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Chitwan Jungle Safari – Nature’s Rhapsody In Nepal
The conjunction of the stars and planets fell into place and we headed out to experience the marvels of Nepal including the Chitwan Jungle Safari. Probably it was preordained that we experience Nepal along with the Himalayan Travel Mart.
Our earlier plan of visiting Nepal had been literally nipped in the bud when the country was devastated by a massive earthquake in 2015. We had planned to visit the place around that time and were forced to shelve our plans.
But it was indeed a sense of deja vu that we felt as we explored Nepal on an itinerary that seemed to be eerily similar to the one that we had planned four years earlier. First up on our current itinerary was the Chitwan jungle safari at the famed Chitwan National Park.
After reaching Kathmandu late in the night, we started early on a road trip that would take us from Kathmandu all the way to Pokhara which was a little more than 200 kilometres away, if one were to drive directly there, however as we would be halting and enjoying the attractions of Chitwan National Park and Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, our journey would actually cover about 533 kilometres.
We filed into the Toyota Mini-Bus that would be our vehicle for the next few days. We were 14 of us from different parts of the world and all meeting for the first time, complete strangers. Little did we realize that by the end of the trip we would start feeling like a big family.
So off we went, breaking the ice with each other, towards our first destination, Chitwan National Park – UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park distance was about 169 kilometres and we reached our destination in the late afternoon. But not before halting mid-way for a delightful local Nepali lunch of Dal-Bhat.
Waking Up At The Chitwan National Park
The sweet music of a million harps filled the ears. A soothing calm engulfed the mind. A smile came unbidden to the lips and the body was wracked by strange waves of ecstasy. We woke up to this pleasant dream and pushed the window curtains of our cottage at the Jungle Villa Resort.
It was still dark outside, but the darkness was beginning to turn grey. We slipped outside and were met with mellifluous sounds of hundreds of birds waking up to a new day. There is nothing more soothing than waking up to the sweet chirping of birds in the lap of nature.
We wanted to enjoy those precious early morning moments when nature reveals its most pristine form. We rushed to an open-air deck near the restaurant by the side of the river Rapti. There as we sat on wooden chairs sipping steaming hot cups of coffee, nature played out its enthralling symphony.
The Rapti river meandered by our side. We could see the forests of the Chitwan National Park beyond the river. To our right were emerald fields of elephant grass. The water reflected the cloudy sky with a hint of orange, the sun had already risen but hid shyly behind the clouds.
And then far away in the river, we spotted two black shapes. They were the famed one-horned Rhinos of Chitwan, an endangered species and native to the Indian subcontinent.
As we lost ourselves in the magic of the moment, listening to the chirping of birds and feasting our eyes on the stunning riverine landscape that stretched out before us we realized why the Chitwan National Park Nepal was a listed UNESCO World Heritage site.
The spectacular land is considered to be one of the last remaining pristine and undisturbed parts of the “Terai” region that had earlier spanned the foothills of Nepal and India. It is considered as the only surviving example of the unique and natural ecosystems of the ‘Terai’ region.
We could have spent our entire life frozen in the magic of that moment that bordered on the divine. But time and tide wait for none and we had to shake ourselves to come out from the trance that nature had induced on us. After all, it was just the beginning of the day, there were many exciting experiences lined up including the Chitwan safari.
Early Morning Rendezvous With Birds At Chitwan National Park
We are not professional ornithologists with a profound knowledge of birds nor are we the kind who can spot and photograph birds in the twinkling of an eye. But we have a passion for nature and the different species of birds that inhabit the earth.
We are satisfied just listening to the sounds of different birds, never mind if we cannot differentiate between the call of an Asian Koel and Indian Cuckoo. We just enjoy and revel in the entire experience of being in the midst of nature and our ears hum in ecstasy at the different assorted sounds of birds that assail it.
We were off early morning. Our walk took us on a path that ran parallel to the Rapti river. We walked through a grove of elephant grass. The grass gently caressed our legs, early morning dew glistening on it. We could hear the sound of birds everywhere. Some seemed familiar and some totally unfamiliar. Different species of Herons and Egrets swooped over the waters of the Rapti river. A flock of Parakeets flew excitedly overhead. Members of the Cuckoo family kept up an incessant symphony that even Beethoven would have envied.
