Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour
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Overview
Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour
Introduction
The Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour offers an unforgettable journey into one of Asia’s premier wildlife sanctuaries . Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled in the southern Terai region of Nepal, near the Indian border. The park’s elevation ranges from about 100m to 815m above sea level. Established as Nepal’s first national park and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, Chitwan National Park spans over 932 sq. km of protected land. It’s renowned for its rich biodiversity, boasting 68 species of mammals, 544 bird species, 126 types of fish, and 56 kinds of reptiles and amphibians.
The park is home to the iconic one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, and gharials. All set against a backdrop of dense sal forests, expansive elephant grasslands, serene oxbow lakes, and lush riverine floodplains. Additionally, the park is culturally intertwined with the indigenous Tharu communities, who live in harmony with the jungle and are celebrated for their unique traditions, stilt houses, and resilience to malaria.
Highlights
– Evening Tharu cultural performances featuring stick dancing and fire acts
– Exciting jungle adventures such as canoe rides, exploratory jungle walks, jeep safaris, and birdwatching
– A visit to the Elephant Breeding Center
– Guided village walks or ox-cart rides to immerse yourself in Tharu culture and lifestyle
Why Choose This Destination?
A visit to Chitwan National Park is essential for wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers alike. It’s one of the few places where you can witness one-horned rhinos and potentially spot Bengal tigers in their natural habitat. The experience beautifully combines stunning nature, diverse wildlife, and rich local culture without the need for strenuous trekking, making for a relaxed adventure. This destination is perfect for school groups, families, and senior travelers. Plus, its proximity to Kathmandu and Pokhara, along with good road connectivity, offers convenient options for additional adventures.
“Book your Chitwan Jungle Safari today and experience the wild like never before!”
✅ What's Included:
Accommodation
2 nights at a budget or mid-range jungle lodge/resort in Sauraha (twin sharing)
All meals (2x breakfast, 2x lunch, 2x dinner)
Tourist bus from Kathmandu to Chitwan and return (round trip)
Chitwan National Park entry permit
Nature guide and safety briefing
All applicable local taxes and service charges
❌ Price Excludes:
Private vehicle transfer from Kathmandu or Pokhara (optional add-on, ~$100–150 per group)
Domestic flights (e.g. Kathmandu ↔ Bharatpur) — optional but not included (~$210 round trip)
Tips for guide, driver, hotel staff (recommended: ~$2–5 per day per guide/driver)
Beverages other than tea/coffee with meals (e.g. soft drinks, alcohol, bottled water)
Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, souvenirs)
Camera/Video fees (rare, but may apply at Elephant Breeding Center)
Travel insurance
Itinerary Overview
Day 1: Drive To Chitwan From Kathmandu
Day 2: Enjoy the National Park Activities
Day 3: Return to Kathmandu
Detail Itinerary
Drive To Chitwan From Kathmandu
You’ll kick off your adventure early, departing from Kathmandu to Chitwan by private vehicle or tourist bus around 6–7 AM. As you journey along the scenic Prithvi Highway, enjoy the beautiful views of lush river valleys, rolling hills, charming local villages, and terraced farmland. Upon reaching Sauraha (Chitwan) around noon, the hotel staff will warmly welcome you and help you check into the jungle resort. After settling in, you’ll receive a briefing on the various activities in the national park and important safety tips. You can then take a guided walk or an ox-cart ride through the villages, where you’ll get a glimpse of Tharu traditions, architecture, and the lifestyle of the indigenous Tharu community, all while appreciating their harmonious relationship with the jungle. In the evening, immerse yourself in a vibrant Tharu cultural dance show featuring stick dances, fire performances, and lively drum beats, followed by a delicious dinner at the resort.
