Tiger, tiger, burning bright, in the forests of Banke at night, or even day. The Banke National Reserve in western Nepal is home to an estimated 31 Ben­gal tigers, and with authentic homestays being opened and operated by the Tharu community, you can also experience an authentic indigenous lifestyle.

With eight different eco-systems, the Banke National Reserve is home to a number of both common and rare species of mammals, birds, reptiles and flora. Not known to be a commer­cial tourist destination, the exoticness of the region is being promoted by the different Tharu homestays that have opened recently—all pro­moting fair-priced lodging and ethnic Tharu delicacies.