“There goes a Kingfisher, that one is a yellow-footed green pigeon, and that one is a Wooly-necked Stork”. Our guide pointed out various birds, some hidden in the upper reaches of trees and some that chose to take flight just when our eyes located them. A flash of colour here, a spread of wings there and they would be gone into the vastness of the blue skies.
We really enjoyed the excitement of the early morning walk with the cool river breeze gently caressing our cheek, the sounds of the birds serenading us, and the sight of crocodiles floating nonchalantly by in the river.
Chitwan National Park is famous for its birds apart from the Chitwan Jungle Safari. It is home to around 543 species of birds. The ecosystem of the Chitwan National Park is known for having one of the highest concentration of birds in the world and is a designated biodiversity hotspot. Some of the endangered species of birds in the world like Grey Crowned Prinia, Lesser Adjutant, among others have made Chitwan National Park their home.
Chitwan Jungle Safari
One of the attractions for most people if not all is the Chitwan jungle safari. We too love heading out into the jungle. It is always a thrilling experience to move into the jungle, losing oneself in the sounds of the jungle. The pregnant air of anticipation of spotting wildlife must indeed be one of the most exciting experiences that one can have.
Chitwan National Park which is spread over an area of more than 900 square kilometres is home to a wide array of fauna. The star attraction is, of course, the one-horned Rhino which number over 600. Most of the core area of the forests are out of bounds for visitors.
Chitwan jungle safaris take visitors into the outer region of the core area only. For those wishing to enjoy the thrills of the Chitwan jungle safari, there are three options to do so. One can head out for a jungle walk with a guide or opt for a Chitwan jeep safari. The third option is to mount an elephant and head into the jungles in search of wild animals.
But as responsible travellers who believe in sustainable tourism, we are against animal tourism and hence we skipped the elephant safari and opted for the Chitwan wildlife safari by means of a jungle walk. We knew that the chances of seeing wildlife including the rhinos at close quarters astride an elephant were much brighter. However, we were fine with not getting close-up pictures of Rhinos and just enjoying the serenity of the jungle.
A Jungle Walk Inside Chitwan National Park
A jeep dropped us off at the outer fringes of the Chitwan National Park. We were a small group who had opted for the Jungle Walk as we did not want to ride the elephants.
Our guide briefed us about the jungle and also told us what we should do in case we came face to face with a wild animal. He told us the different forms of escape and techniques to use if confronted by a Rhino, Sloth Bear, or Tiger. He advised us to stay together and not lag behind. We looked at each other with the same thought, we knew we would not stand a chance if a wild animal suddenly materialized in front of us! Also, we were not sure our guides and escorts would be of much help either, armed as they were with flimsy sticks!
But our hearts beat loudly and merged with the sounds of the forest. We walked silently in single file behind our guides, wary of the slightest moment in the bushes. We followed the guides deep into the jungle. Suddenly they froze in their tracks and pointed in the distance, a herd of deer gave us a coy look and gambolled shyly away before we could even get our hands on our cameras. A peacock strutted past and disappeared into the trees. Our guides stopped to show us different plants that were used for medicinal purposes and would be of great use if one were lost in the jungle.
We trudged on behind our guides, enjoying the sheer thrill of just being in the jungle. We had done jeep safaris in places like the Pench Tiger Reserve earlier, but this was the first time that we were actually on the ground and treading the same land on which the wild animals moved around. It was exciting and at the same time a terrifying thought. But as luck would have it, we did not encounter any wild animal, no Rhino, Leopard, Bear, or Tiger, just a herd of shy gazelles. But we were happy and contented.
The walk in the wild had enabled us to establish a primordial connection with nature, something that we all miss in the urban centres that we live in. Later we heard accounts of close encounters with Rhinos by those who had gone on an elephant safari, but we did not mind missing out on that as somewhere in the corner of our minds was the image of an elephant with slightly moist eyes.
