Due to the large geographical variation in Nepal, one can find not only mountainous terrain and wonderful views of vistas but also flatlands and floodplains to the south which are home to luscious deciduous forests. These forests are home to numerous flora and fauna which occupy the sub-tropical region. The Chitwan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site and Nepal’s first national park. Established in 1973, the park was once a royal hunting reserve where the royalty and aristocracy of Nepal used to hunt.
The park is located in the Terai, a name given to the southern flatlands of Nepal slightly west of the capital Kathmandu. It covers an area of 932 sq km containing the many tributaries and floodplains of the Narayani and Rapti rivers. The jungle safari available in the national park gives you an opportunity to witness the richness of the ecosystem of southern Nepal filled with many mammals, fords, amphibians, and reptiles. You can explore the national park via jeep, canoe, on elephant backs, and on foot. Our guides will ensure that you get the safest and most exhilarating experience on the trip.
The 500 Asian one-horned rhinoceros and several hundred nocturnal Royal Bengal tigers that reside in the park's deep woodlands are the park's major attractions. Depending on your luck these elusive creatures might be seen on the trip. You will however witness crocodiles, deer, leopards, monkeys, wild cockatrice, and much more. Seasonal migratory birds all the way from Serbia come to the park to escape the harsh winters north.
Chitwan is also home to the ethnic Tharu people, who have thalassemic blood, making them virtually immune to malaria. The Tharu community has a rich culture which you will get to experience when we visit the Tharu villages and museum as well as the cultural center in Chitwan. You might even get to dance with the Tharu on their dance trips to your hotel.
More about Chitwan National Park Safari
Chitwan National Park is one of the best places of Nepal where one will be able to explore the wildlife through an adventurous safari experience. It is the first national park of Nepal and was established in 1973 as one of the World Heritage Sites of UNESCO. Experience some of the most real representation in terms of wildlife safari in Asia in the subtropical lowland of Terai. Wide varieties of plants and animals can be seen in the park including the plants and animals which are on the verge of extinction such as the Royal Bengal tiger, the one-horned rhinoceros and the gharial crocodile. The land scenery with dense forest, open fields and meandering streams is a beautiful nature scenery out of the urban life. The visitors are able to explore the park through jeep safari, canoe, jungle walks and bird watching activities granting plenty of opportunities to encounter nature at a close level. The local Tharu culture and the local traditional villages is what contributes to the experience to make up a unique compilation of natural beauty and heritage in Chitwan region.
Picking you up from the hotel you are located in early morning, an Accessible Adventures representative will accompany you as we move from Kathmandu to Chitwan via a tourist coach. If you want you can rent a private vehicle or take a flight from Kathmandu also however those will cost exxtra.
Chitwan is around 5-6 hours from Kathmandu and is located in Terai. We will be staying nearby the Chitwan National Park in the village of Sauraha. Just nearby will be the Rapti river where the banks of the river make for an amazing sunset spot in the flatlands. Strolling around the river in the evening, we tour the Tharu village getting to see the livelihood and culture of the Tharus. We also visit the Tharu cultural museum to know more about the Tharu people. When you return to the hotel, you will be offered refreshments, and the Tharu dance will begin on the hotel grounds. It is an hour-long presentation including several Tharu community dances. Finally, the dancers will ask you to dance and exercise your body for a few minutes before supper to work up an appetite!
After you freshen up in your hotel room, early morning we move to the Chitwan National Park entrance. Here, depending on your choice of elephant or jeep ride, we enter the national park. The trips last around 2 hours where you will be able to see the various plants and animals present in the region. You could encounter a one-horned rhinoceros, many varieties of deer, monkeys, wild boar, bison, sloth bear, leopard, and, if you're lucky, a Royal Bengal tiger. You might get showered by the elephant in the river located in the park also!
Within the premises of the National Park lies the Gharial Breeding Center where conservation efforts are put forward to help the Gharial population of Nepal grow. Hatching and breeding of gharials and muggers can be seen in the center. Also in the breeding center are turtles that are cared for also.
