The Rapti River cuts through the northern part of Chitwan National Park, 950 square kilometers of protected habitat for a rich assemblage of wildlife. Move quietly along this waterway, listening to paddles dip into the water and keeping an eye out for wildlife.

Over 500 species of birds call the park home, including egrets, storks, and kingfishers along the water. Watch for spotted eagle: this threatened species comes here to breed.

Crocodiles sun themselves along the banks. Their eyes follow as you pass by, in search of the park’s larger mammals, including antelope, rhinoceros, and tigers. To paddle close to an elephant or rhino is one of the great yet unknown highlights of Asia travel.