Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park

nepalchitwanrhinossafaribirding
One horned rhino - Shutterstock / AdrianZeus
Nepal|Asia
90
Wildlife
80
Access
82
Stay
80
Safety
90
Photo
68
Crowds
78
Cost
83
Birding

Chitwan National Park is Nepal's flagship all-round wildlife destination, combining riverine forest, tall elephant grass, oxbow wetlands, and some of the strongest realistic sightings in the Himalayan foothill belt. It is strongest for travelers who want rhinos, crocodiles, rich birdlife, and a genuine chance of tiger-country atmosphere in a destination that is far more practical than South Asia's toughest reserves.

33°
Drizzle

Gallery

Wildlife Species

Greater One-horned Rhinoceros

Uncommon

Mammal · Best time: Morning and Late Afternoon

Bengal Tiger

Rare

Mammal · Best time: With luck on longer jeep safaris

Gharial

Uncommon

Reptile · Best time: Sunny riverbank periods

Lesser Adjutant

Uncommon

Bird · Best time: Morning in wetland and grassland sectors

Geography

Terrain
Riverine forest, tall grassland, wetlands, oxbow lakes, Siwalik foothills
Elevation
About 100-815m
Climate
Humid subtropical lowland
Area
About 932 km2

Weather

Best Months
NovemberDecemberJanuaryFebruaryMarchApril
Avg. Temperature
7-35°C
Rainfall
High in the monsoon, with the cooler dry season best for visibility, road conditions, and wildlife watching
Humidity
40-95%

Getting There

Nearest Airport

Bharatpur Airport or Kathmandu with onward road transfer to Sauraha and other gateways

One of the easiest major wildlife destinations in mainland South Asia to reach and use

Transport
  • Jeep safaris and river-edge wildlife drives
  • Canoe trips and birding walks
  • Stay in Sauraha or quieter buffer-zone lodges

Where to Stay

Safari lodges in Sauraha and nearby buffer zones

Budget to Premium

Lodge · Main practical base for the park

Riverside resorts and naturalist-focused stays

Mid-range to Premium

Resort · Short transfer to safari entrances

Location

27.5341, 84.4525View larger map

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