Forest Hideaway Hotel & Cottages was
founded in 1992 and is presently Nepali
owned. Due to the extensive experience
of the management and the dedicated work
of the staff Forest Hideaway has an
unmatched reputation, both at home and
abroad, as a well-run establishment.
Additionally the Forest Hideaway team
has the knowledge and facilities to
offer you top quality advice and travel
planning.
Forest Hideaway Hotel & Cottages has
been committed to the provision of
quality service ever since its
establishment. It is certified and
approved by the Department of Tourism,
Nepal.
Forest Hideaway offers friendly and
efficient services to you as our
customer. Transport can be arranged
using our own drivers and cars. Our
local guides are multi-lingual and have
extensive training and experience in
eco-friendly tourist practice in and
around the park. We also have the
facilities to offer computerised air
ticketing and hotel booking world-wide.
City tours of the Kathmandu valley with
knowledgeable guides can be organised.
In fact we cater for all your travel
plans and arrangements throughout Nepal
including white-water rafting, mountain
trekking, jungle safaris and even
package tours of Tibet!
Tharu Styla
Resort
Known as ‘Tharu’, the indigenous people
of the western lowlands of Nepal live in
close harmony with nature. The local
community depends on the forest and
rivers for their survival and livelihood
and still lives as they have done for
generations. In keeping with this rural
way of life, Forest Hideaway provides
accommodation from budget to deluxe, in
traditional clay and timber cottages
with grass thatch roofing and indigenous
décor.
The hotel contains a library, bar and
restaurant offering a set buffet or
appetizing a la carte menu. All this is
situated within a beautiful garden.
Forest Hideaway Hotel & Cottages
provides a relaxed setting from which to
explore the pristine conservation area
that is Royal Bardia National Park.
Electricity has not yet reached Bardia –
kerosene lamps are used for lighting and
solar power is utilized to heat the
water during the day and hot water
bottles at night. Recently, however, a
generator has been added to the
facilities which, when required, can add
extra warmth and electricity to the
hotel. Primarily this electricity is
provided for battery charging facilities
and the inclusion of a television for
wildlife presentations.
Positive
Tourism
Forest Hideaway endeavors to pass on the
positives of tourism to the local Tharu
community. The majority of the staff are
from the surrounding villages, a third
of whom have received formal certified
training prior to employment. Local
tradesmen are employed on an ad hoc
basis and many local products are used
in the resort
where possible.
Essential Facts
WHERE are we? – Forest Hideaway is
situated in the western lowland area of
Nepal in Thakurdwara village on the
peripheries of Royal Bardia National
Park.
Services & Facilities
Our Activities
Forest Hideaway offers walking, jeep and
elephant back safaris as well as rafting
trips on the Karnali River. We also have
a full range of cultural tours to be
enjoyed. Forest Hideaway provides the
visitor with access to a selection of
programs and tours geared at you
enjoying all aspects of the surrounding
natural wonderland.
Elephant Back
Safari
Royal Bardia National Park is serviced
by well looked after domestic elephants.
These fearless, majestic animals provide
the safest and most convenient method of
transport within the park. Due to their
nature you can move around within the
tall grasslands and dense jungle and
still demand an impressive view. Hence,
Elephant back safaris are ideal for
viewing the extensive flora and fauna
the park has to offer.
Jungle Walks
Jungle walks are for the more ‘hands on’
naturalist. These walks allow the
explorer to move with minimal
disturbance from one ecosystem to the
next. This makes the jungle walk the
best for seeing wildlife and brings you
very close to nature at its best.
Additionally your guide can give you
in-depth information on the habitats you
pass through, details of the plant life
you encounter and general tracking tips.
Jeep Safaris
Jeep safari is the fastest way to see
the park, allowing for journeys deep
into the jungle. You visit some of the
best viewing towers and areas within the
park boundaries. We will take you
off-road in a four-wheel drive vehicle
for an unforgettable safari experience.
Karnali Rafting
Trips
An early morning 30 km drive by jeep
will drop you by the Karnali River. This
is followed by a serene all day raft
down the gentle Karnali. The rafting
journey allows you to spot much
wildlife, especially the endangered
freshwater Gangetic Dolphin, the Gharial
Crocodile, exotic birds and big game on
the nearby river banks. Swimming is also
possible and sometimes even the dolphins
may join you! Some stretches of white
water can be included for the more
adventurous.
Bird Watching
Excursions
These specialist tours are aimed at
exploring the community forest, river
habitats and open water areas. These
areas are inhabited by many varieties of
birds. Bird watching is most often
performed on foot for the least
disturbance, but a jeep safari is
sometimes preferable. Our specially
trained guides can help identify the
different
variety of birds encountered,
be they resident or migratory.
Cultural
Program
The cultural program is essentially a
dance and festival session performed by
local Tharu dance troupes and is a
highlight of any visit to Forest
Hideaway. The performance of colorful
dance exposes you to traditional
costumes, practice and music providing a
captivating spectacle for one and all.
Tharu Village
Visit
This tour provides a window into local
Tharu life. These friendly, yet
non-intrusive visits are all conducted
in the local community. The Tharu have a
distinctive building style,
characterized by the use of straw, wood
and clay to construct traditional
housing. These peaceful villages are
truly a beautiful and relaxing sight to
behold, which we recommend to everyone
who visits the Bardia area.
Bicycle Hire
At Forest Hideaway we offer you mountain
bikes to venture out into the local
community, either alone or accompanied
by a guide. You can discover the beauty
of Bardia and the culture of the Tharu.
Specialist tours can be arranged for you
upon arrival. Specialist tours are aimed
at particular habitats or types of
wildlife. For example, a popular choice
is a Black Buck Antelope Tour or a
prolonged three-day deep jungle trek.
Please do not hesitate to contact us for
any further details or information on
our available activities.
Introduction
where possible.
variety of birds encountered,
be they resident or migratory.