Enjoy the National Park Activities
Start your day early with a canoe ride on the Rapti River, where you might spot crocodiles (both gharials and muggers), diverse water birds, and experience the serene awakening of the jungle. Next, embark on a guided jungle walk to observe the rich flora and fauna, track wildlife, and learn about safe movement in the wilderness. After this excursion, visit the elephant breeding center to see mother elephants caring for their young and delve into their feeding routines and conservation efforts. Following lunch and a brief rest, you’ll embark on an exciting jeep safari, venturing deep into the heart of Chitwan National Park and its buffer zones. There will be multiple stops at watchtowers and waterholes, giving you a better chance to catch a glimpse of one-horned rhinos, wild boars, sambar deer, langurs, and possibly even leopards or Bengal tigers. In the late afternoon, enjoy a Bird Watching Excursion (especially recommended from October to March) and soak in a stunning sunset view by the riverbank or relax back at the resort.
Return to Kathmandu
If you’re up for it, consider going for an optional early bird watching session or a quick jungle walk (if you missed it earlier). Otherwise, you’ll check out from the hotel between 8:00 and 9:00 AM. After that, you’ll head back to Kathmandu, retracing your scenic route along the Prithvi Highway. Feel free to take an optional lunch break at one of the riverside restaurants along the way. You should arrive in Kathmandu by late afternoon, bringing your wonderful Chitwan safari tour to a close.
Additional Information:
Duration, Difficulty, Accommodation & Essentials
The Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour lasts 3 days, with options to extend for additional activities. This tour is easy and involves no trekking or strenuous physical activities, so travellers of all ages including families with children and seniors can enjoy it.
Visa and Permits
If you’re planning to visit Chitwan, make sure to bring a valid Nepal Visa. You can get this visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, apply online for an e-Visa, or obtain one at border entry points. While Chitwan itself doesn’t require special permits, you will need two specific permits for the national park. The first is the park entry permit, with fees differing for SAARC and foreign nationals. The second is the Jungle Safari Activity Permit, which covers activities like jeep safaris, canoeing, and guided walks. Keep in mind that children of certain ages often enjoy discounted entry fees. You can purchase these permits either at the park entrance or through licensed tour agencies. Be aware that additional fees may apply for using camera or video equipment, depending on the park’s rules. All permits are valid only during your stay, so remember to keep your receipt handy for verification at checkpoints.
Getting Around
Chitwan is well-connected, and you have plenty of options for transportation. You can choose a tourist bus, which is budget-friendly but quite time-consuming and lacks flexibility. For a more comfortable option, consider hiring a private car or jeep, which allows for better timing and convenience. Domestic flights to Bharatpur Airport provide a quick route, followed by a short drive to Sauraha. Once in Sauraha, you can get around using hotel shuttle vans, rickshaws, or local taxis.
Where to Stay
This vibrant city offers a wide array of accommodations to suit various budgets. Whether you’re looking for luxury jungle lodges that provide premium services, family-oriented mid-range resorts, or budget hotels for a more economical stay, Chitwan has you covered. Many of these places offer welcome drinks, orientation sessions, and all-inclusive meal plans (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), plus on-site naturalist guides. Most lodges are conveniently located near the Rapti River, giving you stunning views of the sunset.
Best Time to Visit
The autumn months from September to November feature clear skies and mild temperatures, making it perfect for wildlife viewing. Winter (December to February) offers cool mornings and evenings, ideal for birdwatching. Spring (March to May) brings warm weather and lush vegetation, which is great for trekking and safaris. However, the monsoon season (June to August) is generally not advisable for travel due to heavy rain, leeches, and limited safari activities.
Trip Extensions
If you want to make the most of your visit, consider extending your trip from Chitwan National Park. Options include a cultural tour of Kathmandu to explore UNESCO heritage sites, Trishuli River rafting on your way back to Kathmandu, or a pilgrimage tour to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha. You can also look into trekking opportunities in various regions either before or after your time in Chitwan.
Booking Policies and Required Documents
During peak trekking season, it’s highly recommended to book your trip in advance to secure accommodations. To finalize your booking, you’ll need to provide a copy of your valid passport, travel insurance that covers emergency helicopter evacuation, and passport-size photos for trekking permits. A deposit of 20–30% is required for trek confirmation, with the remaining amount due upon your arrival in Nepal. Be sure to review the cancellation policy before finalizing your plans. For Booking & Cancellation Policy: click here
