Forest Hideaway Hotel & Cottage

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.

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 programmes 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 Programme :
The cultural programme 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 colourful 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.