In pics: Sauraha’s Rapti River canoeing
Glide through tranquil waters, witness rare wildlife, and experience the thrill of traditional bamboo canoes amidst Chitwan’s verdant forests.
SAURAHA, Chitwan: As the Rapti River cuts through the Chure mountain range of Hetauda and approaches Sauraha in Chitwan, it does more than change its course—it transforms into a focal point of attraction for both domestic and international tourists.
Sauraha has, in many ways, become synonymous with the river’s famed canoeing experience.
For visitors seeking communion with nature, a journey on a traditional canoe, carved from the wood of a single tree, offers a uniquely exhilarating experience.
Gliding along the tranquil yet enigmatic flow of the Rapti, tourists are treated to an intimate encounter with the region’s rich biodiversity.
Rare species such as the gharial can be observed up close, while the melodious calls of waterfowl and other birds provide a symphony that enchants the senses.
Although the canoes—often fashioned from towering sal trees—appear rustic, navigating them demands considerable skill and courage.
Experienced boatmen, known locally as majhis, propel the vessels using long bamboo poles, constantly gauging the river’s depth and current.
Balancing the canoe against submerged rocks, shifting sediment, and the river’s swiftness is no trivial task.
For the majhis, each journey is a test of expertise, vigilance, and responsibility; for tourists, it is an unforgettable adventure.
Canoeing through the verdant forests along the Rapti is not merely a voyage—it is an unparalleled opportunity to draw close to nature, to savour moments of serene beauty, and to immerse oneself in the tranquil rhythms of the wild.
-Saroj Basnet
