The Enchanting Wilderness of Bharatpur in Chitwan, Nepal

• Helloनमस्कार
  [Namaskāra]
• Goodbyeछोडौं
  [Chōdaum]
• Yesहो
  [Ho]
• Noहोइन
  [Hōina]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [Kripyā]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [Dhanyavāda]
• Excuse me/Sorryक्षमा गर्नुहोस्
  [Kṣamā garnuhōs]
• How are you?तपाईंलाई कस्तो छ?
  [Tapā'īnlā'ī kastō cha?]
• Fine. And you?राम्रो छ। र तपाईं?
  [Rāmrō cha. ra tapā'ī?]
• Do you speak English?तपाईंले अंग्रेजी बोल्नुहुन्छ?
  [Tapā'īnlē aṅgrējī bōlnuhunchha?]
• I don't understandमैले सम्झिन
  [Mailē samjina]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनू हेर्न चाहन्छु
  [Kripyā mēnū hērn cāhanchu]
• I don't eat meatम भांसा खाँदिन
  [Ma bhānsā khā̃din]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [Ciyarsa!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया म भुक्तानी गर्न चाहन्छु
  [Kripyā ma bhuktānī garn cāhanchu]

• Help!मदद!
  [Madad!]
• Go away!जानुहोस्!
  [Jānuhōs!]
• Call the Police!प्रहरीलाई बोलाउनुहोस्!
  [Praharīlā'ī bōlā'unuhōs!]
• Call a doctor!डाक्टरलाई बोलाउनुहोस्!
  [Ḍākṭarlā'ī bōlā'unuhōs!]
• I'm lostम खोइयो
  [Ma khōiyō]
• I'm illम बिरामी छु
  [Ma birāmī chu]

• I'd like to buy...म खरिद गर्न चाहान्छु...
  [Ma kharid garn cāhānchu...]
• I'm just lookingम सामान हेरिरहेको छु
  [Ma sāmān hērirahēkō chu]
• How much is it?यो कति हो?
  [Yō kati hō?]
• That's too expensiveयो धेरै महँगो छ
  [Yō dhērai mahangō cha]
• Can you lower the price?के तपाईं मुल्य कम गर्न सक्नुहुन्छ?
  [Kē tapā'ī mulya kam garn saknuhunchha?]

• What time is it?कति बज्यो?
  [Kati bajyō?]
• It's one o'clockएक बज्यो
  [Ēka bajyō]
• Half past (10)दस बजे अर्को आधा
  [Das bajē arkō ādhā]
• Morningबिहान
  [Bihān]
• Afternoonदिउँसो
  [Di'um̐sō]
• Eveningसाँझ
  [Sām̐jha]
• Yesterdayहिजो
  [Hijō]
• Todayआज
  [Āja]
• Tomorrowभोलि
  [Bhōli]
• 1एक
  [Ēka]
• 2दुई
  [Dui]
• 3तीन
  [Tīn]
• 4चार
  [Cāra]
• 5पाँच
  [Pā̃ca]
• 6छ
  [Chha]
• 7सात
  [Sāta]
• 8आठ
  [Āṭha]
• 9नौ
  [Nau]
• 10दस
  [Das]

• Where's a/the...?कहाँ छ...?
  [Kahām̐ cha...?]
• What's the address?ठेगाना के छ?
  [Ṭhēgānā kē cha?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?तपाईंले मलाई देखाउन सक्छ?
  [Tapā'īnlē malā'ī dēkhā'un sakchha?]
• When's the next (bus)?अर्को (बस) कहिले जान्छ?
  [Arkō (bas) kahilē jānchha?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (लाई ....)
  [Ēka ṭikaṭa (lā'ī ....)]

Bharatpur's history can be traced back to early settlements along the banks of the Narayani River. It served as a crucial point for trade and cultural exchange between various ethnic groups in the region. The fertile land around Bharatpur allowed for agricultural prosperity, which attracted diverse communities that contributed to the area's rich cultural tapestry.

In 1997, Bharatpur was officially declared a municipality, marking a significant milestone in its administrative evolution. This transition sparked urban development and improved infrastructure, facilitating better connectivity and services for residents. The establishment of the municipality also played a pivotal role in promoting local governance and community engagement.

Bharatpur is strategically located near the Chitwan National Park, established in 1973 as Nepal's first national park. The proximity to this UNESCO World Heritage Site has made Bharatpur a vital gateway for eco-tourism and wildlife conservation efforts. The town's development as a tourism hub significantly contributed to the local economy and raised awareness about wildlife preservation.

During the Maoist insurgency in Nepal from the late 1990s to 2006, Bharatpur experienced significant social and political upheaval. The conflict affected local governance and disrupted daily life, leading to changes in community dynamics. However, the resolution of the conflict has since allowed for rebuilding and development, fostering a renewed sense of community and stability.

Bharatpur is known for its ethnic diversity, with various groups, including the Tharu, Brahmin, and Newar, coexisting in the area. This diversity is reflected in the local festivals, cuisine, and traditions, creating a vibrant cultural scene. Celebrations like Dashain and Tihar are marked with unique local customs, showcasing the rich heritage of the region.

Bharatpur is well-connected by road and air. The nearest airport is Bharatpur Airport, with domestic flights available from Kathmandu and Pokhara. From other neighbourhoods in Chitwan, such as Sauraha or Narayani, you can take a local bus or taxi, which typically takes about 30 minutes. For a more scenic route, consider a bicycle ride along the banks of the Narayani River.

Bharatpur is a compact city, and walking is an excellent way to explore. Local buses and microbuses operate regularly, connecting various parts of the city. Taxis are readily available, and for those looking for a more leisurely pace, bicycles can be rented from local shops. Be sure to negotiate fares with taxi drivers before starting your journey.

Bharatpur is generally safe for tourists, but it is advisable to stay vigilant, especially in crowded areas. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur, particularly near bus stations and markets. Avoid walking alone at night in less populated areas, and stay clear of the outskirts after dark.

In case of an emergency, dial 102 for police assistance, and 101 for fire services, or seek help from local authorities. Bharatpur has a few hospitals and clinics; however, for serious medical needs, it might be necessary to travel to larger cities like Kathmandu. Always ensure you have travel insurance that covers emergencies.

Fashion: Do wear light, comfortable clothing suitable for the warm climate, and always dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; it is customary to remove shoes before entering temples. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to the elderly or pregnant women. Don't engage in loud conversations on public transport. Greetings: Do greet with 'Namaste' and a slight bow. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods at street stalls, but ensure they are freshly prepared. Don’t drink tap water; always opt for bottled water.

To experience Bharatpur like a local, visit the bustling local markets for fresh produce and local handicrafts. Engage in conversations with shopkeepers and locals, who are often friendly and eager to share their stories. Don't miss out on the Chitwan National Park for wildlife viewing, and consider joining a guided tour for a more informative experience. Visit the local tea houses to enjoy traditional Nepali tea and snacks while interacting with residents.