Since the 1960s, Chitwan National Park has been a pioneer in offering jungle stays, jungle walks, camping, and glamping experiences. It is the jungle where Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II hunted down tigers and played the iconic Elephant Polo. At present, Chitwan National Park enlisted in UNESCO Heritage Sites is a paradise for jungle lovers. In the dense deciduous jungle of the South Asian region with vivid wildlife, one can enjoy a luxury stay in hotels and resorts and the best and safest jungle safari experience. The tradition of luxury jungle safari continues to achieve higher benchmarks as Taj Safari, a global brand in the business is redefining the meaning of ‘luxury jungle safari’. I share my review on Meghauli Serai – Taj Safari, a luxury resort in Chitwan National Park.
How To Reach Meghauli Serai, A Taj Safari- Chitwan National Park
Meghauli is a buffer zone situated northwest of the Chitwan National Park. The property is just an hour’s drive from the nearest Bharatpur Airport. From the East-West Highway of Nepal, a 30 km westward turn from Chaubiskothi roundabout, brings you to the resort. The property offers an airport pickup service, ensuring a smooth exit and handling all luggage arrangements. However, be sure to provide your boarding pass to the concierge at the airport.
Stay Experience at Meghauli Serai, Luxury Resort by Taj Safari
While I was being transferred from the airport to the luxury resort, the only thing that I had in my mind was ‘safety’. How safe the jungle safari could be. While jungle safari was my motive to choose, I also wanted to be spoilt on luxury. I just reckoned the glamorous advertisement of the property and felt excited.
On reaching the luxury resort, was welcomed with the iconic welcome song, “Resham Firiri” which is traditionally followed by most of the properties in Nepal, welcome drinks of local produce. A concierge was already appointed for me to take care of my luggage and usher to my Villa.
While the concierge Mr. Ramu Tharu guided me to my Villa, after handing over an umbrella. Walking on the pebbles under the scorching sun for three minutes to reach the villa definitely called for a drolly. On our way to the villa, Mr. Ramu explained how its walls were traditionally made using mud and bamboo strips, with the paint color organically derived from flowers—and the list goes on. Man!! I was blown away by the sustainable practice this luxury resort has inculcated. Most of the perishable things were locally made.
The infrastructure inside the villa keeps with all the standards of luxury, in the middle of the nowhere jungle. At first sight inside the villa, the canopy bed gives the ultimate feeling of luxury, exuding elegance and comfort. Encountering the largest bathroom I’ve ever seen only added to the villa’s sense of grandeur. Finally, an intimate mini pool attached to the Villa, offering stunning views of the Rapti River, perfectly embodies the opulence and exclusivity of this property.
I have to admit, my stay at Meghauli Serai, was more than luxury. I could feel the care the staffs have bestowed me with. I simply happen to broke my shirt button. Sent it for laundry, I got my shirt back clean pressed and button stitched matching my shirt color. This meticulous care totally moved me. Staffs everywhere were on their best behavior as in most luxury resort do. But, care for such minute details is what I adore the most. It was more than hospitality, rather a homely care.
Chitwan Jungle Safari – The Taj Experience
I’ve always believed that a jungle safari should be filled with adventure—an exhilarating experience that gets your adrenaline pumping, but with safety as a priority. Hearing stories of villagers being attacked by tigers and wild elephants often raises the question: are safaris dangerous? However, my experience with The Taj Safari changed my perspective. It made me realize that safaris can be a blend of thrill and luxury, where comfort meets the wild in a seamless and safe way.
The resort appoints certified Jungle Guides educated in Forestry and Wildlife. Before any trip to the jungle, they briefly tell what we will be seeing during the safari, what to do and don’ts during the safari and how to dress up for jungle safari. I was told not to wear bright colors, not to make noise, not to bring anything except water bottle, food attracts wild animals. The have a checklist before hitting the forest.
Activities offered were, boating through the bask of crocodiles, jeep safari by open van into the jungle with view of herd of deer and iconic rhinoceros, and even bathing with the elephants. My aim was to see the Royal Bengal Tiger, but I learnt it’s rare to spot tiger in Chitwan National Park. For birdwatcher, Chitwan National Park is an open zoo and an encyclopedia. The safari rides are indeed a mix of thrill and anticipation. The storytelling of jungle guides completely take the trip to next level.
Each safari trip had a picnic from breakfast on the middle of the jungle to hi-tea by the bay of Rapti after the boating. Personally, I learnt this definition the ultimate luxury experience, taking the Taj Safari.
restaurant and foods
The resort is so secluded from human settlement that there are no shops or eateries nearby the property. Maybe for that reason, the in-house restaurant is functional 24/7. Foods were good enough. Early morning starts with a buffet breakfast of American, Indian, and Asian cuisine. The property delivers the best of Western cuisine, I enjoyed my evening with Lamb Chops! Food is definitely part of the luxury experience, but my memory still clings to the jungle-like ambiance of the restaurant.
The luxury resort offers a 15-course dinner full of local delicacies. It was a fine dining experience under the open sky enjoying the performance of the local indigenous Tharu community, inhabitants of the southern plains of Nepal. While the Tharu food is still unknown to many, the luxury resort masters the culinary experience out of the unknown dishes to many. Every night, a specially wrapped ‘Gudpak’—a traditional sweet that originates in Kathmandu—would be placed by the bedside. I admire how Taj has glamorously presented the local delicacies.
cost of stay in meghauli serai
Undoubtedly, Meghauli Serai- Taj Safari is expensive. But, you can save on your stay costs by choosing the low-season months, during the monsoon stay. However the best season to experience the wildlife is from January to April.
A villa with a private mini pool can cost around NPR 80,000 (USD 600) per night for two during peak season, though prices may be lower in the off-season. Don’t worry, there are hotel rooms available for NPR 30,000 (USD 250) per night for two adults. Safari experiences are an additional cost, starting at NPR 15,000 (USD 120).
Final Verdict
The only thing that was lacking was a proper telephone network, while the whole are of the property is covered by fast and free WiFi, you might need a cellular network, but it lacks. The property offers Satellite TV, though in my opinion, traditional TVs are gradually becoming obsolete. Similarly, the property lacks a spa and massage, which is a must in a 7 star luxury property. And, despite the comfort offered by the global brand, safaris are not child-friendly, it’s at your risk however to take your child or not to such safari luxury.
Maintaining such luxury and going beyond standard hospitality requires exceptional staff motivation, which is the clear winner for my luxury experience. The sustainable practice blends with materialistic luxury giving a greater value to your stay. From safety to adventure, luxury is at the core of the Taj experience, enhanced by the essence of Nepalipan.