Sauraha
On elephant back, I set off into the national park, and what a great
way to see this area. (I subsequently discovered the brutal business
of elephant training, and I vowed never to take an elephant ride
again.) That said, the deer and other animals seemed unperturbed by
the elephants strolling about. The park permit was valid the entire
day and, following a bite to eat, I hopped on a canoe for a paddle
downriver. Afterwards, a three-hour hike led back to the start. Even
though not a great deal of wildlife was spotted, walking in the jungle
was a great pleasure. However, I saw plenty of birdlife, deer, the
famous March mugger, and a few rhinos. In South Africa, a walk in a
nature reserve entails a guide carrying a rifle, but in Nepal, the
guides are only armed with a stick. I hoped we wouldn’t run into any
tigers or other dangerous animals.
By evening, and at my abode, I was lucky to observe a tribal dance,
performed for the benefit of guests staying at the same resort.