THE EARTH FARER
One horn Rhino at Chitwan National Park, Nepal
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Nepal · Wildlife

Chitwan National Park

Explore Nepal's subtropical Terai by jeep, canoe and on foot in search of one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, gharials, sloth bears and over 500 species of birds.

Recommended Stay3D / 2N
Best ForOne-Horned Rhinos
Safari TypeJeep / Canoe / On foot
Cost💵💵Mid-range
HabitatSal Forest

Overview

Chitwan National Park protects a very different side of Nepal from the Himalayan landscapes most travellers associate with the country. Here, tall elephant grass, sal forests, wetlands and broad rivers stretch across the lowland Terai at the foot of the Himalayas.

The greater one-horned rhinoceros is the park’s signature animal, but Chitwan also supports Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaur, wild elephants, dholes, several deer species and an extraordinary diversity of birds.

The rivers add another dimension to the wildlife experience. Canoe trips along the Rapti and Narayani provide opportunities to see gharial and mugger crocodiles, waterbirds and wildlife using the riverbanks.

A Paradise fly catcher in Chitwan national Park, Nepal
Good For

Rhinos, river wildlife and varied safari experiences.

Considerations

Humid heat, monsoon safari restrictions.

Wildlife You May See

One horned rhino

One-Horned Rhinos

Elephant

Elephants

Gharial

Gharials

Spotted Deer

Spotted Deer

Paradise fly catcher

Paradise Fly Catcher

Royal Bengal Tiger

Tigers

Best Time To Go

Recommended Variable
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct

Monsoon

Jul-Sep

Heavy rain floods tracks and rivers; core-park jeep safaris are suspended while some buffer-zone activities continue.

Post Monsoon

Oct

Forest roads reopen once repairs are complete; exact safari restart dates depend on rainfall and track conditions.

Confirm that core-park jeep safaris have reopened after the monsoon before travelling.

Getting There

Option 1

By Road

Kathmandu Arrival (KTM)
Road
Sauraha Safari Base
Option 2

By Flight

Kathmandu Arrival (KTM)
Flight
Bharatpur Arrival (BHR)
Road
Sauraha Safari Base

Before You Go

Visitors need the appropriate National-park entry permission and should undertake jungle activities with authorised guides/operators. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

What To Bring

Safari Gear & Optics

  • Binoculars
  • Camera / Telephoto lens

Clothing & Protection

  • Lightweight neutral-coloured clothing
  • Hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Light rain jacket

Personal Essentials

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Small daypack