Chitwan Jungle Safari

Trip Highlights of Chitwan Jungle Safari
- The best national park in Asia for a Chitwan jungle safari.
- Discover Nepal’s first national park, which covers an area of 952.63 square kilometers and was founded in 1973 AD.
- Home to native plants and animals (700 species of wildlife, 17 species of snakes, 133 species of fish, and 543 species of birds).
- Canoeing in the Rapti River and exploring aquatic animals like gharials and crocodiles.
- Full-day Chitwan Jungle safari in a Jeep.
- Take an elephant ride through the dense forest.
- Visit the Elephant Breeding Center.
- Jeep safari, walking through the jungle, sunset, village, and bird viewing tours.
- Engaging in some adventure activities and experiencing wildlife.
- Enjoy the local cuisine and participate in the traditional Tharu dance on our Chitwan Jungle safari.
- Discover the astounding variety of species and natural ecosystems in Nepal.
Overview of Chitwan Jungle Safari
The first recognized national park in Nepal is Chitwan, established in 1973 AD. It started to gain popularity among tourists after its inclusion on the list of world-historic sites. It is worth seeing because of the many endangered species and lush vegetation.
During your Chitwan jungle safari tour, you can stay anywhere between the east side of Chitwan and Nawalpur in the west. Chitwan is home to various flora, animals, and natural features. You can take part in a variety of activities throughout the day.
Jeep safari rides are one such activity. You will feel satisfaction due to a pleasant journey. The Jeep tour into the wild offered you comparable joy. You will see creatures like rhinos, tigers, elephants, and deer. Additionally, the lush vegetation and diverse birdlife will help you calm down.
The national park’s main draw is the six endangered species. The “big six” also refers to these. The displayed animals are Gaur, a wooden bear, a tiger, a leopard, wild elephants, and a one-horned rhinoceros. The park has the highly endangered reptile known as the gharial.
Another creature of the same species, the crocodile, is an attraction of the national park. The national park is home to four different types of deer. They are sambar, spotted, hog, and barking deer. Besides these animals and reptiles, the national park has 584 distinct bird species.
Some birds are residents, while others are migrants who came for safety. The vivid beauty of birds like the ruddy shel duck, cormorant, snake bird, and kingfisher draws tourists. More than 900 soldiers are now guarding the national park. They have aided in preventing illegal smuggling and hunting in the national park.
Three years have passed without proof of such activity, which might be why the statistics show a doubling in tigers. The national park, the local community, and WWF Nepal have worked together to protect tigers and rhinoceros. The national park has three distinct plant species: 20% grassland, 12% pine forest, and 8% riverine forest.
The best time to visit
People can visit Chitwan National Park all year round, but the winter months, particularly February and March, offer the best weather. Yet, April and May are better for sightings as the weather begins to heat up and animals move toward the water.
How to reach?
The capital, Kathmandu, and Chitwan are both very well connected. The shortest airport to the national park is in Bharatpur. The flights there take thirty minutes and cost between three thousand and four thousand Nepali rupees. Another option is to take a four-hour, 175-kilometer drive from Kathmandu.
Best Place to Stay
Chitwan has several lodging options for every price range and preference. Most hotels and resorts are near the Rapti River, near the national park. The hotel staff prepares to greet guests formally. Each villa has a private pool, breathtaking river, and national park views.
It also provides various accommodations. You can stay in a community homestay decorated like those remarkable people in Chitwan. Additionally, living in the luxurious style that the resort offers is possible. There are cozy accommodations, attractive interior design, and traditional foods. The swimming pool and lush landscaping add romance to the environment.
Chitwan jungle safari tour through a jeep ride
One of the well-liked and popular ways of locating animals in Chitwan National Park is a jeep safari. After breakfast, you’ll hop in the Jeep early in the morning and head out on a safari. The safari jeep awaits you in a canoe after you cross the Rapti River.
On this safari, you will observe the animals while riding in the back of an open jeep. Conversely, the guide will hang from the back of the Jeep to detect wildlife. Additionally, he will provide details on the surroundings, habitats, and fauna.
The driver will stop at different places to point out locations and creatures. This will give you a fantastic opportunity to get some amazing photos of animals and birds. There are two ways to engage in the Jeep safari. The first choice is a quick safari that lasts for roughly four hours.