We move to begin our canoeing adventure within the park. The canoe experience will take you through the Rapti river with the many fish and gharial crocodiles that inhabit the river. The canoeing is also a birdwatcher’s paradise as numerous birds can be seen on the river plains.
After the calming experience in the national park, we head to the elephant breeding center where you can see many small elephants and mother elephants also. The center provides a safe location for the reproduction and care of elephants, especially those that have been domesticated. The breeding center also hosts numerous games on elephant back including elephant polo and football. Nepal is the host of the elephant football world cup also.
Waking up early in the morning we get to enjoy a few more moments of birdwatching and calmness around the Chitwan National park. The Chitwan National Park region is one of the greatest areas on the planet for seeing and studying uncommon bird species. In addition to resident species, many migrating birds come in Sauraha throughout the winter from as far away as Siberia and other regions hundreds of kilometres away. Many of the unique species, such as the Giant Hornbill, Lesser Florican, and Paradise Flycatcher, can be seen during an early morning walk through the bush and along the Rapti river. Overall the park houses over 500 species of birds making the park one of the best birdwatching sanctuaries ever. After the birdwatching, we finish activities in Chitwan bringing our trip to an end as we head back to Kathmandu and we drop you at your hotel for the night.
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Definitely one of the best places to stay with your children for a few nights. I took my three-year-old son, who was in for a treat! We spotted a rhino less than an hour after arriving, as well as elephants and ducks bred by the locals, close outside our accommodation.
We also got to see a Tharu traditional performance on the first night and go on a river trip the next morning. It was my first time being so close to crocodiles and gharials swimming beside us, as well as seeing a peacock fly freely by us! Deer were also frequently seen.
My family enjoyed the trip because we live in a metropolis with little opportunity to watch animals in their natural environments.
A Family Experience: Chitwan National Park Safari
Our family recently enjoyed a fantastic safari in Chitwan National Park with Accessible Adventure Pvt. Ltd. The safari was expertly organized, from comfortable accommodations to knowledgeable guides who made the experience both exciting and educational for everyone.
The safari itself was a highlight, offering incredible opportunities to witness Chitwan’s rich wildlife, including rhinos, elephants, and a wide range of bird species. The knowledgeable guides provided insightful information and ensured we had the best chances to spot wildlife while keeping our safety and comfort in mind.
The guided jeep tours and jungle walks were thrilling and allowed us to see the beauty of Chitwan up close. The entire experience was fun, safe, and tailored to our family’s needs, Accessible Adventure made sure our safari was a smooth, enriching, and unforgettable adventure for all of us.
A Memorable Adventure–Chitwan National Park Safari
My partner and I recently enjoyed a remarkable safari in Chitwan National Park with Accessible Adventure Pvt. Ltd., and it was an experience we’ll cherish forever. From the outset, the company ensured everything was meticulously organized, providing us with comfortable accommodations and expert guides.
Exploring Chitwan's lush landscapes and spotting wildlife like rhinos and elephants was both thrilling and romantic. The guides were knowledgeable and made the safari both informative and exciting, sharing insights about the park’s diverse ecosystem.
Each day’s jeep safari and jungle walk provided unique perspectives of Chitwan’s natural beauty and were tailored to our pace, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the adventure. Accessible Adventure’s excellent service and attention to detail made this safari a memorable and romantic getaway.
Get to know the best national park in Nepal and have the best jungle safari experience with the Chitwan experience. Chitwan is the place to be in case you have a desire to have the best jungle safaris in Nepal. It provides an amalgam which one can reminisce about with reference to the wildlife experience and culture. Chitwan experience is full of adventure that touches life through safaris, quiet canoe tours and the local inhabitants or Tharus. Not only will you get to see rare wildlife but will also gain a better understanding of the way indigenous people are able to live in harmony with the ecosystem. Chitwan, being a national park in Nepal is an exceptional opportunity to experience and enjoy nature closely with an environment that is sustainable and does not affect the environment negatively. This is because the parks conservation programs also ensure that tourism will be sustainable, and it will help in the preservation of endangered species. The Chitwan National Park tour includes the major attractions of a jeep safari, jungle trek, visit to an elephant and gharial breeding center, Tharu cultural show, touring the tortoise conservation enclosure, canoeing and many more activities. Watching of birds is a popular past time and the park has more than 500 species of birds. The smooth waters and misty mornings create a surreal effect around the excursion and adds more intrigue to it. Chitwan can be visited mainly for the following attractions:
Safari on Jeeps: Get into the bushes on a guided jeep safari to experience a wild ride with the exciting but safe way to watch the wild animals like rhinos, deer, wild boars and even the Royal Bengal tiger.