Safety precautions for the Chitwan Jungle Walk
- Always walk close to each other in a group and do not lag behind since chances of wild animals attacking a group are unlikely, so essentially there is strength in numbers
- Always remain silent and avoid making any noise or speaking loudly during the jungle walk
- Do not get adventurous. Always follow the instructions of the guide at all times
- It is always advisable to ask the guides first before touching any plants or other vegetation
- Stay calm and never panic in case of animal encounters
- If you are confronted with a bear, then avoid making eye contact and also do not run
- If you come face to face with a tiger, then do not panic and run. Look the tiger in the eye and slowly back off
- If elephants attack you, run in zig-zag fashion or make a loud noise and try entering a dense forest
- In case of a Rhino attack, avoid running. Remain still and quickly find some cover like a tree or a bush
Elephant Safari Chitwan National Park
If you are looking to enjoy the thrill of a Chitwan Jungle Safari tour, one of the popular options is the Chitwan Elephant Safari. This is offered by most of the resorts that dot the outer fringes of Chitwan Nepal. Also, one can get close to the elephants and bathe with them.
It was early morning, must have been around 5.30 AM and the eastern skies were just brightening up. We were out again to enjoy the morning magic when an elephant silently slipped past us towards the river. It was the safari elephant. A large group of visitors whom we had spotted the day before at the restaurant was accommodated on two elephants.
About 4-5 on each elephant sitting on a platform on the back of the elephant with the Mahout riding in the front. The elephant with its burden waded straight into the river, crossing the river to walk with its human cargo into the jungles of Chitwan National Park. As the elephants slowly disappeared from sight, we heard the cheerful singing by one of the visitors who were obviously so moved by the serenity of the environment that he broke into a romantic Bollywood number. It was just another day in paradise for him and his group but the same could not be said of the elephants.
It may be argued that elephants are the best way to head deep into the jungles as opposed to jeeps. That the elephants are well fed and well looked after. Of course, they are and there is no doubt about it. But how many of us would be ready for a life that offered food and shelter along with a chain? How many of us would be ready to sacrifice our basic freedom and do as per the bidding of our ‘master’? How many of us would be willing to bear the burden of others on our backs?
These are questions that one needs to answer for oneself before embarking on an elephant safari. It is a well-known fact that the spirit of the elephants need to be broken before they can be tamed and that is why female baby elephants are first trained and then tamed.
There are many options to enjoy the Chitwan Jungle Safari and the treasures of the forest. The wealth of the forest is unlimited and it showers its riches on those who care to experience it in harmony with the flora and fauna.
A Canoe Ride In The Chitwan National Park
Chitwan translates as, “heart of the jungle”, but for us, the place was more of a “Chitchor”, which translates as “stealer of hearts”. Indeed Chitwan with its spectacular beauty stole our hearts. The breathtaking tapestry of riverine forests and grasslands along with the rich bio-diversity makes Chitwan a unique eco-system in the world. One of the best ways to experience this pristine eco-system is by cruising along the river in a canoe. This is one of the top things to do in Chitwan, Nepal and that is what we did during our stay at the Jungle Villa Resorts at Chitwan.
We gently and gingerly stepped into the long and sleek canoe one at a time. The canoe made by a single log of wood has just enough width for a single person to sit. There were small chairs placed inside the canoe and we placed ourselves on them in a single file.
Then we moved into the waters. It was almost as if we were floating on water, the water was that close to us on either side. Some of us did have the terrifying thought of floating with crocodiles as the river was the natural habitat of crocodiles. We saw the proud snouts of many a crocodile floating past us, but luckily not too close for comfort.
The Canoe ride is indeed one of the Best Things to Do in Chitwan, apart from the Chitwan Jungle Safari. You seem to be in a different world as you silently float in the waters. On one side stretches the riverine forests while on the other are the grasslands. A tableau of nature is unveiled on the banks of the river. We spotted birds going about their daily rituals, a Kingfisher here, an egret there, crocodiles moving stealthily in search of an unsuspecting quarry.
We then spotted a one-horned Rhino chilling in the cool waters of the river. He was submerged in the water, bar the upper portion of his torso. He was lost in his own world and oblivious to our presence as we glided past it. Our experience of canoeing in Chitwan left us feeling elated.