The vehicle can accommodate up to 7 passengers. It would help if you sat with your back on the side of the car. This Chitwan Jungle safari will begin at roughly 13:00 and end at about 17:00. A full-day Chitwan Jungle safari is the second choice. The Jeep is more comfortable because you have superior seats and a private vehicle.
This journey begins early morning and continues until late in the day. On this tour, you will go further into the forest, where your chances of seeing tigers will increase. You will spend the entire day on a vehicle safari in the wilderness. Thus, you will eat lunch in the jungle area throughout this tour.
Tip: Avoid wearing bright colors on a Chitwan Jungle safari. The bright colors will frighten the animals. Black, off-white, dark green and grey are preferable.
Itinerary of Chitwan Jungle Safari
01
Day 01: Kathmandu to Sauraha, Chitwan, and Transfer to Jungle Resorts
Your trip starts in Kathmandu with a 5–6-hour bus ride to Chitwan. You arrive at the Chitwan Jungle Resort and Hotel. The staff will greet you and offer refreshments before showing you to your rooms. After a short rest, our tour guide will provide a quick overview of the day’s schedule.
You can walk down the Rapti riverbank, viewing the endless plains of the land of the Terai region of Nepal. You can see the sun setting from the side of the river. We can also encounter some Gharials and muggers lounging in the sun on the other side of the river.
02
Day 02: Full Day Jungle Safari Tour
One of the most intriguing days of the trip is today because we embark on a forest safari right after breakfast. Our first step into Chitwan’s wilderness will be a short canoe trip along the Rapti River. You may see the wild varieties of crocodiles basking in the sun.
There is also a quick forest walk program where a guide will be with us to talk about the trip’s surprises. You have two alternatives: an elephant safari or a jeep safari. You may explore Chitwan’s wilderness in any case. You must note that an elephant may explore a deep forest area, but a jeep travels along the road, often in the forest’s buffer zone.
On the journey, you can see one-horned rhinoceroses, deer, peacocks, and other animals. The Royal Bengal Tiger, on the other hand, is a rarely seen species. In the evening, we will witness indigenous Tharus performing a traditional dance. We will spend the night at the resort in Chitwan, participating in the dinner, cultural performance, and campfire.
03
Day 03: Departure
Today is the last day we will be in Sauraha, Chitwan. We start the day with tea or coffee in the early morning, followed by a quick tour into the jungle to view the birds. Following that, we depart for the Kathmandu Valley.
Trip Extension
Suppose you have more time in Nepal after this trip. In that case, we can help you to extend your trip by running different treks in Nepal, tours in Bhutan and Tibet, Jungle safari tours at Chitwan, Bardia, and other National parks, Nepal luxury hotel booking, Rafting, Ultra-light flights, or any other travel-related services. You can get more information here.
Includes/Excludes
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Exploring Sauraha City
A visit to the city of “Sauraha,” close to the Rapti River, is important. It is essential for every trip to the Chitwan Jungle safari. Sauraha lies in south-central Nepal. It is a town located directly on the Chitwan National Park’s border. The goal of visiting Sauraha is to experience a unique ambiance. You can experience the deep forest’s serenity.
You can learn about the Tharus society’s tranquility and delightful animal interactions. At nighttime, there are vibrant lights in and around Hatti and Gaida Chowk. The nearby hotels and restaurants also lit the whole town. The music played in those places gave your excursion a unique flavor.
Cultural program
Your Chitwan jungle safari tour will also feature a traditional Tharu show. Many of the resort’s facilities host the Tharu cultural program. The Tharus wear vibrant, conventional costumes. Their dance performance will captivate you. Some locals like Maayur Naach and Laathi Naach will perform some dances. You may participate in the dance with the locals and have a great time.
Visiting Maulakaliika Mandir
Maulakaliika Mandir is a temple that may be reached by ascending 1700 steps on foot. You can see even the Narayani River and Bharatpur from there. The “devghaat ashram” links three separate Nepalese regions. Visiting the Chitwan Jungle safari is significant from a religious and spiritual standpoint.
Elephant Ride
You can do a Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour on an elephant. It is an excellent way to get close views of animals while having adventures. An elephant ride will allow you to discover the depths of the jungle. The Chitwan National Park’s Elephant Back Ride Safari receives the most hype.
