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Baby rhino playing with his mother at Chitwan National Park, Nepal

Things to do in  Chitwan National Park

Where Nepal gets wild

Busting the myth that Nepal is just a country of hills and high mountains, UNESCO–listed Chitwan National Park on the Terai flatlands is a wildlife-filled safari paradise. Chitwan’s biodiverse forests, plains, and wetlands were once a royal hunting reserve but became a national park in 1973. Chitwan has been particularly successful at growing its one-horned rhinos, which are a fairly common sight in the towns around the park and within it. Most things to do in Chitwan revolve around the wildlife, but you can also learn about the indigenous Tharu people.

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When to visit

Chitwan National Park is on the low-lying Terai, where the climate is very different from Nepal’s mountains. Temperatures are blisteringly hot from March to October and winters can be foggy but mild when the sun appears. Most people visit Chitwan from November–February for the most pleasant temperatures, but late January to early February is the best time for wildlife spotting. The long elephant grass that the animals hide in is cut at the end of winter, so you’re more likely to see rhinos.

Getting around

The area around Chitwan National Park is mostly rural, except for Sauraha; travelers typically get to and from their safari activities with tour companies. Sauraha is small enough to walk around when going out to dinner from your hotel and meals are usually available on-site if you’re staying in accommodation in the surrounding villages. Cycling through the flat land between villages is a fun way of getting around and sightseeing.

Traveler tips

Sauraha is a handy place to stay as there are accommodation options for all budgets, plus a range of restaurants and tour companies. However, most jungle safaris depart from here; at busy times several Jeeps might head off into the jungle at once, which is a sure way to scare the wildlife off. For a less crowded experience and to access quieter parts of the park, book accommodation outside of Sauraha, especially to the west of Sauraha.

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People Also Ask
Q:What fun tourist activities are there in Chitwan National Park?
A:

There are many fun tourist activities in Nepal’s Chitwan National Park. Most are related to the wildlife and natural environment. Jungle safaris, forest walks, canoe rides on the rivers, Tharu cultural performances, village cycling, and elephant bathing are just some of the fun activities you can enjoy in Chitwan.

Q:How many days do you need in Chitwan National Park?
A:

Two days is an ideal amount of time to spend in Chitwan National Park. In two days, you can go on an early-morning boat ride, a jungle safari, a forest walk with a naturalist, and see a Tharu cultural performance in the evening. If you have longer, you can cycle and visit wildlife rehabilitation centers.

Q:Is Chitwan National Park worth visiting?
A:

Yes, Chitwan National Park is worth visiting, especially if you are interested in wildlife. Chitwan is a good place to see one-horned rhinoceros, crocodiles, elephants, and many bird and deer species. Sauraha town can get quite busy so if you prefer a quieter safari experience, seek accommodation in the surrounding villages.

Q:What is Chitwan National Park famous for?
A:

Nepal’s Chitwan National Park is famous as a safari destination, as many animals and birds live here. It’s especially renowned for its one-horned rhinoceros population. Thanks to a successful and long-running conservation campaign, there are around 700 of the animals here. Chitwan is also famous for its crocodiles (gharials and muggers) and Royal Bengal tigers.

Q:Can you see tigers in Chitwan National Park?
A:

Yes, you can see tigers in Chitwan National Park but the chances aren’t very high. Around 120 Royal Bengal tigers live in the park but they are shy and tend to hide when they hear safari vehicles coming. There’s a much greater chance of seeing one-horned rhinoceros in Chitwan.

Q:What is the best season to visit Chitwan National Park?
A:

Late winter (late January–early February) is the best time to visit Chitwan National Park. In late January, local villagers are allowed to cut and collect the long elephant grass that grows throughout the park, so animals that shelter in the grass at other times of year come into full view.

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