Canoeing: Enjoy a serene trip in your canoe down the River Rapti to view the gharial crocodiles, mugger crocodiles and many varieties of birds in their proximity. If you love to observe animals and spend your quality time with nature, this reserve is an advisable and satisfactory worth every minute of your precious time.
Jungle Stroll: Adventure on a guided walk through the jungle and observe few animal tracks, birds and vegetation closely. Walking is also a better way to see the diverse ecosystem of the park at ground level.
Elephant and Gharial Breeding Centre: Learn about conservation efforts at this centre where young elephants and endangered gharials are raised and taken care of before being released back to wilderness.
Tortoise Zone: This is the most unknown of them that is also concerned with preservation of the local turtles and tortoises. A great place to visit by someone who wants to see less talked about wildlife preservation.
Tharu Cultural Performance: It is cultural performance that was conducted by Tharu community that included music and dance to reflect their unique culture.
Chitwan National Park is an essential destination site that must be visited by wildlife fans as it has Royal Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceros, and gharial crocodiles. Ornithologists will also find this park as a very fulfilling, and satisfactory experience on their visit to Nepal. Chitwan is an opportunity for a wildlife lover to get a chance to see the majestic animals in their natural habitat. You may just glimpse the regal Royal Bengal tiger padding through the jungle or see the pre-historic one-horned rhinoceros, which is just feeding on the grasslands - both are symbols of Nepalese wildlife. Other animals you will find there include the endangered gharial or the crocodile with its long sharp snout, the elusive sloth bear, the boar and spotted deer herds. Such creatures as leopards, jackals, and other monkeys can be found in the park as well, so every safari will be a new experience. With around 500 species of birds, of which there are species such as kingfishers, hornbills, storks, and also the rare Bengal florican, it is a major location of birdwatching in South Asia. As a professional photographer of wildlife or a tourist who loves adventure, Chitwan provides something that one does not forget in his lifetime.
Tharu Village Tour-The Tharu village tour can introduce you to the real life of the Tharu and also can impress you with the cultural dancing of Tharu people. The only way one can appreciate the Tharu culture is seeking to visiting their villages to see how life is like there. Spend a few minutes at any of the Tharu villages and check out their special architecture with mud and thatch houses and see how their living pattern has gone hand in hand with the forest and rivers around their way of living. This is because they are very close to their nature as seen on their architecture, food, and farming practices. Visitors are also able to taste authentic Tharu food and wear ethnic dress code, and listen to history-age old stories. The hospitality and amiability of the Tharu people make the entire cultural life rewarding and winning. It is most memorable to take a look at the gyrating and rhythmic Tharu dances, regularly performed out of the bonfire every night, which can give a vivid picture of the rich heritage of this indigenous group. It is one amazing cultural event that makes your visit to Chitwan richer and more knowledgeable.
The best time of year to go on a safari in Chitwan is between October and March when the weather is dry, pleasant and mild thus suitable when one wants to explore the jungle. This is the cold time of the year with excellent visibility that gives you better chances of spotting wildlife such as the rhinoceros, deer and even the Royal Bengal tiger. clear skies and moderate climatic conditions make the outdoor activities like jungle walks, canoeing and jeep safaris much enjoyable. The rainy season between June and September has comparatively large rainfalls that can hinder visiting certain areas and can also reduce the sight of wild animals. Trails can become muddy and change in water levels can cause some activities to become unavailable during a short period. April and May on the other hand are also warmer and more humid though the crowds will also not be as numerous which might be appealing to anyone looking to get a little more serenity when going on vacation. Even though these months may be too hot, but it will make your time and efforts worth it as you may have a full of wildlife experiences, because this is the season that makes animals go to fresh water sources due to the fierce heat of the sun.