Your coming elephant ride will be an Asian or Asian elephant (Elephas maximus). It is the only living species of the Elephant. It is seen across Southeast Asia, stretching from Borneo in the east to India in the west. Likewise, tourists may participate in activities like elephant bathing.
A Campfire
You can spend your final evening at the resort around the campfire. Enjoy the barbecue served there on our Chitwan Jungle safari. This lovely setting fosters an aura of serenity and tranquility. It has a clean environment. It can aid mental and physical relaxation and promote an upbeat, joyful atmosphere.
Exploring the village and its culture
Chitwan Jungle Safari offers more than visiting the national park and taking in the local wildlife. There is much to learn about their unique way of life, communities, culture, etc. We address the Barauli, Kasara, and Sauraha villages near the Chitwan National Park. From west to east, we are traveling to three distinct locations in the neighborhood.
In a few unique colonies near the national park, the Tharus celebrate their culture and traditions. Barauli contains one such community in the park’s western region. One of the village elders said there were just two or three houses before. The only inhabitants of the settlement were Tharus.
However, once several immigrants from other cultures and religions arrived, the village began to expand. Four to five years ago, agriculture was the residents’ only source of income. The women cared for the household while the men worked in the fields. The residents needed to be financially stronger despite living near the national park.
These conditions forced those people to engage in hunting and deforestation. Yet, the resourceful locals established the Barauli Community Homestay. They got the aid of the community homestay network to address issues like these. They raise awareness of their own culture and customs.
Homestay at Chitwan Jungle safari tour
Locals launched a homestay program to attract both domestic and foreign guests. This program increased the community’s financial well-being. Their happy smiles and distinct demeanor prove the program’s sound effects on their lives. Both men and women hold equal responsibility for running the homestay. They support women’s empowerment and equality.
The interior design of the 12 homes and 14 rooms combines traditional elements with modern equipment. Each room has a feminine name to encourage women. The cozy accommodations and excellent local cuisine draw in tourists. On the Chitwan Jungle safari tour, they offer foods made using ingredients farmed and harvested locally.
Additionally, you may go on a jeep trip around the national park and see the community. You can return after watching the sunset over the Narayani River. You can thoroughly enjoy the Tharu people’s traditional program. Lathi Naach and Mayur Naach are two examples of traditional dances. The people of this distinctive and particular culture perform them.
The subsequent settlement you can visit is Kasara on our Chitwan Jungle safari tour. The main entrance to the national park lies there. Kasara represents the natural world. Similarly, Kasara Lodges has made an effort to present the exact reflection. If you want to visit the national park from its central location, you can stay at any of the Kasara hotels or resorts.
You can also use a conventional bullock cart to get to the Tharu hamlet in Kasara. The village has a population of about 200 people who live in 40 households. There, people are kind and polite. They also believe they must protect the wildlife and the forest. They have established a small museum to conserve and display their antique equipment.
The museum has wooden rice husks, a grinder, and a traditional hat. It also has a plow, a fishnet, and traditional slippers. After touring the village, you may see the elephants nearby. These animals are among the most intelligent, so the caregiver can easily communicate with them. You may canoe on the Chitwan Jungle safari tour on the Rapti River.
As you float around in the boat, you’ll understand the value of rivers for wildlife. A thirsty, one-horned rhinoceros comes to the river to drink water. Numerous types of birds make a lively picture of flying and driving in the river. Fish-eating gharials sit on the river bank, warming their bodies beneath the hot sun. You could find great value in these views.
Similarly, the next step includes visiting more locations in Nawalpur and Chitwan. The “twenty thousand lakes” in the buffer zone reflect the surrounding greenery. The Mahabharat range and the Chure range are divided by this lake. Elephant breeding facilities allow visitors to witness an elephant herd.
Chitwan Jungle Safari cost
The Chitwan National Park Tour is South Asia’s best jungle safari. Various itineraries and packages are offered, with varying pricing schemes. The cost of the Chitwan jungle safari tour depends on multiple factors, including the mode of transportation, lodging, length of stay, meals, etc.
Each person must pay, on average, between $200 and $290. A Chitwan jungle safari excursion typically costs between $100 and $230. It includes all meals, transportation, guide, lodging, and permit charges. For tour packages, you can consult a reputable company.
