Overview
Chitwan National Park is situated in the southwestern part of Nepal and covers 932 square Kilometers. This is Nepal's first famous national park for wildlife safaris. You can see wild elephants, white footed gaur (the world's largest wild cattle), leopards, wild boar, sloth bear and several species of deer including the spotted, barking, samber and hog deer. It is also the home of the one-horned rhinoceros and harbors one of the largest populations of the exclusive and rare Royal Bengal tiger. The swampy areas and numerous ox-bow lakes provide the perfect habitat for marsh crocodiles. The park hosts 450 species of birds. The Tharu people who are the pre-dominant residents of this area have unique cultural traditions. In Chitwan there are many lodges outside and inside the park as per visitor's budget and interest. The lodges outside of the park are known as Sauraha. Usually, visitors spend 2 nights and 3 days, but it is also possible to stay longer if you desire.
During your stay in Chitwan National Park, you will enjoy the following activities:
Canoe Trip:
Take canoe trip on either Rapti River or Budhi Rapti River which border the National Park. The river is a prime habitat for two types of crocodiles, the Gharial and Mugger.
Bird Watching:
For the bird watchers, the park is a paradise for over 450 species of exotic birds including domestic and migratory birds. Many of them are rare and threatened, including the Great pied hornbill, Bengal Florican, Peregrine falcon, lesser adjutant storks, etc.
Elephant safari or Jeep Safari:
Enjoy elephant ride to view the wild life in action in their natural habitat. Those who are not interested in Elephant safari can take Jeep Safari instead. Jeep Safari includes a 4WD Jeep tour into deeper section of the park- such as Ox-bow lake- allowing you a chance to witness rare wildlife species.
Nature Walk:
Go on a nature walk under the guidance of our experienced naturalists/botanists inside the park. This is the ideal opportunity to explore and experience and learn about the diversity of Himalayan flora and fauna.
Elephant Breeding Centre:
Chitwan National Park is home to the first Elephant breeding centre in Asia. Observe elephant and their calves at close quarters. This centre is run by the government and its purpose is to provide a safe breeding habitat for elephants.
Village tour:
Excursion in Tharu village is a heart-warming experience you don’t want to miss. Tharus are the indigenous inhabitant of the inner Terai. Enjoy their cuisine, interact, and experience their traditional way of life.
Cultural Program:
In the evening you will get an opportunity to participate in Tharu cultural folk dance. The unique stick dance performed by Tharu youth adorned in their traditional attires is the most popular activity among visitors.
Crocodile Walk:
The Park also offers a unique crocodile walk program wherein you will follow a trail along the bank of Rapti / Narayani River passing through grassland and forest to spot crocodiles out in the wild.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 : Kathmandu - Chitwan
After breakfast, our representative will transfer you to Kathmandu airport where you will fly to Chitwan. The flight takes about 25 minutes. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel. After lunch you can enjoy jungle activities in Chitwan National Park. In the evening enjoy cultural program performed by Tharu, one of the indigenous communities of Terai.
Stay overnight at Chitwan.
Day 2 : Chitwan
Today you enjoy a full day of safari activities that will include elephant back safari, nature walks, canoe or boat ride, jeep drive, elephant bathing, bird watching, etc. as time permits. All outings will be guided by trained local naturalists and guides. Animals and birds to be seen are rhinoceros, crocodiles, bear, monkeys, several species of deer, pythons, peacocks, hornbills, woodpeckers (amongst more than 400 species of birds recorded in the park). If you are lucky, the elusive tiger and leopard may revel themselves for you. One more activity includes walk through Tharu villages. You stay overnight at camp or lodge.
Day 3 : Chitwan - Kathmandu
After morning breakfast, continue with some more jungle activities. Later fly back from Chitwan to Kathmandu takes about 20 minutes. Upon arrival, our airport representative will pick you up and transfer to your hotel.