Explore Chitwan

🐘 Chitwan Travel Guide

Known for: Chitwan National Park, wildlife safaris, Tharu culture, and river activities
Location: Southern Nepal, in the Terai lowlands near the Indian border

🕒 Best Time to Visit:

• October to March (Winter):
  ✅ Ideal weather — mild, dry, and comfortable for safaris and jungle activities
  ✅ Peak tourist season

• April to June (Spring to Early Summer):
  🔥 Warm to hot weather, but good for bird watching and early morning safaris

• July to September (Monsoon):
  🌧️ Heavy rains, muddy trails, and limited safari options

🛣️ How to Get There:

• ✈️ By Air:

  • Chitwan’s Bharatpur Airport (Bharatpur Domestic Airport, BHR) — daily flights from Kathmandu (~30 mins)

  • From Bharatpur, it’s a 20-30 min drive to most lodges and the park

• 🚗 By Road:

  • 5-7 hour drive from Kathmandu via Mugling (road quality improving)

  • Tourist buses and private taxis available from Kathmandu, Pokhara, and other cities

🌟 Top Attractions:

🐅 Chitwan National Park:

• Nepal’s first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Home to Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and over 500 bird species

🐘 Elephant Safari:

• Ride through jungle trails on elephant-back to spot wildlife and experience the forest canopy

🚤 Canoe Ride on Rapti River:

• Quiet wildlife viewing, especially birds, crocodiles, and hippos at riverbanks

🦌 Jungle Walks & Jeep Safaris:

• Guided treks with naturalists to spot animals and learn about the ecosystem

🛖 Tharu Cultural Experience:

• Visit Tharu villages to learn about their traditions, crafts, and dances

• Traditional Tharu homestays available

🌅 Sunset and Bird Watching:

• The park is a birdwatcher’s paradise — species like kingfishers, hornbills, and eagles abound

🎨 Activities to Do:

• 🐘 Elephant rides and feeding

• 🦏 Rhino tracking on foot or jeep

• 🚤 Canoeing along the Rapti River

• 🏕️ Jungle camping and overnight safaris

• 🎭 Attend Tharu cultural programs with folk music and dance

• 🌳 Nature photography and birdwatching tours

🏨 Accommodation:

Luxury Resorts:

• Barahi Jungle Lodge, Chitwan Paradise, Kasara Resort

• Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge — combines wildlife experience and comfort

Mid-range Lodges:

• Green Park Chitwan, Jungle Villa Resort

• Hotel Royal River

Budget:

• Guesthouses and basic lodges in Sauraha and nearby areas

🍛 Food & Restaurants:

• Many lodges serve traditional Nepali, Tharu, and continental meals

• Try local specialties like Gundruk ko Jhol (fermented leafy greens soup) and Tharu-style grilled meats

• Most accommodations include meals as part of packages

🧑‍🌿 Local Culture:

• The Tharu people are the indigenous inhabitants of the Terai, known for their unique architecture, costumes, and rituals

• Respect local customs during village visits

• Cultural programs showcase traditional music, dance, and festivals

⚠️ Travel Tips:

• 🦟 Use insect repellent — mosquitoes can be common near forests and water

• 🧢 Wear light-colored, long-sleeved clothes to avoid insect bites and sunburn

• 📸 Carry binoculars and camera with zoom lens for wildlife photography

• 🥾 Wear sturdy shoes for jungle walks and safaris

• 💧 Stay hydrated and carry bottled water

• 🛂 Permits for park entry are usually included with lodge packages

Booking information