Barahi Jungle Lodge
The Barahi Jungle Lodge is at Andrauli, 5 km from Meghauli airport and 32 km from Bharatpur. The hotel includes an ecological design with local materials. Its 13 hectares of land encompasses 28 deluxe rooms and 1 Presidential suite. There are three interconnected double rooms in a family cottage.
The property lies on the bank of the Rapti River, facing the Chitwan National Park, and runs parallel to it. The hotel complex resembles a mini forest itself. It is due to tree plantations over the years. It shelters various bird life. It has lesser mammals like rodents, mongoose, and jackals. These animals sometimes add to the thrill of the guests by getting sighted.
The keyword at The Barahi Jungle Lodge is space and luxury. There is an infinity pool and several dining areas. A basketball and badminton court and a spa add comfort and variety during the guests’ stay. All travel inside the hotel is by battery-powered Carts.
Getting there
a) Daily flight from Kathmandu and Pokhara. The closest airport is Bharatpur, which is 32 km from the lodge. The driving time from the airport to the lodge is about an hour.
b) By private vehicle from Kathmandu (178 km one way), Pokhara (158 km one way), and Lumbini (202 km one way).
c) A chartered helicopter can land directly at the hotel. The hotel has two helipads and can accommodate up to 5 helicopters at a time.
Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour for Tourists
Nepal is much more than you may think. We visualize it with the triangular temple top, a snow-covered mountain peak, and a waving red flag. But Nepal’s natural Himalayan beauty is the real winner. There are the valleys of Pokhara and Kathmandu, which lead to the Chitwan tropical lowland. Nepal offers a wealth of sights and activities.
Visitors may enjoy various activities on the Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour. It is one of Nepal’s most thrilling and unique safari tours. Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, covers 932 sq. km. of subtropical valleys and thick forests.
There are one-horned rhinoceros, wild elephants, Royal Bengal tigers, and spotted leopards. The crocodiles, blue bulls, and other wild species are the main attractions of this park. There are more than 650 different bird species there. Chitwan National Park allows visitors to enjoy the fantastic aura of the forest. It is due to its display of natural animal treasures.
We have added adventurous activities to the Chitwan jungle safari tour packages. You can go canoeing, bird watching, jungle walks, and Elephant back safaris. You can also visit local villages and learn about their cultures.
You can view gharials and mugger crocodiles sunbathing on the riverbanks. You see many bird species in their natural habitat. The tourists may canoe over the Rapti River.
The Tharus’ rich cultural heritage and old traditions are vital draws for Chitwan’s Jungle Safari. There are Tharu settlements throughout the forest area. People may even enjoy the site with its magnificent sunset views. Additionally, you may visit the Tharu Museum. You can learn about the community’s history, customs, and cultural events.
You can see a typical Tharu hamlet. You get the chance to discover the unique culture and traditions of these ethnic people on the Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour. You may stay the night away in a safari homestay, a cottage, or a forest lodge. One may enjoy the traditional performances of the Tharu people while dining.
A forest safari tour in Chitwan is the ideal place to spark your enthusiasm for photography. This tour is perfect for discovering what it means to be in the wild. You will get 3 to 4 days to experience your dream in the Chitwan National Park jungles. You learn about several endangered animals, vegetation, and birds.
The Chitwan Jungle Safari tour is ideal for family holidays and tourists of all ages. It is best, especially if you are bringing children. You can reserve a family package to discover a new place and have an unforgettable time with your family. Adventurous travelers can book the Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour Package. You can go for thrilling walks in the deep forests of Chitwan National Park.
