He took aim and swung his mallet, hitting not only the polo ball, but also sending generous portions of elephant dung flying into the face of a member of the opposing team. A complaint was made to the umpire, but apparently there is no rule prohibiting such inadvertent behavior. Elephant polo championship prizes, ranging from books to exotic gurkha knives, are displayed prior to the final. The guest list of people who have played elephant polo includes an international set of celebrities, socialites, royalty, polo players and other athletes. After the morning matches, an outdoor Nepalese buffet of various curried chicken and vegetable dishes, rice, breads, and fruit awaits players and spectators upon their return to the lodge.
Evenings are pure magic.
In accordance with efforts to maintain the natural environment at Tiger Tops, no electricity is used. The darkness intensifies the sounds of the jungle as the cool night air is filled with the calls of birds and other creatures. Somewhere out there, the elusive tiger is prowling, but in the Nepalese-style dining lodge guests are cozily gathered around an open fire, sipping Tiger Tops Specials, a heavenly and potent concoction of hot tea, rum, cinnamon and other spices. The day s adventures are discussed over an exquisitely prepared dinner. The next day s 9 a.m. polo match deters few from lingering around the fire, enjoying the company and the guitar music and joining in the singing that continues far into the night.