Top Chitwan National Park Tours & Vacations 2024/2025...

Chitwan National Park Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

91 Chitwan National Park trips. Compare tour itineraries from 39 tour companies. 262 reviews. 4.9/5 avg rating.

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Top Chitwan National Park Attractions & Experiences

Chitwan National Park Tours & Travel Guide

Chitwan National Park Attractions & Landmarks Guide

Established in 1973, Chitwan National Park, meaning the heart of the jungle, was the very first national park of Nepal. In 1984, it was designated as the UNESCO World Heritage site due to the natural wonders it contains.

It consists of subtropical and tropical vegetation and diverse ecosystems like churia hills, wetlands, flood plains, etc. During the old times, this place was the favorite hunting spot of Nepal's ruling class but is now known to protect a huge variety of wildlife species.

Where Is Chitwan National Park          

This preserved National Park is located in south-central Nepal, in the Inner Terai lowlands in Nawalpur district. This 360 sq. mi park is at an altitude ranging from 100m in the river valley to 815 m in the hills and is spread over four districts, i.e., Chitwan, Parsa, Makwanpur, and Nawalparasi district.

The beautiful and dense park is mainly known for its biodiversity as it is home to various rare species like Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos, and many other mammals. The park is also home to Balmiki Ashram, which is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site.

How Far Is Chitwan National Park From Kathmandu   

The approximate distance between Kathmandu and Chitwan National Park Nepal is almost 170 km, which makes about a 5-hour drive. There are tourist buses that will take you directly from Kathmandu to Chitwan at a low cost.

Spotting Rhinos In Chitwan National Park       

The most popular activity during safaris in Chitwan National Park is spotting these precious one-horned rhinos. There are three ways to explore the park to look for these large mammals. The most popular and unique way is the 1 and a half hour elephant ride, taking you through the dense forest slowly and quietly.

There are three tours throughout the day; early morning, afternoon, and late afternoon. Early morning sessions might be the best and will let you enjoy nature more closely, while the afternoon session has the advantage that they already know where the rhinos are grazing.

The second way is to travel via jeep that will also let you spot grazing deer, monkeys hanging by the trees, and various such sites before reaching the rhino footsteps. The third option is walking through the park and is much more challenging as it requires a good physical fitness level. But it is more fun as you can explore the region at your pace and walk into the footsteps of the tigers and rhinos.

Other Wildlife Sightings In Chitwan National Park      

The huge wildlife variety of the Chitwan National Park comprises almost 68 species of mammals, 544 species of birds, 56 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 67 colorful butterfly species, including blue tigers and lemon migrants. Crested serpent eagles, Bengal pittas, jungle owlets, emerald doves, sunbirds, Indian rollers, and bee-eaters provide a good feast for birdwatchers.

Among hoofed mammals, the variety includes but is not limited to hog deer, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, wild boar, guar, and nilgai. If you are lucky enough, you might get a glimpse of the huge sloth bear. Monkeys, mostly gray langurs, and rhesus macaques and found scampering and chattering through the bushes.

Predators like Indian leopards, jungle cats, marble cats, Royal Bengal tiger, Indian wild dogs, palm civets, golden jackals, striped hyenas, Bengal foxes, and honey badgers are spread all through the forest. Asian Elephant, the second largest mammal on land, is the most famous inhabitant of the park, along with the one-horned rhinos.

The Narayani River is home to the remaining population of gharial, the Indian crocodile, the rare Gangetic dolphin, 100 different species of fish, and other aquatic animals like ganges, otters, etc.

Top Activities In Chitwan National Park

The huge park is full of wildlife adventures, and if you are a nature fan, then you have reached the right place to spend your day. Here is a list of few activities available and popular among the tourists at Chitwan National Park Nepal.

1. Jungle Walks

A most adventurous way to explore the park is by walking through the region with your guide as it gives you a closer look at the wildlife. It is better to walk in large groups because that reduces the danger of encountering angry mothers of rhinos, sloth, or tigers who are protecting their young ones.

However, jungle walks are not good for faint-hearted due to the huge risk of a sudden encounter with wild creatures. You will be walking deep into the jungle, far from the medical and rescue facilities and sometimes even without communication.

So, consider the risk associated with this adventure and then opt for it. But the best thing about the walk is that you can reach even the farthest parts that are otherwise hard to visit on a jeep trip.

2. Canoeing

No trip to Chitwan National Park Nepal is complete without exploring the aquatic life of the region. This slow floating canoe ride in the rivers of Nepal takes you to a unique experience of witnessing beautiful water birds and crocodiles.

You might also come across the endangered species of gharial crocodile and marsh mugger. Sit in the hand-carved wooden canoe and watch the park's wildlife through a different angle while riding along the waves. It is not only the best way to explore the aquatic wildlife of the park but also the best way to view the riverside scenery.

3. Elephant Safari

A huge controversy and debate are going on about this elephant ride. Many claim it to be anti-human and demand the abolishment of the practice. There are tourists who claim that animals are being treated with care and love. Due to these debates and animal rights concerns, the practice has now changed from riding on the back of the elephants to walking along with them through the forest.

The advantage of riding on the elephant back was that they could take you deep into the trees to the points where you cannot go on your own, and you can enjoy the view and the wildlife from above, sitting safe and unharmed. They can still take you deep within the jungle while walking along and clear the way where necessary, acting as your security agent from wild animals of the park.

