Here’s What To See And Do When Visiting Chitwan National Park (Travel Guide)


Chitwan National Park is one of the most popular and best destinations for any type of nature lover. The National Park is situated in the subtropical southern part of Nepal which is considered a rich and natural area in the Terai region. This National Park is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is especially renowned for the protection of the One Horned Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger, and Gharial Crocodile.

In this National Park, there are more than 68 species of mammals, 56 species of herpetofauna, 126 species of fish, and 544 species of birds that have been recorded. 

Jungle safari in Chitwan National Park is one of the best things to do in Nepal, which lets you enjoy several activities inside the jungle of Chitwan National Park, such as; elephant back safari, bird watching, elephant breeding center, boating, jungle walking, and many more.

This is an ideal tour for those people who are eager to experience the wildlife and wilderness of Nepal. In this article,

  • Best time to visit Chitwan National Park
  • Major attractions
  • Things to do and see in Chitwan National Park
  • Conservation history of Chitwan National park
  • Frequently asked questions

#Best time to visit Chitwan National Park

The park can be visited anytime as it is open all year round. If you are looking for a favorable time to visit, going there after December gives you higher chances of spotting endangered animals, especially the Royal Bengal Tiger and the One-horned Rhino.

Chitwan National Park is one of the excellent destinations to explore wildlife in Asia. So don’t miss the chance of traveling to Chitwan National Park. 

#Major Attraction

The greatest thrill while at Chitwan is the jungle walk. However, you need to be accompanied by at least two guides. Jeep safari is another exciting thing to do. Canoeing along the Rapti or Narayani rivers is the most restful way of watching the wildlife, especially the aquatic birds and crocodiles. Several lodges arrange visits to nearby Tharu villages.


Tharu, the original inhabitants of Chitwan, have their own culture, language, and customs which are quite different from that of Nepali hill people. A visit to the elephant breeding camp and the gharial breeding center can also prove to be informative. 


Things To Do And See In Chitwan National Park

1)Elephant Bathing

It’s a unique experience to ride an elephant, but to wash an elephant in a Nepali river, now that’s special. Witnessing with your own eyes the elephants in their natural element opens your eyes to the playfulness and personality of these large animals.

Elephant Bathing chitwan National Park | One Of The Most Visited National Park Of Nepal | Travel Guide 

Taking the opportunity to interact with them is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You won’t regret the chance to get wet, swim in the river, and play with these large friends. 


2)One-Horned Rhino

One-horned rhino tour in Nepal is one of the best wildlife activities for nature enthusiasts. Bardia and Chitwan National Parks are ideal locations for sighting varieties of wildlife including the one-horned rhino. Chitwan National Park is a place where you can unwind yourself and also grow closer to nature.

One Horned Rhino | chitwan National Park | One Of The Most Visited National Park Of Nepal | Travel Guide

In addition, the national park provides perfect access to encounter different species of flora and fauna. Because of this, around 200,000 tourists visit Chitwan every year. 

3)Bengal Tigers

Tiger Encounter in Chitwan National park offers you the experience of observing the Royal Bengal Tigers engaging in natural behavior in their natural habitat. What’s more, you will be contributing to wildlife conservation and buffer zone communities while experiencing wildlife intimately.

bengal tiger chitwan National Park | One Of The Most Visited National Park Of Nepal | Travel Guide

Tiger Encounter in Chitwan National park offers you the experience of observing the Royal Bengal Tigers engaging in natural behavior in their natural habitat. What’s more, you will be contributing to wildlife conservation and buffer zone communities while experiencing wildlife intimately. 


4)Tharu Cultural Museum And Research Center

Situated in Bachhauli, the Tharu Cultural Museum and Research Center highlight different displays of artifacts and neighborhood customs of the Tharu public.

chitwan National Park | One Of The Most Visited National Park Of Nepal | Travel Guide

For quite a long time, the Tharu have lived in agreement with their current circumstance, living close to the environment of water and building up extensive information on medicinal spices. 

5)Elephant Breeding Center

This is the important charm of the region. You can watch the calves playing, you can deal with them, wash them, and take a ride on adult elephants. Also, you can see the breeding process of Elephants.

chitwan National Park | One Of The Most Visited National Park Of Nepal | Travel Guide 

Near Sauraha, on the opposite side of the Bhude Rapti River, is the Elephant Breeding Center. Here, visitors can enjoy the sight of mother elephants bonding with their adorable babies, drinking from nearby streams and lakes, or simply going about their everyday lives. 

6)canoe ride

Canoeing in the Rapti River is one of the thrilling activities to do in Chitwan National Park. View the aquatic life of the national park on a traditionally made dugout boat from a single wooden log by a local craftsman. Witness crocodiles like Marsh Muggers and Gharial sunbathing on the banks of River Rapti. 

chitwan National Park | One Of The Most Visited National Park Of Nepal | Travel Guide 

Half-Day Canoe Ride – 1400 NPR
Full-Day Canoe Ride – 1800 NPR

Note : Cost and timing changes with season and demand.


7)The stunning Sunset and Sunrise

chitwan National Park | One Of The Most Visited National Park Of Nepal | Travel Guide

The nightfall views at the Chitwan National Park are stunning and amazingly satisfying, liberated from any unnatural shadings achieved by pollution. Nightfall and sunrise are best observed close to the stream with an ideal reflection on the water. 

8)Jungle Safari(Walk)

If you are prepared for some physical movement, you can cover an explicit trail in the park by walking. The route will cover small animals, beautiful birds, and fascinating species.

chitwan National Park | One Of The Most Visited National Park Of Nepal | Travel Guide

A guide will go with each gathering to cover the park, securely and completely. On the off chance that you are into birdwatching, this is one of the best options. 


