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.ion
Environmentally Responsible:
Mohan supports many environmental projects, whether by donating money to students who can’t afford environmental studies or training. Mohan is working as a Nepal Coordinator for the New Zealand Project Future Guardians’ tiger monitoring and research project in Bardia. This project is looking to set up photo and film capture of tigers in the park to be publicized on the internet so as to provide up to the minute monitoring of this endangered species.
Socially and Economically Responsible: Forest Hideaway provides financial and transport assistance to the local women’s development group and health center The local jungle guide association, NARA is also supported with transport and donations towards field trips and training.
Culturally Responsible:
The style of the resort is very much in keeping with the local village houses, with all of the buildings following the local, traditional style of construction and appearance very closely. Mohan is especially concerned about preserving the local culture and tries to educate the villagers on the importance of preserving their traditions. Arguing that tourists find Tharu culture of interest, he invites local people to perform their dances. For guests interested in buying souvenirs of local handicrafts, Mohan is able to help arrange for these to be brought to the hotel for sale to guests.
Walking in allows you to explore the rich diversity of the jungle, grasslands and rivers. This is the best way to see wildlife and nature close up. Your guide can give you in-depth information on the habitats you pass through, details of the plant and animal life you encounter and will brief you on general tracking tips.
Explore the community forest, river habitats and open water areas to see the wide range of varieties of birds. Bird watching is best done on foot for the least disturbance, but you can take a jeep safari or drift down the Karnali River for sightings of the many river birds. Our well-trained guides can help identify the different varieties of resident and migratory birds encountered.
An early morning 30 km drive by jeep will drop you by the Karnali River. This is followed by a serene day rafting down the gentle Karnali. Drifting down the river allows you to spot 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 the dolphins may join you!
This essentially dances performed by local Tharu dance troupes and is a highlight of any visit to Forest Hideaway. You will see the colorful dances with traditional costumes and music.
FROM THE BLOGNepal is not only known for trekking in snow-capped Himalayas but also an exquisite Jungle Safari through the pristine National parks. The geography of Nepal is such that the northern side has Himalaya’s whereas the southern lowland commonly known as Terai is densely vegetated with tropical forests providing habitat to diverse variety of wildlife, flora and different native as well as migratory birds.
