NP
Chitwan
Jungle and grassland in Nepal’s lowlands, home to one-horned rhinos, tigers and crocodiles
Jungle and grassland in Nepal’s lowlands, home to one-horned rhinos, tigers and crocodiles
Several hundred greater one-horned rhinos live in the park, and sightings are common on safaris and even from the riverbank near Sauraha.
Keep your distance; rhinos can charge.
Photo: Nirmal Dulal, CC BY-SA 4.0
Half-day and full-day jeep safaris cover more ground inside the park, with chances of rhinos, deer, wild boar and, rarely, a tiger.
Photo: Pratap Baniya, CC BY-SA 4.0
Dugout canoe trips drift along the rivers past mugger crocodiles, gharials and many birds. The riverbank in Sauraha is popular at sunset.
Photo: Supradai, CC BY 4.0
Guided jungle walks get closer to nature than jeeps. Licensed guides are required, and two guides usually go with each group.
Follow your guides’ instructions closely.
Photo: Nirmal Dulal, CC BY-SA 4.0
The Tharu people are the main community in the area. Visit a village or museum, or watch an evening stick dance in Sauraha.
Photo: Jean-François Gornet, CC BY-SA 2.0
Try dal bhat, Tharu dishes such as ghonghi (river snails) and fish curry.
Riverside restaurants in Sauraha serve local and Western food.
Tourist buses from Kathmandu and Pokhara take around 6–8 hours. Flights go to Bharatpur, about 30 minutes from Sauraha.
Foreign visitors pay a park entry fee (NPR 2,000 per entry at the last check) on top of safari costs.
Nepal uses the rupee (NPR).
Check current fees.
Wildlife by jeep, canoe and on foot.
Arrive in Sauraha, walk to the river for sunset and watch a Tharu dance.
Take a full-day jeep safari into the park.
Canoe on the Rapti, then go on a guided walk.
Avoid riding or bathing with elephants; choose ethical alternatives.
Use repellent; ask a doctor about malaria advice.
Winter mornings can be foggy.
Never walk in the park without licensed guides.
Quick answers for planning time in Chitwan.
One-horned rhinos, deer, crocodiles, many birds and, with luck, tigers.
About NPR 2,000 per entry for foreigners at the last check.
By tourist bus in 6–8 hours, or by flight to Bharatpur.
With experienced licensed guides, yes, but follow their instructions.
October to March, especially February and March.
Planning a wider trip? Our Nepal travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.