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d p15 March 2025Verified An Unforgettable Adventure to Annapurna Base Camp with Mr. Puru and Team – November 2023 Our trek to Annapurna Base Camp in November 2023 with Mr. Puru and his team was absolutely incredible. As I sit here reminiscing about the experience, I’m filled with gratitude for the unforgettable memories we created. nasreen k28 January 2025Verified Best Experience EVER, Super friendly, Super nice Guides. I went to travel Nepal for the first time with my Daughter in January'2025. I had my Best Experience ever in traveling a New Country. I came to know about Above the Himalaya from online. From the very beginning this company helped me to navigate my plan. They made my stay super comfortable and safe. The tour guides were fantastic in knowledge about history and guiding you from one spot to another spot. The viewing of Himalaya for one hour from a plane by the Mountain Flight was magnificent. I was impressed and amazed by able top see Mount Everest from soo close. I felt like my life is complete on that day. The Hotel in the Mountain Top of Nagarkot was another mind-blowing experience. The Sunset & Sunrise from the Roof top of the hotel with the unbelievable golden view of entire Himalaya made me speechless. I wish that moment would never end. Then our tour guide helped us to hike down from the top of that specific mountain by walking which was another addition to our wonderful experience. I would recommend this company anyone who wants to visit Nepal. Definitely FIVE STARS Ross G18 January 2025Verified Great experience; would use again! My wife and I were on a very tight schedule and we still were able to see Annapurna, Everest, and Kathmandu thanks to Puru! We were very pleased with all of the guides and services he arranged for us. There was a misunderstanding on my part at one point and Puru was able to make a last minute change of plans to accomodate my wife and I. The trip would not have been able to go so well without his help, and we very much appreciate it! We plan to work woth him again when we are able to return to Nepal. Rahul K16 January 2025Verified A short but eventful experience! Our guides on our trip were very friendly and knowledgeable. We only spent a few days in Nepal but we managed to see and experience a lot.My mom is a little older and wanted to hike, our guides were able to find the perfect hike for us that was easily manageable for her.I would highly recommend Above the Himalaya, especially if you plan on bringing your family. Željka V28 November 2024Verified Annapurna Base Camp Trek This was our second trekking trip with Above the Himalaya and again we were more than satisfied. Organization is very good, our guide Suresh very professional and good companion on our trip… Porters also very kind and positive. Altogether a wonderful, relaxing and worry free experience ..😁 This time we did Annapurna Base Camp Trek and first time we did Everest Base Camp Trek. Also we are planning to come again for one of the 6000 climb/trek tour. Vjeko Mastrovic28 November 2024Verified Second time with “Above the Himalaya Trekking” We recently completed a 12-day Annapurna Base Camp trek with Above the Himalaya Trekking during our 18-day adventure in Nepal, and it was an exceptional experience! This was our second journey with them, and once again, they exceeded our expectations. Our guide, Suresh, was incredibly knowledgeable and attentive, ensuring our safety and comfort throughout the trek. The company's dedication to trust and security is unmatched, providing us with reliable guides and porters, as well as comfortable hotel accommodations. They also organized fantastic city tours that enriched our cultural experience. Above the Himalaya Trekking truly made our trip memorable, and we highly recommend them to anyone seeking an authentic and secure trekking experience in Nepal. We can’t wait for our next adventure with them in April 2025. Alejandro O23 November 2024Verified Excellent service ABOVE THE HIMALAYA I hiked to Everest Base Camp with the guide company Above the Himalayas. From the first moment I received information and follow-up from Puru. The RAM guide was excellent very attentive that everything went well. I received support in the logistics of flights, lodging and food and road guide. Thank you for your service, Alex Osorio MEXICO Helen M22 November 2024Verified Memorable trek in Lantang valley Thoroughly recommend Lantang valley trek. Scenery is spectacular and lots to take in. Above the Himalaya Trekking had everything sorted with guide and porter for the 2 of us. You walk at your own pace, we took plenty of pictures and guide always happy to answer questions. Guide and porter are polite, patient and look after you in the lodges. A great experience and one with many memories. Strongly recommend jeep rather than local bus as roads affected by landslides in many places. A big thank you to Mr Puru who takes care of the arrangements. Mobile2175356279021 November 2024Verified Super efficient service The staffs were very helpful and nice. There was some hiccups during the trekking but the reaction and arrangement by the staffs were super efficient. The trekking was fantastic. The sceneries were amazing. rachelngsl3 November 2024Verified Ghandruk Australian Base Camp Trek ( October 2024) We recently completed a short trekking trip in Nepal. The boss, Mr Puru was quick to respond to all my inquiries and kept us updated throughout the planning process, which gave us peace of mind.Mr Tanga and Mr Chabi, our guide and porter, who happened to be brothers, were outstanding. I was very slow, and they were incredibly patient with me, always making sure we were comfortable and taken care of during the trek. This was our first time trekking in Nepal, and we enjoyed it!👍Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
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