“The early bird gets the worm” as they say. We woke up at 6 am to have breakfast before embarking on our thrilling jungle safari at Chitwan National Park, accompanied by the members of the Dhole conference. Clad in long sleeves, cargo pants tucked into our trusty hiking boots, we were prepared to face any critters that dared to cross our path. The excitement was palpable as we made our way to the safari jeeps, but the thought of encountering gharials and crocodiles lurking in the riverbed gave us an extra thrill.

To reach the jeeps, we had to navigate long canoes across the riverbed. The refreshing water rushed beneath us, reminding us of the hidden dangers that lay beneath its surface. I secured a side seat in the jeep, eager to catch a better view of the wildlife spectacle that awaited us. As the jeeps ventured into the dense jungle, my senses awakened to a symphony of nature unfolding around me.

The forest greeted us with its lush green canopy, vibrant butterflies adding pops of color to the scene. The melodious chorus of birds filled the air, their harmonies weaving a magical soundtrack for our adventure. The aroma of vegetation enveloped us, while the gentle breeze whispered secrets of the wilderness. It was as if the entire jungle had come alive to welcome our arrival.

Within minutes, my excitement bubbled over, and I couldn’t contain myself when I spotted a glimpse of orange in the forest. “A TIGER!” I exclaimed, not realizing it was just a harmless spotted deer. Laughter filled the jeep as my companions shared in my exuberance. We had to remind ourselves to remain composed, in case a real tiger crossed our path later on.

As we traversed the vast grasslands, a breathtaking sight unfolded before us. Elephant grasses towered over us, reaching heights that seemed to defy gravity. Suddenly, we stumbled upon a magnificent greater one-horned rhino bull, leisurely grazing on the grass. To our surprise, a few jungle mynas had taken up residence on its back, as if they were enjoying a free ride. Witnessing this unexpected camaraderie between species filled our hearts with wonder.

As we ventured deeper into the forest, we yearned to catch a glimpse of the elusive Bengal tiger and sloth bear. Although luck wasn’t on our side that day, we encountered another rhino with a slightly damaged horn, seemingly curious about our presence. As we inched closer, our cameras clicked away, capturing the intense gaze of the rhino. Little did we expect to witness a Bengal monitor leisurely walking around and suddenly being attacked—a White-Throated kingfisher swooped in, diving towards the Bengal monitor lizard. It was a bizarre sight, leaving us baffled by this impromptu encounter.

Undeterred by our missed tiger sighting, we arrived at an observation deck strategically positioned in a tiger crossing area. We patiently scanned the surroundings, hoping for a glimpse of the majestic predator. Alas, we were greeted by another rhino and a pair of barking deer, who were almost hidden within the elephant grass. Nature has its way of surprising us, even when our expectations go unfulfilled.

Our adventure continued, and we were treated to a parade of captivating characters.

The marshy grasslands revealed a group of Lesser Adjutant patrolling the area and an Indian roller perched on a branch, while Bengal monitors made their appearances, showcasing their reptilian charm. Rhinos appeared like gentle giants, their presence commanding respect. Amidst the wildlife extravaganza, a captive elephant from Tiger Top delighted us by indulging in a refreshing water bath, cooling down from the intense heat.

It wasn’t just the animals that captivated our attention; the plant life in Chitwan National Park had its own enchanting allure. The intricate lianas, resembling elaborate braiding patterns, wrapped around the trees in a natural tapestry. They seemed to beckon us to explore the interconnectedness of all living beings, reminding us that we are an inseparable part of this vibrant ecosystem.

After hours of immersing ourselves in the wonders of the jungle, our appetites were satiated, both literally and metaphorically. We enjoyed a fulfilling lunch amidst the forest, savoring each bite while gazing out at the breathtaking landscape before us. It was during this meal that we had the pleasure of connecting with the diverse group of Dhole conference members. Coming from different countries and backgrounds, we shared stories, laughter, and a mutual appreciation for the remarkable wildlife we had encountered.

Re-energized, we resumed our safari, eagerly anticipating more fascinating encounters. A crested-serpent eagle graced us with its majestic presence across the sky. Another Bengal monitor appeared and, of course, the rhinos continued to steal the show, their massive forms gracefully navigating the landscape.

As our adventure drew to a close, we made our way to the Gharial Conservation Breeding Center, a sanctuary for the critically endangered gharials. The sight of so many gharials thriving in this protected
environment filled us with hope and gratitude. We marveled at their unique features, the elongated snouts and rows of sharp teeth, silently thanking the dedicated conservationists for their tireless efforts.

Before bidding farewell to the park, we encountered two mischievous characters: the Langur and Macaque monkeys. These lively primates entertained us with their human-like antics, swinging from tree to tree and engaging in playful banter. Their carefree nature reminded us to embrace the joy and spontaneity that life in the wild embodies.

As the sun began its descent, casting a golden glow over the landscape, we reluctantly made our way back to the entrance of Chitwan National Park. Our bodies were weary, but our spirits soared with the memories of an unforgettable day. We may not have encountered the elusive Bengal tiger or the shaggy sloth bear, but the vibrant cast of animal species we did encounter left an indelible mark on our hearts.

In the end, it wasn’t just about the animals we saw, but the connection we felt with the natural world. Chitwan National Park has opened our eyes to the wonders of wildlife and the delicate balance of life within its borders. We left with a renewed appreciation for the intricate web of nature and a commitment to preserving this precious ecosystem for future generations.

The early morning wake-up call had indeed led us to a world teeming with life, igniting our passion for conservation and inspiring us to become stewards of the natural world. Remember, the early bird may get the worm, but the early explorer embraces a world of endless possibilities.