Chitwan National Park
Nepal's premier wildlife destination in the Terai lowlands — home to one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, and over 500 bird species.
Altitude
150m
Best Seasons
autumn, winter, spring
Duration
2–4 days
Entry Fee
NPR 2000 / USD 20
Nearest City
Sauraha
Location
Chitwan, Madhesh
Chitwan National Park is Nepal's first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the subtropical Terai lowlands, it protects one of the last remaining populations of the greater one-horned rhinoceros and is home to Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, gharial crocodiles, and over 500 species of birds.
Jungle safaris by jeep or on foot with experienced guides offer excellent chances of spotting rhinos, deer, monkeys, and if you're lucky, a tiger. Canoe trips down the Rapti River bring you close to marsh mugger crocodiles and gharials. The park's buffer zone supports Tharu communities whose traditional stick dance and cultural performances are a highlight.
Sauraha, the main tourist hub on the park's northern boundary, offers accommodation ranging from budget lodges to luxury jungle resorts. Meghauli on the southern side is quieter and closer to prime tiger habitat.
Best visited from October to March when the weather is pleasant and grass is cut low, making wildlife spotting easier. Monsoon season (June-September) sees flooding but is excellent for birding.