Chitwan National Park - Nepal's Premier Wildlife Destination
A UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with biodiversity and jungle adventures
| Feature | Detail |
|---|
| Location | South-central Nepal, mainly in Chitwan District, Bagmati Province |
| Established | 1973 (Nepal's first national park) |
| UNESCO Status | World Heritage Site since 1984 |
| Area | 952.6 sq. km (367.8 sq. miles) |
| Altitude Range | ~100 m to 815 m above sea level |
| Nearby Towns | Sauraha, Meghauli, Bharatpur |
What Makes Chitwan Special?
- Dense Sal forests, riverine grasslands, and wetlands
- Home to over 700 species of wildlife
- A haven for rare and endangered animals like the one-horned rhinoceros and Bengal tiger
Iconic Wildlife
| Species | Description |
|---|
| One-Horned Rhinoceros | ~600+ live in Chitwan—best chance to see them in Asia |
| Bengal Tiger | Elusive and powerful; sightings are rare but possible |
| Asian Elephant | Wild herds + domesticated ones for safaris |
| Gharial & Marsh Mugger Crocodiles | Along the Rapti and Narayani Rivers |
| Sloth Bear, Wild Boar, Pythons, Leopards | Also found in the park |
| Birds | Over 540 species: kingfishers, hornbills, peacocks, eagles, and migratory birds |
Top Activities in Chitwan
| Activity | Experience |
|---|
| Jeep Safari | 4WD guided tour into the core jungle zones (1/2 or full day) |
| Canoe Ride | Peaceful glide on Rapti River to see crocodiles and birds |
| Jungle Walk | Accompanied by a naturalist guide—close-up view of nature |
| Elephant Breeding Center | Learn about elephant conservation in Sauraha |
| Bird Watching | Early morning walk through wetland and forest edges |
| Tharu Cultural Program | Traditional dances, stick performances, and village visit |
| Elephant Safari | Popular but controversial—ethical travelers may avoid it |
Where to Stay
| Area | Accommodation Type |
|---|
| Sauraha (East) | Budget lodges to mid-range hotels and resorts |
| Meghauli (West) | Luxury safari lodges (e.g., Barahi Jungle Lodge, Meghauli Serai by Taj) |
| Bharatpur | For city access + day tours to the park |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Details |
|---|
| Oct - Mar | Cool, dry, and best for wildlife safaris & visibility |
| Apr - Jun | Hot, humid but good for birdwatching |
| Jul - Sep | Monsoon season - limited access, muddy trails, high leech activity |
How to Reach Chitwan
| From | Mode | Duration |
|---|
| Kathmandu | Bus or tourist van | 5-7 hours |
| Kathmandu | Flight to Bharatpur + drive | ~25 min flight + 30 min drive |
| Pokhara | Bus or private car | 6-7 hours |
| Lumbini | Bus or jeep | 4-5 hours |
Entry Fees (as of 2025)
| Visitor Type | Fee |
|---|
| Foreign Nationals | NPR 2,000 (approx. $15) |
| SAARC Nationals | NPR 1,000 |
| Nepali Citizens | NPR 150 |
Additional fees apply for camera, jeep rental, and guide
Travel Tips
- Always go with a licensed guide or naturalist
- Wear neutral-colored clothing for safaris
- Carry mosquito repellent, binoculars, and sunscreen
- Respect the wildlife and park rules—do not feed animals or litter
- Ethical note: Consider alternatives to elephant-back safaris