio-degradable material will be sent to the jungle lodge. Biodegradable material will be burnt & buried in accordance with these rules until the proposed incinerator at Meghauli garage is in operation in late 2000, early 2001. Only bio-degradable waste for burning / burial. No plastic to be burnt. Any waste material not accepted by the kawarris will be removed from the park and disposed of in accordance with best available environmental practice. Burial pits will be a minimum of 8 feet deep and will be filled only to 6 feet, subject to the prevailing water table. Quicklime and stone will be applied for 6 inches then 18 inches earth will cover.

All black water (sewerage) will drain into septic tanks. All grey water (showers, hand basins, kitchen & pantry sinks, etc.) will drain into septic tanks or soak away pits as appropriate. These will all be located to avoid pollution of surface watercourses, wells, etc. All soaps will be natural and environmentally bio-degradable. Limited use of environmentally appropriate bleaching powder (sodium percarbonate) at minimum concentrations for efficacy is permitted for hygiene specific use (kitchens and medical). Sodium carbonate (washing soda) and sodium bi-carbonate (baking powder) will be used for domestic cleaning.

The objective of all wildlife activities is to show guests the magnificent flora and fauna of Chitwan. As a guiding principle, all activities should be designed and conducted with the concept of minimum impact. Thus jungle walks and ground machans have a lesser impact than jungle drives. These policies and rules must be understood to be guidelines to achieve the objective of good wildlife sighting with minimum impact and without unnecessary disturbance of wildlife. It has to be appreciated that, both due to the nature of the habitat and the wide variation in animal response even within a single species, the guidelines detailed below may be broken inadvertently. Safaris will aim, as far as possible, to stay within the distances noted.

Safaris will rotate between sectors and between east and west designated sectors to avoid disturbing any one area too much. All safaris will be conducted in such a way as to avoid undue disturbance to wildlife. Generally, not more than 5 elephants will go on a safari in any one area.

The Subedhar / Rawat is in charge of elephant safaris and his word is binding. The senior naturalist present may advise the Subedhar / Rawat regarding disturbance to wildlife. No encircling, driving, over-disturbance of any tiger. No chasing of any tiger. The emphasis of showing guests a tiger must not be taken to the extent that the animal is disturbed by being held-up pending the arrival of other elephants / vehicles. When showing a tiger at a kill site, or elsewhere, the elephants will aim to maintain at least 30 metres distance. Individual elephants may approach closer at the discretion of the Subedhar / Rawat in charge and only one at a time. No deliberate encircling or driving of any animal is permitted. Particular care and sensitivity to be used when approaching animals with young. Approach to any animal should be such as to avoid disturbance to the animal. Animals that are more sensitive should be given greater distance. On average, a minimum proximity distance of 40 metres should be maintained wherever possible.