Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park, located in south-central Nepal's fertile lowlands, is a true wildlife paradise and a heaven for the wildlife enthusiasts. Its one of the most sorted out adventure destination, and also a dream come true for cultural visitors and not just wildlife enthusiasts. This National Park extends over 932 square kilometers, traversing the Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Parsa, and Makwanpur districts, and offers an ecologically valuable and visually breathtakingly diverse environment.
Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Nepal's very first national park, Chitwan is massively recognized for its amazing diversity of wildlife, beautiful jungle environments, and close contacts with rare and endangered species. The region is a home to many iconic wild species, mainly and not limited to, the majestic one-horned rhinoceros (also referred to as Unicorn Rhinoceros, which is native to Indian subcontinent and exclusively found on limited protected areas of Nepal), the Royal Bengal tiger, gharial crocodiles, leopard, wild elephant, sloth bear, and more than 500 birds species. The presence of all these rare species are the reason which places Chitwan on the map as one of the premier Conservation Areas in Asia.
Fun Fact: Did you know Chitwan was a royal holiday spot—and even hosted queen Elizabeth?
In the past, Nepal's King Mahendra used to visit Chitwan regularly. He loved the subtropical weather, peaceful rivers, and the dense jungles full of rhinos, tigers, and other animals. It was his favorite gateaway retreat.
In February of 1961, something historic happened—Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, came to Chitwan as guests of King Mahendra. He organized them a grand hunting safari, the norm at the time. This significant moment placed Chitwan in the global spotlight. It also coincided with one of the final of the large royal hunting safaris here.
When he saw just how special Chitwan was, King Mahendra became even more determined to protect it. He played a major role in having it declared as a Conservation Area. In 1973, Chitwan was officially declared Nepal's and Asia's very first National Park.
All thanks to those early initiatives, Chitwan is now a haven for numerous endangered animals and a site for tourists from all over the world to witness nature, as the royals of the past did—albeit with the difference that we now hold cameras to shoot the animals, instead of rifles!
Why Chitwan National Park Should Be on Your Bucket List?
Chitwan isn't just a destination—it’s one of the most immersive, exciting, and meaningful travel experiences you can have in Nepal. Here's why:
- A Biodiversity Hotspot: It hosts some of the world's most endangered species, and Chitwan is your best bet in Nepal to see animals like the one-horned rhino, gharial crocodile, and even the illusive Royal Bengal tiger—all in their natural habitat.
- A Unique Contrast to the Himalayas: Though Nepal is mainly known all over the world for its mountains, Chitwan has something different to offer. Its warm, subtropical climate, dense forests, and riverine plains present a whole different landscape and adventure experience.
- Diverse Culture Rich in the Soil: The Tharu people, who have lived in this region for centuries, offers a unique cultural experience, shaped by a deep connection to the forest, sustainable living, and vibrant traditions you won’t find elsewhere.
- Easily Accessible: Chitwan is well-connected by road and air, and sits almost halfway between Kathmandu and Pokhara. Whether you’re planning a longer visit or a quick getaway, it fits easily into any Nepal travel itinerary.
- Sustainable & Responsible Travel: Your visit supports conservation efforts and local communities. With local guides, community-led initiatives and eco-conscious stays, you 'll be helping in protecting Chitwan’s wildlife and way of life for future generations with your visit to Chitwan.
Different ways to Experience Chitwan National Park With Us
We offer specifically curated experiences for all types of travelers. Whether you are looking for wildlife, culture, or a mixture of both, we do the best to ensure that our tours introduce you to the best of Chitwan:
The Classic Jungle Safari Tours (3 Days or 4Days tours)
Experience the best of Chitwan in a short but action-packed holiday. Our tours typically include:
- Elephant back safari or Jeep safari
- Jungle walk and canoe ride
- The elephant breeding center visit
- Wildlife Museum visit
- Cultural experience and Tharu village tours
Immersive Nature & Culture Packages:
You can go beyond the safari and dive in deeper and spend more time with the land and its people. We can combine wildlife safari excursions with:
- Overnight stay in homestays from the Tharu people.
- Join cooking classes or the traditional crafts workshops.
- Guided bird watching and and wildlife photography walks.
Custom Private Trips
If you prefer something tailored made or a custom à la carte tour to perfectly align with your pace or interest, you can have us customize your Chitwan experience with(and not limited to):
- Private transport from Kathmandu, Pokhara, or Lumbini.
- Luxury or eco-lodge choices of accommodations.
- Add-ons like river kayaking, spa treatments, or even an exclusive tree house stay inside the National Park.
Whether you’re looking for a quick nature break or a deep dive into Nepal’s lowland-terai culture and biodiversity, we’ve got a trip designed just for you. Contact us to book your next adventure now. You can find the list of our predesigned trips to Chitwan below.
