Chitwan Jungle Safari
A short wildlife break in Nepals first national park - jeep safari, river canoe and a Tharu village evening.
- Duration 3 days
- Region Terai
- From ₹11,499 per person
- Max altitude approx. 150 m
- Group size 2 - 16 travellers
- Best time Oct - Mar
- Pickup Chitwan, Kathmandu, Pokhara or Gorakhpur by road
Overview
Chitwan was Nepals first national park and remains its best wildlife destination - over six hundred one-horned rhino, a healthy tiger population, sloth bear, gharial crocodile and more than five hundred bird species across the grassland and sal forest.
Three days is enough for two proper game drives, a canoe on the Rapti and time in a Tharu village. We use lodges inside the buffer zone so you can walk to the river for sunset instead of driving to it.
It slots neatly between Kathmandu and Pokhara on a longer trip, or works on its own as a short break from Gorakhpur - the border is only a few hours away.
Destinations covered
- Chitwan National Park
- Sauraha
- Rapti River
Highlights
- One-horned rhino The animal everyone comes for, and the reason morning drives start when they do.
- Dugout canoe on the Rapti Silent drifting past gharial and mugger crocodile in the early mist.
- Birding in the grassland Over five hundred species recorded, and a naturalist who knows where they are.
- Tharu stick dance The local community culture programme, held most evenings in Sauraha.
Day by day itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive Chitwan
Check in to the lodge and take a late afternoon village walk, finishing at the river for sunset. Tharu cultural show after dinner.
Day 2 – Full day in the park
Morning jeep safari deep into the park, lunch back at the lodge, then a canoe trip on the Rapti and the elephant breeding centre in the afternoon.
Day 3 – Morning walk and departure
Guided nature walk or bird watching after an early breakfast, then check out and onward transfer.
What is included
- Two nights lodge accommodation inside the buffer zone
- All meals from lunch on day one to breakfast on day three
- Jeep safari, canoe trip, village walk and elephant breeding centre
- National park entry permits and licensed naturalist guide
- Tharu cultural programme
- All applicable taxes
What is not included
- Transfers to and from Chitwan unless quoted separately
- Drinks, personal expenses and tips
- Optional elephant back activities, which we do not sell
- Travel insurance
Photos
Frequently asked questions
- Do you offer elephant rides?
- No. We stopped selling elephant back safaris on welfare grounds and use jeeps and canoes instead. The breeding centre visit is included and the sightings are just as good.
- When is the best time to visit?
- October to March. The grass is cut in January and February which makes sightings easier, and the weather is dry and mild. The park largely closes for the monsoon.
- How far is it from Gorakhpur?
- Around five to six hours by road including the Sunauli border crossing, which makes it the easiest Nepal wildlife break for travellers from eastern Uttar Pradesh.