The number of properly maintained accommodation facilities that are available in Chitwan is vast and meets all budgets and tastes including cheap lodges and expensive jungle lodges. Green Park Resort is a site with top-notch service and that is well-located close to the national park making it convenient to the people traveling to the area in need of a luxurious and enclosed experience. It is a great mix of high-living and adventure and with its good rooms, fabulous gardens and well-designed wildlife tours. Safari Adventure Lodge would be a good option to those people who are more conscious about their budget. It is affordable, comfortable and it offers a pleasant experience with easy access to safari experiences and also close attractions. They have experienced guides and organized tours to make the stay comfortable and pleasant in the lodge. The accommodation at the Nepal Jungle Lodges located near the borders of the park is another great option, since it has environment friendly and sustainable management. Responsible tourism and conservation rank highly in such lodges allowing the visitors to merge with nature without losing the fundamental comforts. No matter what kind of vacation you want, Chitwan has something to offer each and everyone.
When planning to reach the Chitwan National Park, there are actually two key options available which tend to depend on your time, financial means, and the comfortability levels. Via Road: To have a scenic journey here, you may also travel by tourist bus where it takes about 5-6 hours generally for traveling while it may take more or less time depending on the road conditions. This journey is very beautiful and gives beautiful sceneries of hills, rivers and country towns. There are also private cars and common vans available, in case of more flexibility and a slightly faster ride. Via Air: An alternative and also a faster route is to fly to the nearby airport (Bharatpur Airport). It is a journey of around 30 mins drive after that to Sauraha which is the main entry to Chitwan National Park. It would be best to use Sauraha as the base of your visit since it is the hub of accommodations, eating out, and tour operators and other safari activities. No matter which mode of transportation you choose (road or air), it is easy to reach Chitwan and definitely worth the unique things one will have in store.
These are essentials that you should bring in your Chitwan experience:
Besides the raving adventures of the jungle safaris, Chitwan especially the Sauraha area has many other things to offer that would give your tour an adrenaline rush. It is possible to ride your bike around interesting surrounding villages, where you can see rice fields, friendly locals and the views of a small-town rural lifestyle. Visit to the Tharu Cultural Museum helps to get better insights about the customs, art and history of the original Tharu people. Those who wish to do a little extra walking have opportunities of hiking short distances into the hills and forests which are in the neighborhood, which gives magnificent views and a refreshing alternative to the lowland jungle. One of the most treasured and peaceful moments is the sunset at the Rapti River- a peaceful moment after which the sky lights up in a golden hue and in many instances, animals become visible along the river banks. The experiences complement your Chitwan vacation in respect of wildlife and incorporate culture, nature and adventure to give you a wholesome memorable experience.
Chitwan National Park requires all visitors to pay an entrance fee to visit. Now the foreign nationals are required to pay NPR 2,000, whereas SAARC and Nepali nationals have lower fees of entry. The conservation and maintenance programs in the park are paid by fees. Other than the admission fee, residents may incur extra expenses which involve some activities such as jeep safaris, canoe trips, and guided forest walks. It is often recommended (or even mandatory), especially to stay safe, to use a licensed guide to enrich your experience with professional knowledge. Permits can be bought at the entry points to the parks such as Sauraha check point or through your tour company or lodge where facilities may also get you activities planned. During the visits, it is necessary to take your permits everywhere because the park officials may ask to get them when they want to conduct activities in the protected area.
