On this page
- Best months
- Oct – Mar
- Stay
- Sauraha
- From Kathmandu
- 5–6 hrs
- Ideal length
- 3 days
What you’ll see
One-horned rhinos, gharial crocodiles in the Rapti river and hundreds of bird species. Bengal tigers live in the park, but sightings are rare.
Jeep, canoe or walk?
A jeep safari covers the most ground. A dugout canoe at dawn is best for birds and crocodiles. A guided jungle walk gets you closest to the forest, always with two guides.
Tharu villages
The Tharu are the original people of the Terai. Many packages include a village walk and an evening of stick dancing in Sauraha.
Getting to Sauraha
Sauraha is 5 to 6 hours by tourist bus from Kathmandu or Pokhara. You can also fly to Bharatpur and take a 30-minute taxi.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chitwan good for families?
Yes. Days are short and flat, and most resorts have pools. Jungle walks have a minimum age with some operators, so check before booking.
How many days do I need?
Two nights is enough for a jeep safari, a canoe ride and a village visit. Stay three if you want a full-day safari deeper in the park.
Anjali writes about travel inside Nepal and has covered Chitwan, Bandipur and the mid-hills for local and international magazines.
