Why Visit Chitwan National Park?
The Chitwan National Park was Nepal's first National Park, established in 1973 AD, to conserve the rare wildlife and birdlife alongside the diverse fauna found within Chitwan's Conserved Area. The Chitwan National Park roughly covers around 950 sq. km of land, which consists of tall grasslands, riverbanks, and moist lands. The Chitwan National Park is not just any other well-maintained conservation area but is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was given in 1984, around 11 years after its establishment. The Chitwan National Park is one of the best-preserved conservation land masses, which has retained its history of preserving wild animals like the one-horned rhino and Bengal tigers, which has become a praised topic all over the world.
Types of Chitwan Jungle Safari Tours
The type of Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour you would like to do or are interested in is entirely dependent on you, so here are the types of Chitwan Jungle Safari Tours you can do while in Nepal.
Jeep Safari Tour
The Jeep Safari Tour is the most popular tour among the Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour options, as this tour encompasses the most ground coverage in comparison to the other options that can be chosen by people doing the Safari Tour. The Jeep Safari Tour is divided into two parts that people can choose from: half-day or full-day safari tour. The half-day safari tour takes roughly 3 to 4 hours and is the best option for travellers who want to do the tour quickly and want to explore other places in the same day. Whereas the full-day safari tour is mostly done by people who want to fully enjoy the tour and have decided to give the entire day to the tour; the full - day tours take around 6 to 8 hours to complete and are the option that opens up the best window of opportunity for travellers to experience the rare wildlife that the park offers to the tourists. The full - day Jeep Safari Tour is the best option for families, travellers who like to document the entire experience through their cameras and phones, and for senior citizens who want to relax.
Jungle tour with a Naturalist guide
The jungle walk with a Naturalist guide is for people who want a very deep and immersive experience with a naturalist guide. This specific tour allows you to read animals' tracks along the safari's muddy trail and also get to know which species of birds are in the area by hearing their bird calls with the help of your guide. Still, before choosing to do this type of tour, you need to keep in mind that you will always have to follow your tour guide's instructions, as some of the animals found on the tour might become disruptive and aggressive if they end up getting disturbed by people. This type of jungle tour suits people who want to document animal tracks and those who want an overall immersive jungle experience.
Canoe Ride on the Rapti River
The Canoe Ride along the Rapti River is a tour that is not traditional like the Jeep safari tours but takes the travellers through a dugout canoe for about an hour. This ride is the best for people who want to experience the canoe riding experience of Chitwan National Park. This ride offers the best chance to see the beautiful and well - preserved animals like the Mugger crocodiles and the famous Gharials. This canoe ride does not just feature animals like crocodiles but also birds like kingfishers and Storks. This ride is the sort of experience that we suggest families and small groups take as a break from the jungle tour and get a new experience of riding through canoes for a peaceful experience. The best time when this can be done is around sunset, when the orange sky mirrors itself in the river.
Best Time to Visit Chitwan National Park
| Season |
Months |
Weather |
Wildlife Viewing |
| Autumn |
Oct - Nov |
- Warm days
- Alongside cool nights
|
Lush landscape post-monsoon |
| Winter |
Dec - Feb |
- Cold Morning and Nights
- Some fog during the morning and night
|
Great window for bird watching |
| Spring |
March - May |
- The weather starts warming up
|
The best season to experience everything the reserve has to offer |
| Monsoon |
June - Sep |
- Humid with chances of heavy rain
|
Not suited for most activities people aim to experience during the safari |
We suggest visiting between February and April to see the park's wildlife, but keep in mind that from March the weather starts heating up, and mosquitoes are very prominent in Chitwan, so make sure you are well prepared for the trip. October to December offers the most comfortable weather for travellers visiting the park, while the Monsoon has the least tourist traffic, so you can plan your trip accordingly.
Sample 3-Day Chitwan Jungle Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Cultural Evening
Drive from Kathmandu or Pokhara to Chitwan, check in at your hotel or resort, and enjoy lunch. In the late afternoon, take a village tour or riverside walk, followed by a Tharu cultural program in the evening.
Day 2: Full-Day Jungle Safari
Start the day with a canoe ride on the Rapti River, followed by a guided jungle walk. After lunch and some rest, enjoy a jeep safari inside Chitwan National Park.
Day 3: Birdwatching and Departure
Enjoy breakfast and a short morning birdwatching session or nature walk. After checkout, drive back to Kathmandu or continue your journey to Pokhara, Lumbini, or another destination.
How to Get to Chitwan from Kathmandu?
By Tourist Bus
The most affordable option is a tourist bus from Kathmandu to Sauraha, Bharatpur, or Narayanghat. The journey usually takes around 5–6 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
By Private Vehicle
A private car or jeep is more comfortable and flexible. It is a good option for families, small groups, or travelers who want to stop along the way.
