Hospitality group Taj Safaris has opened its first lodge outside of India; a traditionally designed retreat within a national park once used as a hunting ground by Nepal’s royal family.

Leopards, rhinos and Bengal tigers roam the UNESCO World Heritage listed Chitwan National Park located near the city of Bharatpur. The thick grasslands, meandering water bodies and abundant wildlife – including 68 species of mammal and 550 native bird species – make it a popular tourist attraction.

Architecture studio eco·id and interior firm Full Turnkey Design + Development have partnered with Taj Safaris to create the 30-room Meghauli Sera resort on the banks of the Rapti river.

Fittings and furnishings are largely created by members of the local community, coordinated by NGO Lehar Srijani. In addition, the Nepalese paper-framed interior walls of the resort’s villas and rooms have been decorated with murals of local life; placemats, tissue holders and baskets have been woven by local women; and artisans have made the lobby’s chandelier using 10,000 hand painted beads.

The design team has relied on heavy use of turquoise – a traditional Nepalese colour - and natural earthy tones, as well as local materials including banana leaf fabrics and silk.

Meghauli Sera has 13 rooms with views over the jungle-scape, 16 independent villas with their own private plunge pools and one presidential suite. A spa and outdoor pool also feature, with guests able to enjoy treatments overlooking the river.

Safari expeditions from the lodge include jungle walks, jeep trips and elephant tours.

Mridula Tangirala, director of operations at Taj Safaris, said: “We believe that the best wildlife experience is interpretive and rooted in the local wildlife and community through a proven sustainable ecotourism model.

“Our luxury jungle safari lodges in Madhya Pradesh’s tiger country created India’s first luxury wildlife travel circuit. With this opening in Nepal, we want to welcome guests for immersive wildlife experiences in the heart of the jungle.”

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