While traveling in and around the park in Chitwan, one should employ the use of environmentally safe and ethical tourist behaviors that will not only preserve the delicate ecosystem but also help develop the local community. Find accommodation facilities that have sustainable operations which involve management of wastes properly, use solar energy and practice conservation. When you are gardening, you will be doing wildlife-friendly gardening which means no harm done to animals and their habitat by your existence. One example is, ethical safaris can be nature-guided by talented naturalists. By encouraging the use of the local services and local customers like guides and by eating at restaurants owned by locals, shopping handicrafts as made by Tharu people themselves can contribute to the local economy of the region. The sustainability of tourism has been quite effective in conserving the living species in Chitwan, especially the endangered one-horned rhino population. Avoid unethical activities like riding on an elephant or any tour that takes advantage of animals to amuse human beings. Opt for such sanctuaries of breeding circles that emphasize training and nurturing of the animal lovers. Tourism will also enable you to have a better experience, and will, in addition, play a role in ensuring that future generations can enjoy the beauty of Chitwan as well.
Accessible Adventure is a valid and experienced tour operator in Nepal, and this operator is known to offer one of the best safari packages of the Chitwan National Park of Chitwan in Nepal because we have the most well-planned packages and we have several years of experience in organizing green tours. We assure you of a smooth and gratifying trip. A group of experienced local guides is available to provide safe, educational, and attractive tours to make your experience in the park better in terms of getting an overview of your understanding of the park culture and wildlife. One of the significant advantages of booking with Accessible Adventure is our personalized journey, you would have an opportunity to choose fixed itineraries as well as individual specifications that would suit you, the pace of travelling, and your budget. Whether you are traveling alone, as a couple, or in a small family, we are offering a special care service that looks after your comfort and happiness. Most importantly, Accessible Adventure is interested in environment-friendly and sustainable tourism, so you will know that your safari will bring you unforgettable memories as well as help nature to be preserved and contribute to the prosperity and well-being of the people living in the area. We provide you sustainable tourism, at the same time enjoying one of the most renowned places in Nepal to full extent.
The best month to visit Chitwan national park would be October-March when the Chitwan weather is dry with a cool environment which allows activities to be conducted well outside. The season is considered to be the best period to undertake safari in Nepal and everyone looks forward to visiting Nepal during this season because of clear skies and moderate temperatures (average 25 o C in the day). February and March are the best months to travel to Chitwan and especially the birdwatchers will enjoy it due to the inflow of migratory birds during these months. The park can be visited year-round; however, the monsoon season (June to September) brings in a lot of rainfall causing the flooding of the paths and the limitation of activities. It is scorching and clammy in April and May, but good viewing of wildlife opportunities are available then, too.
Visitors to Chitwan can get there easily either by Kathmandu or Pokhara. It takes 5 to 6 hours in a tourist bus and 4 to 5 in a private vehicle to get there. Otherwise, the closest airport is Bharatpur Airport that is only 25 minutes of flight time from Kathmandu to take a 30-minute drive to Sauraha, the entrance to the park. According to Sauraha travel guide, buses and taxis are available in Bharatpur and also there are lots of accommodation places near the entrance of the park. This region offers a mix of resorts, homestays and restaurants that make Sauraha a great place to have a taste of what Chitwan is all about.
Chitwan national park offers you a brilliant experience through the opportunity to watch Royal Bengal tiger, that too in its own habitat. Moreover, the jeep safaris also allows you to have a close glance of one horned rhinoceros, which is one of the endangered species around the jungle or near water. At the rivers, you may encounter the rare gharial crocodile which is identified with its long and narrow nose. Chitwan in Nepal is a paradise to bird watchers in Nepal with more than 500 birds including the hornbills, kingfishers, egrets and Bengal floricans. Early morning or late afternoon safaris have the best chances and high probabilities of viewing the wildlife.
In fact, the option of elephant safari is still available in Chitwan though they are very widely discussed in relation to their ethics. As more people come to know the world, many tourists opt to tour in jeep safari and jungle treks (tours), which are considered ethical and conservation-oriented practices. All these alternatives also provide similarly exciting wildlife but more care is taken in animal welfare. National Park authorities and tour operators are learning to focus more on sustainable tourism with an emphasis on responsible tourism that would have no animal exploitation. To get a more realistic and more responsible experience you can take jungle walks or trained naturalists led safaris.
