Peace, like happiness, is not an illusion and can be found in the most unexpected circumstances and the simplest of places. When I set sail on the quiet silver waters of Rapti in Nepal, one late afternoon, time stood still. The masters always talk about living in the now. For me, our small wooden boat, the large expanse of Rapti curdling up soft foams, the stillness in the air, the wilderness all around me, the last rays of the sun kissing my pink windcheater with notes of forget-me-not, the gentle breeze with a hint of chill, summed up the moment. The ‘moment’ we call life.
The leisurely boat ride led us to a hillock where a relaxed ‘sundowner’ awaited me. Under a white canopy, gently swaying in the breeze, I enjoyed sandwiches and masala chai, as I watched the sun take a dip in the waters of Rapti. The crimson dip. Once again, the stillness and a certain solitude enveloped me.
Ideated by Amit Dixit, the charming general manager of Meghauli Serai — A Taj Safari Chitwan National Park in Nepal, where I was staying for a couple of nights, it felt like a date with oneself. The ‘date’ was a reminder of how blissful life is, and every minute is like finding a pearl in the oyster. Precious.
Meghauli Serai: Chitwan National Park, A Taj Safari Lodge
Meghauli Serai — A Taj Safari, is a slice of paradise. Located on the banks of Rapti, it is nine years old, spread over 12 acres and overlooks the Chitwan National Park. Taj Safaris took over the management in 2022, adding an international destination to its list of four Taj Safaris in India.
A mix of modern cool with a touch of the traditional, once you are inside its vast premises, it clamp-shuts the outside world. You feel cocooned in its expansive environs, a strange comfort that belies the vagaries of life.
We stayed in one of the Rapti Pool Villas that opened to the flowing river. An early morning walk on the grass, a dip in the private plunge pool, a quiet time with yourself on a bench, just observing the scenic beauty that your senses were savouring, the two nights were all about pampering the soul.
The view from the safari lodge’s poolside offered a panoramic view of the jungle line, as did the viewing deck. I had my morning dosa, enjoying its crispness as the sun warmed up my back.
As evening descended into night, the pool area decked up in the drama of bonfires. Dense darkness all around, the chill biting into the exposed skin on the palms, the cry of a wild beast somewhere afar and a traditional Thakali thali laden with local delicacies, served on a slate slab, in front of you. Mesmerising. I could sit under the dark open skies pouring into me relentless gratitude, for hours.
The stillness of it all. I come back to the serenity of the stillness, that’s probably my biggest takeaway from my stay at Meghauli Serai.
My safari at the Chitwan National Park might have ended in disappointment of not spotting the big cat, but perched on a safari jeep, I had breakfast in the middle of the jungle! For a ‘daredevil’ like me, it was an experience so surreal. The jungle welcomed me as one of its own and gave me a taste of its company, for what seemed like a speck of a second, a moment I wished lasted forever.
Meghauli Serai: Chitwan National Park, A Taj Safari Lodge
A long winding pathway leads you to Meghauli Serai — A Taj Safari Chitwan National Park. As I was leaving its arms, an iconic romantic Bengali song played in my mind: Ei path jodi na shesh hoi (what if this journey was eternal?).
How I wish! Until next time.