Live Your Best Lives
Chitwan, located on a vast plain in southern Nepal, 150 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu, is a place that, like its name, is filled with magic.
Home to a diverse array of plant life and rare wildlife, Chitwan was once a hunting ground for Nepali royalty and dignitaries. Now a national park, rhinos, crocodiles, and Bengal tigers thrive in this peaceful and carefree area. For a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, Chitwan offers an intimate encounter with nature.
October to March
Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park, once a private hunting ground for Nepal's royal family and their distinguished guests, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1973. Covering 930 square kilometers, Chitwan National Park boasts lush bamboo forests, towering and majestic sal and kapok trees, and the crimson February fern, known as the "flame of the forest." Its ferocious vines, like giant pythons, wrap tightly around trees, blocking out winds and even killing them.
Ticket price: 500 rupees
Opening hours: 7:00-18:30
Chitwan Elephant School
Nepal has trained elephants since the Ricchavi dynasty, with kings even capturing and selling them to the Mughal Empire in India. Historically, Nepalese elephants were trained for warfare, transporting goods, hunting, and various cultural, religious, and political ceremonies. Today, they are used to patrol Terai National Park and wildlife reserves, manage wildlife, assist in the search and removal of injured animals, promote ecotourism and wildlife viewing, and participate in elephant races and polo matches.
500 Indian rupees
7:00-18:30
Chitwan is a major wildlife and cultural destination in Nepal, home to Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site established in 1973. The park protects endangered species like the one-horned rhinoceros and Bengal tiger and preserves diverse ecosystems including forests, rivers, and grasslands. It also showcases the traditions of the Tharu people, indigenous to the region.
Chitwan is located in the Terai region of southern Nepal. It is accessible by domestic flight to Bharatpur Airport, bus services from Kathmandu or Pokhara, and private taxis or tour vehicles. Walking and cycling are popular for local exploration within the park and nearby villages.
Advanced booking is not mandatory but recommended during peak tourist season (October–March) to ensure availability of guided tours and safaris.
2–3 days are ideal to experience safaris, cultural visits, and river activities fully.
Guided tours are available in English and Nepali. No standard audio guides are provided, but tour operators often include informative briefings during safaris.
Night safaris are generally not permitted due to wildlife safety. Special cultural programs are occasionally organized in Tharu villages.
The park is moderately busy during peak season (October–March). Least crowded times are weekdays and early mornings outside major holidays.
Basic facilities include park entrance toilets, lodge and resort restaurants, rest areas, and small souvenir shops near major villages.
Most safari routes require moderate mobility; elderly or disabled visitors may need assistance. Children can participate with supervision.
Cash is widely used, especially for park fees, local shops, and guided tours. Some lodges accept cards or mobile payments.
Several lodges and resorts offer Nepali, Indian, and continental cuisine. Small local eateries in Tharu villages provide traditional dishes.
Vegetarian and vegan options are common. Halal options are limited; confirm locally if needed.
Accommodations include lodges, resorts, and guesthouses near Sauraha and along the park perimeter, ranging from budget to luxury.
Souvenirs include Tharu handicrafts, handmade textiles, wooden carvings, and local artworks, mainly sold in Sauraha and nearby villages.
