Chitwan: The Wilderness of Nepal

• Helloनमस्ते
  [namaste]
• Goodbyeछोडौं
  [chhodau]
• Yesहो
  [ho]
• Noहोइन
  [hoin]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [kripya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [dhanyabad]
• Excuse me/Sorryमाफ गर्नुहोस्
  [maaf garnuhos]
• How are you?तपाइलाई संग छ?
  [tapailai sang cha?]
• Fine. And you?राम्रो छ। र तपाईं?
  [ramro cha. ra tapai?]
• Do you speak English?तपाईं अंग्रेजी बोल्नुहुन्छ?
  [tapai angreji bolnuhuncha?]
• I don't understandमलाई सम्झिन्छैन
  [malai samjhinchain]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनु हेर्न चाहन्छु
  [kripya menu hern chahanchu]
• I don't eat meatम भांसा खाँदिन
  [ma bhasa khandin]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [chiyars!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया भुक्तानी गर्न चाहन्छु
  [kripya bhuktani garn chahanchu]

• Help!मद्दत गर्नुहोस्!
  [maddat garnuhos!]
• Go away!जाओ!
  [jao!]
• Call the Police!पोलिस बोलाउनुहोस्!
  [polis bolaunuhos!]
• Call a doctor!डाक्टरलाई बोलाउनुहोस्!
  [daktar lai bolaunuhos!]
• I'm lostमलाई हरायो
  [malai harayo]
• I'm illमलाई रोग लागेको छ
  [malai rog lageko cha]

• I'd like to buy...म खरीद गर्न चाहन्छु...
  [ma khareed garn chahanchu...]
• I'm just lookingम सिर्जना गर्न गएको छु
  [ma sirjana garn gaeko chu]
• How much is it?यसको मूल्य कति हो?
  [yasko mulya kati ho?]
• That's too expensiveत्यो धेरै महँगो छ
  [tyo dherai mahango cha]
• Can you lower the price?के तपाईं मूल्य कम गर्न सक्नुहुन्छ?
  [ke tapai mulya kam garn saknuhuncha?]

• What time is it?कति बजेको छ?
  [kati bajeko cha?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे भएको छ
  [ek baje bhaeko cha]
• Half past (10)दस बजे देखि अर्ध घण्टा भएको छ
  [das baje dekhi ardha ghanta bhaeko cha]
• Morningबिहान
  [bihan]
• Afternoonदिउँसो
  [diunso]
• Eveningसाँझ
  [sanh]
• Yesterdayहिजो
  [hijo]
• Todayआज
  [aaj]
• Tomorrowभोलि
  [bholi]
• 1एक
  [ek]
• 2दुई
  [dui]
• 3तीन
  [tin]
• 4चार
  [char]
• 5पाँच
  [paanch]
• 6छ
  [chha]
• 7सात
  [saat]
• 8आठ
  [aath]
• 9नौ
  [nau]
• 10दस
  [das]

• Where's a/the...?...कहाँ छ?
  [...kaha cha?]
• What's the address?ठेगाना के हो?
  [thegana ke ho?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?के तपाईं मलाई देखाउन सक्नुहुन्छ (नक्सामा)?
  [ke tapai malai dekhaun saknuhuncha (naksama)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अर्को (बस) कहाँ आउँछ?
  [arko (bas) kaha aauncha?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (.... लाई)
  [ek ticket (.... lai)]

Chitwan, nestled in the Terai lowlands of Nepal, has a rich history of early human settlement. The region has been home to indigenous Tharu people for centuries, who have adapted their lifestyles to the dense forests and the floodplains of the Narayani River. The Tharu community is known for their unique culture, including traditional dances, crafts, and their resistance to malaria, which once plagued the region.

During the 18th century, Chitwan came under the control of the Shah Dynasty, which unified Nepal. The dense forests of Chitwan served as a royal hunting ground for the ruling elites. The Chitwan Valley was sparsely populated, and the forests were teeming with wildlife, making it an ideal location for royal hunting expeditions.

In the mid-20th century, the Nepalese government, with assistance from international organizations, launched a successful campaign to eradicate malaria from the Chitwan Valley. This effort transformed Chitwan, making it accessible for settlement and agriculture. The Rapti Valley Development Project facilitated the migration of people from the hilly regions to Chitwan, significantly altering the demographic and cultural landscape.

In 1973, Chitwan National Park was established as Nepal’s first national park, recognizing the need to protect the region's unique biodiversity. The park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, covers 932 square kilometers and is home to numerous endangered species, including the Bengal tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, and gharial crocodile. The establishment of the park has also helped preserve the traditional lifestyles of the indigenous Tharu people.

Chitwan is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from various ethnic groups, including the Tharu, Brahmin, Chhetri, and others. The region is known for its vibrant festivals such as Maghi, celebrated by the Tharu community to mark the New Year, and Chhath, a significant festival dedicated to the Sun God. These festivals are marked by elaborate rituals, traditional music, and dances, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Chitwan.

In recent decades, Chitwan has emerged as a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its rich wildlife, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. The development of tourism infrastructure, including lodges, safari tours, and cultural programs, has provided economic opportunities for the local population. However, it has also posed challenges in balancing conservation efforts with the demands of tourism.

Chitwan is located in the southwestern part of Nepal. The nearest major airport is Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, approximately 160 kilometers away. From Kathmandu, you can take a domestic flight to Bharatpur, which is just 10 kilometers from Chitwan. Alternatively, you can travel by bus or private car from Kathmandu to Chitwan, a journey that typically takes 5 to 6 hours by road. There are also direct bus services from Pokhara to Chitwan, which take around 4 to 5 hours.

Within Chitwan, local transportation options include rickshaws, taxis, and bicycles. For exploring the Chitwan National Park, guided jeep safaris, canoe rides, and elephant rides are popular choices. Additionally, some hotels and lodges offer shuttle services to major attractions. Renting a bicycle is a convenient and eco-friendly way to explore the town and nearby areas at your own pace.

The official currency in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). While credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops, it is advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Chitwan, but it's wise to withdraw sufficient cash before heading to remote locations. Currency exchange services are also available in major towns.

Chitwan is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is advisable to take standard precautions such as avoiding walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Be cautious when dealing with street vendors and ensure you are using registered guides and services. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 100 for police assistance or 102 for medical emergencies. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Chitwan. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. Additionally, many hotels have contact information for local doctors and emergency services.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes before entering temples and religious sites. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a 'Namaste' (a slight bow with palms pressed together). Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Chitwan like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Nepalese goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the Chitwan National Park for wildlife safaris and bird watching. For a unique experience, take a canoe ride on the Rapti River and enjoy the serene natural beauty of the region.