Chitwan National Park is an ideal weekend destination and a single weekend (2-3 days) schedule is excellent to get an end-to-end overview of the itinerary as well as taking the time to relax. This is the best time to experience thrilling safari, calm canoeing expedition on Rapti River, exuberant cultural program with impressions of Tharu dance and music, and also step in the village tour and get acquainted with the lifestyle of the indigenous Tharu people. A three days package will ensure that you do not miss out on important things and yet you have the time to relax in the resort. This will allow you to extend your visit to increase your chances of witnessing rare animals and lift your spirit if you are an animal lover or a photographer.
The cost of a tour package to Chitwan National Park depends on many aspects that are used to factor the cost of the tour that includes the duration of the trip, nature of accommodation, and activities taken up in the tour. The package of 2 nights/3 days is on average between 150 and 400 USD per person. Standard accommodation, food, a basic jungle safari and culture-based activities would be the economical ones. The mid-range to luxury packages could include superior lodging, exclusive jeep tours, guided birdwatching as well as the visit of conservation centers. Most of the tour packages also have the round-trip transportation between Kathmandu or Pokhara, the entrance fee in the park, and the local trekking guides.
Chitwan national park is also safe to visit be it as an individual, as a group, or even as a family. All of the jungle expeditions will be guided by experienced naturalists who will be conversant with safety measures. The park has very strict regulations on the activities of the visitors, such as maintaining a safe distance with wildlife, limited walking paths and size limitations on groups. Jungle activities are very special in the sense that before the actual activity is carried out, a proper briefing is made and an expert remains with the participants at all times during the activity. Medical care is availed nearby and reliable resorts and tour operators ensure the safety and comfort of the tourists when they visit them.
Chitwan national park is also safe to visit be it as an individual, as a group, or even as a family. All of the jungle expeditions will be guided by experienced naturalists who will be conversant with safety measures. The park has very strict regulations on the activities of the visitors, such as maintaining a safe distance with wildlife, limited walking paths and size limitations on groups. Jungle activities are very special in the sense that before the actual activity is carried out, a proper briefing is made and an expert remains with the participants at all times during the activity. Medical care is availed nearby and reliable resorts and tour operators ensure the safety and comfort of the tourists when they visit them.
The packing list should be comfortable and practical when it comes to a jungle safari. The necessary things in Chitwan include light clothing of neutral colors to blend in with the landscape, wide-brimmed hat, shades and sun cream to protect against sunburn. There is a possibility of having an attack by the mosquitoes or the insects and therefore, you are advised to carry mosquito or insect repellent during the hot months. Nepal wildlife tour equipment should include comfortable walking shoes or boots, especially when you want to trek in jungles. To observe wildlife, one should take a pair of binoculars and a good camera. It will be handy to bring a water bottle that can be filled and a lightweight rain jacket (in case it rains unexpectedly).
Definitely, there are many different places to stay over in Chitwan and one of them is the luxury resorts such as Green Park offering luxurious accommodation facilities, nature-inspired decoration and comprehensive packages with guided safaris. The budget of a tourist is a limited one, but this does not mean Chitwan does not have great affordable hotels, like the Safari Adventure Lodge with its simple and yet comfy facilities and guided tours. Additionally, jungle lodges in Nepal offer complete experiences of being at-one with the environment and often are built eco-consciously, as well as with cultural features in mind, since they suit a wide range of travel interests.
Definitely! Most foreigners take a Chitwan safari along with other tours in Nepal so as to have a mixture of the different yet rich tour. The typical combinations include the visits to Pokhara to visit the lakes and the beautiful mountains, or Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, or including a short trek in the mountain ranges of the area such as Annapurna or Ghorepani. Such multi-destination packages are suitable to those who feel they can take a complete package of Nepal through the mixture of wildlife, culture, nature and spirituality in one trip. The tour operators such as the Accessible Adventure are involved in the development of such individual programs.