4. Elephant Breeding Center

There are two elephant breeding centers in the world, and one of them is here in Chitwan National Park, Nepal. This breeding center is made especially for endangered species of elephants and to give refuge to the orphan and homeless elephants, where the forest department takes care of them.

You can know about the efforts being made to protect this species from extinction. Here you have the chance to witness the natural lifestyle of an elephant how they live, what they eat, how they breed, and how they spend their day. The farm also has a small museum about baby elephants that is also a fun point on the way.

5. Elephant Bathing

Another fun activity in the park is to watch the huge elephants bathing and swimming in the Narayani or Rapti River. Sit at the river bank during the sunset and get amused by these elephants entertaining themselves with their favorite activity, i.e., cooling down in the water while feeling weightless.

You can also go and enjoy the playful elephants in the river and dip and dive along with them. December and January are the coldest times, and the water temperature drops to unbearable limits, hence, in these months, you will not be able to enjoy the sight of cute bathing elephants.

6. Cultural Trip

Nepal is a country with a variety of different cultures and religions. People who are interested in cultural activities and exploration should also visit the villages around the park. Tharu village is the most popular among all these where you get the chance to learn the unique traditions of the locals and the everyday life patterns and lifestyle of the people.

Stroll through the village to explore the region and witness the old traditional houses of the village, or ride on a Tonka ride. The cultural museum has various exhibits on the Tharu community and one of the most beautiful places in Nepal.

7. Crocodile Breeding Center

Away from the crowd, at a distance of about 20-30 minutes, this breeding center is one of the most important points of your trip to Chitwan National Park. To revive, breed, and protect the endangered crocodile species, the authorities have been working really hard for years now.

The isolated breeding center lets you explore the habitat, lifestyle, and life cycle of the fierce animal. You have the chance to know about their life cycle from egg to a full-grown giant crocodile. Also enjoying watching the Mugger Crocodile, which you will rarely find anywhere else.

8. Cycling

One of the best ways to explore the beautiful region is by cycling in and around the Chitwan National park. You can hire a cycle from various companies, cycle shops, or even your hotels. Start your trip from Sauraha and travel through the Tharu villages, exploring the lifestyle, culture, and beauty of the Tharu community.

Discover the variety of flora and fauna around the region, visit the Buddhist temple and Tharu museum to know about the history of the region.

Best Time To Go

Which is the best time for safaris in Chitwan National Park depends entirely on your priorities. What type of activities you are interested in, which type of wildlife you enjoy the most, which weather do you prefer, and above all what is your budget. All these factors contribute to deciding which time is most suitable for your trip to Chitwan National Park.

Summer is the hottest and most convenient time with regard to the weather, but the good thing about summer is that it dries up the small water reservoirs and the animals come out to the bigger lakes and other water sources to quench their thirst. Their coming out into the mainstream makes them more visible, making your trip worth it.

However, birds migrate to other areas due to hot weather, so you might miss out on bird views if you visit during summer. Wintertime, October to March, is suitable and preferred by many tourists due to clear skies and cool temperatures. Also in January, the villagers cut down the phanta grass for their use, increasing the visibility, which is grown to about 8 m during monsoon, making smaller animals harder to be spotted.

June to September, the monsoon time, is less preferred for Safaris in Chitwan National Park. The heavy rainfall not only limits the jeep zone but also accompanies flood most of the time.

Weather         

Chitwan National Park Nepal has a typical monsoon climate with high humidity around the year. There are three main seasons in the region; Monsoon, winter, and summer. Being in the Himalayas central zone, monsoon season starts here by the mid of June, extending till late September.

Weather is hot during this time with high humidity and abundant rainfall. By the start of October, winter starts showing its sign with comparatively cooler temperatures and less rainfall, but you should expect mild rainfall till December end.

With the reduction in rainfall, the temperature in January begins to rise a bit, but the overall weather is pleasant. Summer starts by the end of March with sky-touching humidity levels and very hot temperatures.

Why Visit Chitwan National Park?

If you are a wildlife lover, there is no reason not to visit Chitwan National Park. With more than 68 species of mammals, 544 species of birds, 56 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 67 colorful butterfly species, the park is a paradise for wildlife seekers. Spotting the tigers and rhinos, however, depending on your timing and during which part of the year you are going to visit.

Apart from the rare species sight, the place has beautiful scenery and a calm atmosphere that is going to help you a lot to relax with the sounds of nature. Not up to that level, but the Chitwan National Park is considered to be the cheap version of African safaris with abundant wildlife and especially because of the rhinos, elephants, and tigers.

Chitwan National Park Reviews & Ratings

4.9/5  Excellent
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k

kade

Oct 2017

Written on

great tour

the guide was very knowledgeable - friendly - great sense of humour - looki...

N

Neil

Oct 2015

Written on

Excellent trip with no fuss and small

Excellent trip with no fuss and small group, leader was excellent and very experienced.

r

russell

Oct 2015

Written on

I don't give recommendations as a general

I don't give recommendations as a general principle.

a

alan

Sep 2015

Written on

always found them very professional

always found them very professional

M

Madeleine

Sep 2015

Written on

The trip overall was incredible. So many

The trip overall was incredible. So many amazing places that I never would have been able to experience travelling alone. What really made the trip amazing, was our ...

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