9)Jeep Safari

There are two alternatives for jeep safari. The short safari lasts from 4 hours. This safari will take a limitation of 7 individuals for each trip in one jeep.

chitwan National Park | One Of The Most Visited National Park Of Nepal | Travel Guide

The second kind is the entire day safari. This safari starts right on time toward the start of the day and dives deep into the woodland. This safari has a higher chance to spot numerous creatures. Cost Of Short Jeep Safari – 2000 NPRCost Of Full Day Safari – 3800 NPR 

10)Elephant Safari

Sitting on a giant elephant and experiencing the wild with the wild will give you a new level of highness. Not knowing where the turns are and being directed by the guide through the elephant.

chitwan National Park | One Of The Most Visited National Park Of Nepal | Travel Guide

The elephant safari through the park will help you spot the animals and birds from an engaging point. Cost Of Elephant Safari For Foreigners– 2500 NPR Per Elephant (2 People)Cost For Locals – 200 NPRCost For SAARC – 1000 NPR 

11)Birdwatching Tour

Chitwan bird-watching visit is, particularly for bird lovers. There are in excess of 600 types of flying creatures in Chitwan public park. Chitwan National Park is mainstream as the best living space for transient winged creatures and just as different types of fowls found in Nepal.

chitwan National Park | One Of The Most Visited National Park Of Nepal | Travel Guide

You can notice the flying creatures closely by Elephant safari and Canoeing at Rapti waterway. The clear sound of flying creatures and water streaming in the Rapti waterway is relaxing and it empowers your body.


Little egret, Honey Buzzard, Darter, Alexandre Parakeet, are some unique flying creatures found in Chitwan public park. 


12)Gharial Breeding Center

The crocodile breeding focus is set up for the insurance of Gangetic crocodiles in the Rapti stream. It is situated at Kasara Chitwan.

chitwan National Park | One Of The Most Visited National Park Of Nepal | Travel Guide

Visit the Crocodile breeding center through the jeep in Chitwan public park. Be that as it may, it is a piece of Jeep safari. You may notice the Gharial crocodile whose eggs are hatched in the river. Crocodile reproduction is an enjoyable and charming movement activity in Chitwan public park. 

13)Various lakes and Waterholes

chitwan National Park | One Of The Most Visited National Park Of Nepal | Travel Guide

There are various lakes and waterholes in and around the national park which are worth visiting. The lakes and waterholes are the places where birds and animals visit to quench their thirst. The lakes like Lake Lamictal, Bishazari Lake, Lake Devital, etc are accessible by walking or by taking local transportation.

14)Clouded leopard

The clouded leopard is a wild cat originally from the Himalayan foothills around Southeast Asia and southern China. Listed as ‘vulnerable species’ on the IUCN Red List, the total population is suspected to be fewer than 10,000, and sadly decreasing due to lack of habitat.

chitwan National Park | One Of The Most Visited National Park Of Nepal | Travel Guide

Nocturnal as well, they are hard to spot in the Chitwan National Park, however, they do tend to sleep in trees so keep your binoculars ready. 

15)Cycling in Chitwan

Cycling is one of the additional activities in Chitwan National Park. It begins from Sauraha and proceeds to Tharu towns. You can rent a cycle from transportation organizations, resorts, and even some cycling shops.

chitwan National Park | One Of The Most Visited National Park Of Nepal | Travel Guide

You can visit close Sauraha, and find their way of life and the way of life of the Tharu people group just as observe the greenery around the valley, Tharu gallery, and Buddhist temple. 

Conservation History of Chitwan National Park

The Royal Chitwan National Park came into existence in 1973. Prior to that, it was a protected hunting reserve from the aristocrats of Nepal and its foreign alliances. It is said that in 1911, King George V with his son killed 39 tigers and 18 rhinos in a single safari in this region. Even after being a reserved hunting spot, the loss of habitat and human encroachment was carried on by illegal hunters and poachers. 

Frequently asked questions :

Q.1)How to reach Chitwan National Park?

Public buses, tourist coaches, and airlines service link Chitwan. There are nine entrance gates to the park 1, Kasara via Jagatpur , 2. Ghatgain via Patihani , 3. Bhimle via Maghauli, 4. Khagendra mali via Bhandara , 5. Sunachuri via Sunachuri , 6. Sauraha via Tandi (Ratna Nagar)7. Laukhani via Pragatinaggr , 8. Amaltari via Danda , 9. Kujauli via Rajahar. 

Q.2)How is the climate?

Summer (March – June)
Min 18°C/64°F Max 35°C/95°F

Winter (October – February)
Min 7°C/45°F Max 24°C/75°F

The monsoon season lasts from June to September.

Q.3)How much is the Chitwan National Park Entry Fees?

Nepali – NRs. 150 per entry
SAARC – NRs. 1,000 per entry
Foreigners – NRs. 2,000 per entry
Child Discount – Below 10 yrs free

Q.4)When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit this national park is from October to March. During this season, the sky is clear and the temperature is cool. 


Q.5)How many entrances are there in Chitwan National Park?

  1. Sauraha in the East.
  2. Thara settlement of the Meghauli village on the west.

 Q.6)What are the available facilities for the homestay?

Plenty of hotels are situated nearby. For more details visit Booking.com.

Q.7)What to Bring on Safari?

  • lots and lots of water
  • lunch and snacks
  • a wide-brim hat
  • sunscreen
  • mosquito spray (dengue and sometimes malaria are found in the Park)
  • long clothes to protect from the sun and mosquitoes
  • binoculars if you have them
  • camera

Also read :

👉Manakamana Temple | Best Ropeway To Visit In Nepal

👉Best Historical Place To Visit In Nepal

👉Phewa Lake | Best Place To Visit In Pokhara

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