Barahi Jungle Lodge

The heart of Barahi revolves around a wonderfully organic open-sided restaurant made entirely from local bamboo and polished stone. Even the bamboo poolside loungers and wooden dining furniture are a testament to local craftsmanship. Outside, that magnificent pool stretches out towards the river, complete with a swim-up bar that stays open until midnight. Every evening, the grounds come alive with traditional Tharu and Kumal dance performances, while the spa quietly works its Ayurvedic magic complete with a secluded Jacuzzi for post-safari soaks.

Scattered across the grounds in 18 single and eight duplex thatched cottages, each room opens onto a private balcony where morning chai tastes better with the sounds of the jungle. Inside, local wood and bamboo create naturally cool spaces backed up by excellent air-conditioning, while the stone-carved bathrooms have deep tubs and their signature showers, and the cloud-like beds face out towards parkland or jungle. Six interconnecting units work brilliantly for families, though everyone gets the same rustic-luxe treatment with minibars and flatscreens.

Dawn jeep safaris into the buffer zones reveal rhinos with their babies grazing only metres away, while river safaris drift past crocodiles sunning themselves on the mudbanks. The naturalists here don't just know Chitwan, but have grown up in these forests, leading walking safaris where tiger pugmarks in the mud quicken pulses. Surprise bush breakfasts appear in clearings and sunset boat rides come complete with champagne. On land, village walks unveil Tharu culture and mountain bikes tackle the tangled jungle paths.