Tiger Tops Jungle Safari Lodge established within Chitwan National Park is deserted at the moment. This lodge was established in 1964, when Chitwan National Park was not established. Especially in the imagination of John Koopman from Canada, the form of Tiger Tops was similar to the already built safari-parks and lodges in Kenya and Tanzania.

Tiger Tops was closed in 2069 after the Supreme Court concluded that it had a "great impact on the safety of wild animals". At that time, 7 lodges inside the park were closed by order of the Supreme Court. Deepak Sapkota of Kantipur's conversation with Managing Director Jack Edward about the history, golden days and current situation of Tiger Tops :

How did Tiger Tops get its place in Chitwan Park?

Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge was founded in 1964 by two American hunters as one of Nepal's first foreign investment companies in the tourism industry. This hotel was built in the forest of Chitwan long before it became a national park.

My father, Jim Edward, who first came to Nepal in 1962. He bought the company in 1971 from American. The company had poor management, which made it appear to be in losses. My father didn't see the point in hunting animals so he decided to concentrate on wildlife watching. Tiger Tops was heavily involved in the establishment of Chitwan National Park in 1973 and also helped the government formulate a policy of conservation-focused tourism practices.

The government realized that proper management of national parks in promoting tourism is an important part of income and promotion. Many African countries adopted the 'lease model' to attract wealthy tourists while limiting the number of people entering the park so as not to disturb the animals. The 'lease model' means that a small number of hotels can be built within the forest of the park and private safaris can be run. This model has been found to be very successful in Africa.

My father convinced the government to adopt this policy for Nepal. The government listened to my father and was convinced. Ultimately, Tiger Tops was allowed to continue operating within the national park, making Nepal the first country in Asia to adopt the concept. Nepal has gone ahead of India, Thailand and other popular tourist destinations. It became a successful model in Nepal for 40 years. Tiger Tops closed in 2012.

What is the role of Tiger Tops in wildlife conservation?

One might argue, Tiger Tops played a pioneering role in establishing the concept of sustainable tourism focused on wildlife conservation. Around 1971, no one in Nepal was thinking about the tourism industry and environmental protection. My father and his business partner Chuck McDougall decided to focus on preserving the forest while taking guests on safari. They limited the number of rooms, focusing on waste management.

Started several research and conservation projects to save the animals of Chitwan. Tiger Tops started the first long-term tiger monitoring project in 1974, which is a matter of pride in itself. That initiative is still going on today. Tiger Tops attempted to establish the first Ghadial breeding project and manage grasslands for rhino conservation. An anti-poaching reward scheme and an intelligence scheme to prevent poaching were launched. Tiger Tops worked hand in hand with the National Parks Department along with other leading conservation organizations including Smithsonian Institute, WWE, JDSL, etc.

Since then, Tiger Tops has written policies on environmental management, safari operations, waste management, etc. Advised international governments to initiate best practices for tourism conservation. Tiger Tops has helped the community by providing employment to over 300 people. More than 1 thousand people were employed in the companies under this.

Most of the staff came from poor villages near Meghauli, Madi and Amaltari. We also invested in infrastructure like construction of wells and wells in the villages. We started a charity school in Amaltari, which is still running today. These villages are prosperous today because of the tourism industry started in Chitwan by Tiger Tops.

How do you take the government's decision to take Tiger Tops out of the park?

In 2012, the government decided to end the 'lease model' in Nepal. A ticketing model has been adopted after the closure, with no restriction on the number of visitors. Every tourist pays more/less amount. There are many vehicles in Chitwan now, often crowding around the animals.

Garbage is thrown inside the park. Who is entering the park? It is difficult to monitor it now. Poaching still continued, but surveillance was less effective as hotels such as Tiger Tops provided more security. There are many videos and photos of Indian National Parks, where more than 20 vehicles surround a tiger causing great stress. I see a similar situation happening in Chitwan soon, which is sad. However, after the closure of Tiger Tops, rich customers stopped visiting Nepal.

Plans to re-establish Tiger Tops within the park?

We think the decision taken by the government in 2012 was wrong. I still believe, the government has definitely realized that mistake and is trying to correct it. In the recent budget, there is a proposal to focus again on promoting high-level tourism. The possibility of providing hotels for rent within the protected area is strong. It is considered a positive step by the government if a limited number of hotels focus on eco-tourism in a sustainable manner by making standards as per the law. Interested in reopening Tiger Tops.

In 13 years we have tried to preserve the main hotel structure. We have asked the National Parks Department and the Army to conduct anti-poaching, grassland management, wildlife monitoring and charity projects. We can relaunch the iconic hotel, which will help bring Nepal back to the top of the wildlife tourism industry in Asia.

Don't tell me your memories about father Jim and Tiger Tops!

Before my father passed away in 2009, he told me - I am happy to die in the most beautiful country in the world. If my father were still alive he would be saying the same thing now. Dad's fondest memories are not only of Tiger Tops, but also of his adventures in the Terai of Nepal in the late 60's to 80's. Be it building lodges in Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Pokhara and Bardia or fishing and rafting in Trishuli and Karnali rivers. He has explored the entire country with great enthusiasm.

He used to love Nepali people more than himself. My greatest memory is spending my childhood at Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge. I felt more comfortable in the forest than in Kathmandu. Some of my greatest memories are going on safari within the national park, spending time with our elephants or learning about wildlife from the staff. Even today I spend as much time as possible in the forest.

I have developed a good relationship with many loyal employees who have worked for my family for over 30 to 40 years. Our family is forever indebted to the local people, who helped develop Tiger Tops into Asia's premier wildlife lodge. Landing at Meghauli airport and playing elephant polo was my unforgettable moment.