Nepal’s Premier Wildlife Sanctuary

Established in 1973 as Nepal’s first national park and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, Chitwan National Park covers 952.63 square kilometers of dense subtropical forest, Sal woodlands, and tall elephant grasslands. Situated in the Inner Terai valley between the Mahabharat and Siwalik ranges along the Rapti and Narayani rivers, the park protects one of the last undisturbed ecosystems of the Terai region. Home to the iconic Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros, the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger, and rich Tharu cultural traditions, Chitwan offers an immersive jungle adventure.

Quick Facts and Key Information

Location: Chitwan District, Bagmati Province (Southwestern Terai)

Core Park Area: 952.63 sq km (Buffer Zone: 750 sq km)

UNESCO Status: Inscribed in 1984 (Natural World Heritage Site)

Main Gateway Town: Sauraha (Also Kasara, Meghauli, Amaltari)

Park Entry Fee: Foreigners: NPR 2,000 + 13% VAT (SAARC: NPR 1,000, Nepali: NPR 150)

Best Visiting Season: October to March (Dry season & high visibility)

Natural Heritage and Biodiversity Conservation

Chitwan National Park represents a world-renowned conservation success story. Once a private royal hunting reserve for Nepalese rulers and foreign dignitaries, the valley was transformed into a strictly protected wildlife zone to halt severe poaching and habitat degradation.

Today, the park shelters over 68 species of mammals, including one-horned rhinos, Royal Bengal tigers, wild Asian elephants, gaur (bison), and leopard cats. Its river systems harbor endangered gharial and mugger crocodiles, while wetlands and tall riverine grasslands provide sanctuary for more than 540 species of resident and migratory birds.

Major Jungle Activities and Safari Highlights

Jeep Safari Deep in the Core Zone

A half-day or full-day open-top jeep safari accompanied by trained naturalist guides provides the highest probability of spotting rhinos, spotted deer, wild boars, and Bengal tigers along forest tracks.

Rapti River Canoe Safari

Drifting quietly along the Rapti or Narayani River in a hand-carved wooden dugout canoe offers close-up views of marsh muggers, fish-eating gharial crocodiles basking on sandbanks, and aquatic birdlife.

Guided Nature Walk & Bird Watching

Accompanied by licensed armed nature guides, walking on foot through Sal forests and riverbanks allows visitors to observe track prints, flora, and hundreds of bird species at a natural pace.

Tharu Culture & Village Tours

Explore traditional mud-and-thatch Tharu homes in surrounding buffer zones to learn about indigenous forest living, traditional agriculture, and enjoy energetic evening Tharu stick dance cultural performances.

Local Vibe and Tharu Cultural Heritage

The indigenous Tharu people have inhabited the Terai forests for centuries, possessing a unique natural resistance to malaria that allowed them to thrive in the valley long before modern roads opened the region.

Today, visitors staying in Sauraha, Meghauli, or Patihani can ride traditional bullock carts through rice paddies, taste local delicacies like Ghonghi (water snails) and duck curry, and observe traditional wall painting arts inside Tharu homesteads.

Nearby Attractions in Chitwan District

Nearby Destination	Distance / Location	Key Features
Beeshazar Lake (Twenty Thousand Lakes)	12 km from Sauraha	Extensive Ramsar wetland complex ideal for bird watching, cycling, and crocodile spotting.
Kasara Park Headquarters	22 km west of Sauraha	Administrative headquarters housing the Crocodile Breeding Center dedicated to gharial conservation.
Narayangadh & Bharatpur City	20 km north (30 min drive)	Commercial hub on the Narayani River with shopping zones, healthcare centers, and transport hubs.
Devghat Dham	28 km north of Sauraha	Sacred Hindu confluence where the Trishuli and Kali Gandaki rivers merge into the Narayani.

Travel Tips – Do’s and Don’ts for Safari Travelers

Do’s:

Wear neutral earth-toned clothing (khaki, olive green, tan) to blend into forest surroundings.
Always remain accompanied by mandatory licensed guides during park activities.
Keep your park entry ticket valid for the entire day across checkpoint gates.
Carry mosquito repellent, sunscreen, binoculars, and a reusable water bottle.

Don’ts:

Do not wear bright colors (red, white, neon yellow) that can startle or attract wild animals.
Do not make loud noises, play music, or stand up inside moving safari jeeps.
Do not attempt to walk inside the core park boundaries alone without authorized guides.
Do not litter plastic packaging or throw waste into river channels.

Routes and Transportation Options

By Air (Fastest): Take a 25-minute flight from Kathmandu (TIA) or Pokhara to Bharatpur Airport. From Bharatpur Airport, taxi services reach Sauraha or Kasara resort zones in about 30 minutes (20 km).

By Tourist Bus: Daily deluxe tourist coaches operate from Kathmandu (Sorhakhutte / Balaju) and Pokhara (Lakeside) directly to the Sauraha bus terminal in 5 to 6 hours.

By Private Vehicle: Drive via the Prithvi Highway and Narayangadh-Mugling road corridor directly to Chitwan.

Local Administrative Contacts (Chitwan National Park Office)

For official park entry notices, research permissions, or administrative inquiries:

Park Headquarters: Kasara, Chitwan, Nepal
Office Phone: +977-056-411024 / +977-9855092260
Official Email: info@chitwannationalpark.gov.np
Official Website: chitwannationalpark.gov.np

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the park entry fee for international tourists?

The daily park entry ticket is NPR 2,000 + 13% VAT for foreign visitors, NPR 1,000 for SAARC citizens, and NPR 150 for Nepali nationals.

When is the best time of year to visit Chitwan?

October through March offers pleasant weather and prime wildlife viewing, while January to March features cut tall grass for maximum tiger and rhino visibility.

How many days should I spend in Chitwan?

A minimum stay of 2 nights and 3 days is recommended to comfortably experience jeep safaris, canoe floats, nature walks, and Tharu cultural shows.

🎉 Festive Season Partner Special

Own a Hotel, Resort, Cafe, Restaurant, Homestay, Lodge, or Trek Agency Near This Location?

List your business on Nepal Tourism Hub to get discovered instantly by travelers visiting this area. Keep 100% of your booking revenue with zero middleman commissions.

✓ Free Festive Listing

✓ Direct Traveler Contacts

✓ 0% Commission

Add Business Listing → Submit Destination

📢 Want to Place a Featured Banner Ad?

Link directly to your product, services, or booking page on our platform.

Connect via WhatsApp 💬

Create & Explore Tourism Destinations Around Nepal

Chitwan National Park, World Heritage Site

Explore Local Stories & Expert Travel Guides

Chitwan National Park, World Heritage Site

Claim "Chitwan National Park, World Heritage Site"

Explore Local Stories & Expert Travel Guides

Sign In..

Sign up to create your account