By Flight
You can fly from Kathmandu to Bharatpur Airport in about 20–25 minutes. From the airport, it takes a short drive to reach Sauraha or your chosen lodge. This is the fastest option, but flights can be affected by weather.
Where to stay in Chitwan?
Sauraha
- Environment: A lively and well-established tourist hub.
- Upscale level: The most upscale of the three areas.
- Busiest area: It is the busiest of the three.
- Best for: Budget to mid-range travellers.
- Pros: It has the most restaurants, cafés, shops, and tourist facilities.
- Cons: It can become very crowded with tourist traffic during peak season.
Meghauli
- Environment: A peaceful and scenic area near the jungle.
- Upscale level: A quieter, more premium destination.
- Busiest area: Less busy than Sauraha and Bharatpur.
- Best for: Luxury travellers seeking privacy and a high-end jungle experience.
- Pros: It offers peaceful surroundings and high-end lodges and resorts.
- Cons: It is generally the most expensive of the three areas.
Bharatapur
- Environment: A practical town with urban facilities and services.
- Upscale level: More functional than luxurious.
- Busiest area: Busy as a local commercial and transport centre.
- Best for: Travellers who want the closest access to the airport.
- Pros: It has the airport, markets, banks, hospitals, and other essential services.
- Cons: It is not very close to the jungle, so visitors must travel to reach Chitwan National Park.
What to Pack for Chitwan Jungle Safari
- Neutral-colored clothes such as khaki, brown, or olive
- Long-sleeved shirts and long trousers
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hat, sunglasses, and SPF 50+ sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Light jacket for cool mornings and evenings
- Small daypack
- Refillable water bottle
- Personal medicines and basic first-aid items
- Camera or binoculars
Note: Avoid bright colors, strong perfumes, and loud clothing during jungle activities.
Safety Tips
- Make sure when travelling, you travel with a licensed guide and follow their guide all the time.
- Avoid trying to feed the animals in the park and make sure you keep your distance from the wildlife.
- Do not try to pet any animals without approval of your guide.
- Make sure that you do not litter around the park and make sure you follow and respect the park's rules.
- Do not use Flash Photography around the animals.
- Stay quiet and move quietly during the safari.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
How many days do I need to complete the safari?
We suggest taking around 3 or 4 days to complete the jungle safari and canoe tour without rushing and getting exhausted.
How rare is seeing Tigers in the park?
Spotting a tiger is considered very lucky on the tour, and we suggest travellers keep their expectations low.
Is the park safe?
Yes, by following the guide's instructions and making sure that you follow the rules well, the park is safe.
Is Jeep Safari better or Jungle walk?
We cannot say which is better, as both are done by people depending on the experience they want to get; the jungle safari tour covers more ground, whereas the jungle walk gives a more peaceful and immersive experience.
Are Elephant rides still offered?
Due to a lot of concerns about the well-being of the elephants, people have started promoting visiting the Elephant Breeding Centre more and a lot of places do not offer them anymore, whereas some places still offer the rides.
Is Chitwan safe for kids and senior citizens?
Yes, Chitwan and the jungle safari are very safe for children and senior citizens if guardians can keep their children with them all the time and tell them the park rules clearly; it is safe to take a tour.
What should I do if I meet a rhino during a Jungle walk?
If you happen to meet a rhino during a Jungle walk, make sure that you follow your guide's instructions calmly without hurry or panic.
Are there mosquitoes in Chitwan?
Yes, during the summer and monsoon season, there are a lot of mosquitoes in Chitwan due to the humid weather of the region, so make sure you wear long sleeves if visiting Chitwan during the summer.
Plan Your Chitwan Jungle Safari with Destination Himalaya Treks
Chitwan National Park offers one of Nepal’s best wildlife experiences, combining jungle safaris, river adventures, birdwatching, and Tharu culture. Whether you visit after a Himalayan trek or as a standalone trip, it is a perfect way to experience a different side of Nepal.
At Destination Himalaya Treks, we make your Chitwan jungle safari simple, safe, and memorable. Our experienced local team arranges comfortable accommodation, knowledgeable guides, park permits, and well-planned safari activities so you can focus on enjoying the wildlife and culture.
Our Chitwan National Park Tour is a complete 2-night, 3-day package that includes a jeep safari, canoe ride on the Rapti River, guided jungle walk, birdwatching, Tharu cultural experience, meals, and accommodation. It is an excellent choice for families, couples, solo travelers, and anyone looking to add a wildlife adventure to their Nepal trip.
Ready to explore the jungles of Chitwan? Book your Chitwan Jungle Safari Package with Destination Himalaya Treks and enjoy a well-organized wildlife adventure from arrival to departure. Feel free to contact us for more assistance with anything related to Nepal tours, treks, and expeditions.
