Before the Maoist insurgency, Chitwan was visited by an impressive 92% of all visitors to Nepal, but tourist numbers have plummeted since 2001. The upmarket lodges inside the park still attract decent numbers of visitors, but several budget resorts in Sauraha have closed and others have dropped their rates significantly.

On one level, the wildlife has probably benefited from the reduced visitor numbers – it’s a lot easier to hunt when you don’t have an elephant-load of tourists shouting and scaring off your prey. However, poaching has increased significantly since the Nepali army stopped patrolling the park, and the rhino population has been hit particularly badly.

Many people visit Chitwan on package tours arranged through travel agents in Kathmandu, Pokhara or overseas. This is by far the easiest approach if you plan to stay at one of the upmarket lodges inside the park.

If you can’t afford one of the expensive lodges deep inside the park, the nearby town of Sauraha is an excellent alternative. A small but lively tourist centre has grown up along the river bank about 6km south of Sauraha Chowk (Tandi Bazaar) on the Mahendra Hwy, with hotels, restaurants, bars, moneychangers, travel agents, Internet cafés and dozens of shops selling the full range of Nepali souvenirs, from pirate CDs to tiger pugmark ashtrays.

Careless development has undermined some of the safari atmosphere at Sauraha, but the setting is impressive – perched beside a wide, slow-flowing river with a wall of dense jungle looming tantalisingly on the far bank. An incredible range of jungle activities can be arranged and the surrounding countryside is a peaceful patchwork of rice fields and Tharu villages. In fact, there’s probably more to do here than at the big, expensive lodges inside the park.

When planning a visit to Chitwan, try to give yourself enough time for several safaris. The wildlife is unpredictable and you can’t rely on sightings every time. Two whole days in the park is really the minimum for wildlife spotting. Be aware that the popular four-day, three-night packages to Chitwan include a day of travel at either end.

Nepal vacations have become increasingly popular with modern travelers, thanks to the country’s reputation as the jewel of the Himalayas. The country is a haven for extreme natural beauty, endless opportunities for cultural and historical exploration, and tremendous outdoor adventure. Though once considered a hippie haunt back in the 1960s, these days Nepal is attractive to travelers of all stripes who are looking for a variety of vacations and experiences.

Nepal seems to be shaking off the dust and setting forth on a new path from troubled and violent times with Maoist rebels to a fresh, modern era. Meanwhile, the country still seems to retain an ancient charm and a respect for its fascinating, if politically troubled, history.

Nepal tourism initially landed on the traveler radar when intrepid souls first headed to the country to experience the excellent, and now famous, Nepal trekking and mountaineering adventures in the 1950s. These days on the Nepal trekking scene, the Annapurna circuit is one of the most revered journeys to complete.

From leisurely walks throughout mountainous areas to grueling hikes up the highest possible peaks for some of the most astounding views in the country, if you have the motivation, Nepal trekking may be one of the most rewarding experiences to have during a Nepalese holiday. In Nepal travel to many areas in the country will produce a multitude of trekking opportunities, though none quite as formidable as the Annapurna Circuit.

Since the 1990s, several bans and restrictions pertaining to tourists have been lifted. Since that time, Nepal tourism has snowballed, and thousands more people are able to explore this beautiful country. Turmoil amongst the Maoist rebels, though not completely gone, is much less of an issue today and many more areas are accessible, making travel to Nepal more popular than ever.

Skirting the Himalayan Mountains, this ancient kingdom is a reservoir of cultural and scenic splendors; it features some of the most breathtaking scenery, ancient temples and hiking and climbing trails in the world. Dining and transportation are much more modernized and a flight to Nepal is much more accessible and also cheaper than it once was.

Beyond the Himalayan Mountains, Kathmandu is a top destination for those who want to travel to Nepal. A place almost torn between old and new, all the influences of the past are still vividly evident in the many exquisite, ancient temples, while modern life is very much reflected in the increasing urban sprawl and smog-choked avenues. Old Town Kathmandu is often the main focus of city travel. Trips through Old Town untangle a dramatic history revealed through many venerable buildings and districts.

During travel to Nepal, a trip into Chitwan National Park in the south should not to be missed. Chitwan, apart from being a great tourist destination, is the best place for wild-animal sightings in the country. It sits on its own river, the Rapti. With rare marsh birds to massive rhinos to Bengal tigers, Chitwan is one place animal-lovers won’t want to miss. The protected area, listed as a World Heritage Site, is an ideal destination in Nepal for enjoying jungle safaris, elephant walks, river-rafting, canoeing and many fascinating cultural pursuits.

Natural beauty also abounds in and around Pokhara, another excellent destination to explore during Nepal vacations. Known as one of the adventurous hearts of Nepal, this interesting area is situated in a serene valley. It is the point of embarkation for a multitude of rafting, trekking and other outdoor adventures. Around Phewa Lake, scores of tourists can be seen kicking back at the many restaurants and bars, where the atmosphere is spirited and laid back. It’s a great place to meet like-minded travelers and get helpful tips for Nepal travel plans, accommodations, tours and much more.

Nepal tourism offers travelers a chance to explore and experience a country famed for not only its abundant natural beauty, but also for its fascinating culture and friendly people. In Nepal vacations take on many different forms and accommodate many different styles of travel, from relaxed to intrepid. Throughout the country, there are countless options for accommodations, dining, World Heritage Tours, self-guided excursions, and sightseeing. From the cloud-brushed mountains of Annapurna to the Kathmandu valley and in between, Nepal beckons travelers to uncover the best of a mysterious and intriguing country.