Sauraha: Gateway to Chitwan's Wilderness

• Helloनमस्ते
  [namaste]
• Goodbyeछोडी दिनुहोस्
  [chhodi dinuhos]
• Yesहो
  [ho]
• Noहोइन
  [hoin]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [krupaya]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [dhanyabad]
• Excuse me/Sorryक्षमा गर्नुहोस्
  [kshama garnuhos]
• How are you?तिमीलाई कस्तो छ?
  [timilai kasto cha]
• Fine. And you?राम्रो छ। तिमीलाई?
  [ramro cha. timilai?]
• Do you speak English?तिमी अंग्रेजी बोल्नुहुन्छ?
  [timi angreji bolnuhunchha]
• I don't understandम कुरा सम्झिन
  [ma kura samjhina]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनु हेर्न चाहन्छु
  [krupaya menu hern chahanchu]
• I don't eat meatम मासु खाँदिन
  [ma masu khandin]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [chiyars]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया म सेवा गर्न चाहन्छु
  [krupaya ma seva garn chahanchu]

• Help!मद्दत!
  [maddat]
• Go away!ओर्को जाओ!
  [orko jao]
• Call the Police!पुलिसलाई बोलाउनुहोस्!
  [polis lai bolaunuhos]
• Call a doctor!डाक्टरलाई बोलाउनुहोस्!
  [daktar lai bolaunuhos]
• I'm lostम हराएको छु
  [ma haraeko chu]
• I'm illम बिमार छु
  [ma bimar chu]

• I'd like to buy...म खरिद गर्न चाहन्छु...
  [ma kharid garn chahanchu]
• I'm just lookingम सिर्जना गर्दैछु
  [ma sirjana gardaichu]
• How much is it?यसको मूल्य कति हो?
  [yasko mulya kati ho]
• That's too expensiveयो धेरै महँगो छ
  [yo dherai mahango cha]
• Can you lower the price?के तपाईं मूल्य कम गर्न सक्छन्?
  [ke tapai mulya kam garn sakchan]

• What time is it?कति बजे भयो?
  [kati baje bhayo]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे भयो
  [ek baje bhayo]
• Half past (10)दस जना पछि
  [das jana pachi]
• Morningबिहान
  [bihan]
• Afternoonदिउँसो
  [diunso]
• Eveningसाँझ
  [sanh]
• Yesterdayहिजो
  [hijo]
• Todayआज
  [aaj]
• Tomorrowभोलि
  [bholi]
• 1एक
  [ek]
• 2दुई
  [dui]
• 3तीन
  [tin]
• 4चार
  [char]
• 5पाँच
  [panch]
• 6छ
  [chha]
• 7सात
  [sat]
• 8आठ
  [aath]
• 9नौ
  [nau]
• 10दस
  [das]

• Where's a/the...?यहाँ... कहाँ छ?
  [yaha... kaha cha]
• What's the address?ठेगाना के हो?
  [thegana ke ho]
• Can you show me (on the map)?तपाईंले मलाई देखाउन सक्नुहुन्छ?
  [tapainle malai dekhaun saknuhunchha]
• When's the next (bus)?अर्को (बस) कहिले हो?
  [arko (bas) kahile ho]
• A ticket (to ....)एक काठमान्धौं तिर...
  [ek kathamandu tir...]

Sauraha's history begins with its early settlements, primarily inhabited by the indigenous Tharu people. The Tharu community has a rich agricultural tradition, relying on the fertile land along the banks of the Rapti River. Their unique culture, characterized by distinct festivals, music, and dance, has persisted through the centuries, showcasing their connection to the land.

In the late 20th century, Sauraha began to evolve as a key tourist destination, primarily due to its proximity to Chitwan National Park, established in 1973. As awareness of the park's biodiversity grew, Sauraha became the gateway for visitors seeking to explore the rich wildlife, including the one-horned rhinoceros and Bengal tiger, which significantly impacted the local economy and culture.

The influx of tourists has led to a fusion of cultures in Sauraha, blending Tharu traditions with influences from various nationalities. Local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and tour operators, have emerged, creating job opportunities and fostering community development. Initiatives to preserve Tharu culture, such as traditional dance performances and handicraft exhibitions, have also gained prominence.

With the growth of tourism, Sauraha has become a focal point for conservation efforts within Chitwan National Park. Various organizations have worked to promote sustainable tourism practices, ensuring that the ecological integrity of the region is preserved while providing educational experiences for visitors. The balance between tourism and conservation remains a critical aspect of Sauraha's development.

Today, Sauraha stands as a vibrant cultural hub, where traditional Tharu life coexists with modern tourism. The annual Tharu Festival celebrates the community's heritage, drawing both locals and tourists. This event, along with various other cultural activities, underscores the importance of Sauraha not just as a gateway to nature, but also as a living testament to the resilience and richness of Tharu culture.

Sauraha is easily accessible from various locations within Chitwan National Park. The nearest major city is Bharatpur, approximately 15 kilometers away. You can take a taxi or a local bus from Bharatpur to Sauraha, with the journey taking around 30 minutes. Alternatively, if you are coming from Pokhara or Kathmandu, long-distance buses regularly operate to Bharatpur, from which you can transfer to a local vehicle to reach Sauraha.

Sauraha is a small, walkable village, making it easy to explore on foot. For longer distances, bicycles can be rented from local shops, offering a fun way to see the surrounding areas. Local taxis and rickshaws are also available for transport. Be mindful that there are no train services in Sauraha; the primary means of transport are road-based.

Sauraha is generally safe for tourists, but it's advisable to take common precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas, and be cautious with your belongings, especially in crowded places. Petty theft can occur, particularly around tourist hotspots. Always stay vigilant and be aware of your surroundings, although there are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists.

In case of emergencies, you can dial 102 for police assistance and 101 for fire services in Nepal. The nearest hospital is in Bharatpur, about 15 kilometers away. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies in Sauraha offer over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions; it's advisable to cover your head when entering temples. Public Transport: Do be courteous; offer your seat to the elderly. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a polite 'Namaste'. Eating & Drinking: Do try local food and accept hospitality graciously. Don’t refuse food offerings, as this can be seen as impolite.

To experience Sauraha like a local, visit the vibrant Tharu Village nearby to learn about traditional Tharu culture, including their dances and crafts. Engage with local shopkeepers and participate in community activities if possible. Don't miss the chance to enjoy a canoe ride in the Rapti River for a unique perspective of the area and its wildlife, and always negotiate prices politely when shopping in local markets.