Village Walk And Interaction With The Tharu Community
The jungle and humans always have a symbiotic relationship. The people who live on the fringes of forests learn to live in harmony with the forests. One such community living in the outer periphery of the Chitwan National Park is the Tharu community. The Tharu people have historically lived in the Terai region.
They are found In the northern states of India like Uttarakhand and Bihar as well as in Nepal. The actual origins of the community are shrouded in myth, however, a group known as Rana Tharu believe that they originate from the distant lands of the Thar desert in Rajasthan.
We visited one of the small villages inhabited by this community just outside the fringes of the Chitwan National Park. It was interesting to see a slice of their everyday life. A group of kids sat on a mat, ostensibly catching up on their school homework. A close look at the books and we found that the textbooks were in English. Women went about their daily chores while some men lounged in the shade of their huts.
Later in the evening, the women folk presented a scintillating program of dance. The energetic and vigorous dance moves evoked memories of Dandiya Ras of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
About Chitwan National Park
The Chitwan National Park was established in 1973. It was formerly known as Royal Chitwan National Park. Historically the place was a dense forest and in the late 19th century had become popular with the Royalty and its visitors as being an excellent place for big game hunting. It is thought that earlier there were as many as 800 Rhinos among other wild animals.
But the hunting expeditions took its toll and hundreds of rhinos, tigers, bears, leopards, and other animals met their nemesis. However with the establishment of the National Park and the sustained efforts of all stakeholders, today the Chitwan National Park is a thriving eco-system, one of the last of its kind in the world and hence a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Chitwan National Park which is naturally bounded by the rivers Rapti and Narayani is today home to a vast variety of flora and fauna apart from being a sanctuary to some of the rarest birds in the world. More than 68 species of mammals are found here including the Bengal Tiger. More than 543 species of birds are found in the Chitwan National Park. The eco-system also attracts a large number of migratory birds both in winter and summer.
Chitwan National Park Map
How To Get To Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is located about 169 kilometres from Kathmandu and about 150 kilometres from Pokhara. The nearest airport to Chitwan National Park is Bharatpur which is located about 22 kilometres away. One can fly from Kathmandu to Bharatpur and drive down to the Chitwan National Park or also drive all the way from Kathmandu. Public buses can also be used to reach Chitwan National Park both from Kathmandu and Pokhara.
If you are planning a visit Nepal and Chitwan National Park, you can book a cheap flight through TripAdvisor or Agoda or CheapAir or Cleartrip or Makemytrip or Priceline right here.
Where To Stay In Chitwan National Park – Chitwan Hotels
There are plenty of hotels in Chitwan and resorts as well. Chitwan National Park hotels dot the outer fringes of the forest separated only by the Rapti river. So there is no dearth of Chitwan National Park hotel accommodation and there are hotels in Sauraha Chitwan and other areas in the vicinity of the National Park.
We stayed in a beautiful property called Jungle Villa Resort, one of the best hotels in Chitwan. It is located on the edge of the river Rapti on the fringes of the Chitwan National Park.
The property has beautiful, luxurious, modern cottages that blend harmoniously with the environment. The cottages are built on two levels and have balconies and sit-outs that provide an excellent view of the river and the forest beyond.
Our favourite place apart from our cottage at our Chitwan Resort was the deck where one could simply spend hours looking out over the flowing river and catching the movement of wildlife in the distance.
The food was also excellent with service that epitomized typical Nepali warmth and hospitality. The resort also arranges activities including the Chitwan jungle safari, village walk, bird watching tour, canoe ride, etc.. The Jungle Villa Resort is a great place to wake up Chitwan.
All good things come to an end, and so did our short but sweet stay at the Chitwan National Park. We wished we could have stayed longer and experienced the treasures of the forest a little more. But then we had to move on and we promised ourselves that we would be back to lose ourselves in the magic of Chitwan again.
Chitwan National Park And Chitwan Jungle Safari FAQ
How much does the Chitwan National Park safari cost?
Most resorts include the safari and other costs and offer it as a package. The current entry fees for the Chitwan National Park are NR 150 for Nepalis, NR 1000 for visitors from SAARC countries and NR 2000 for other visitors. Entry for children below 10 years is free. However, it is advised to check the official Chitwan National Park website for details and updated rates.
What is the Chitwan to Kathmandu distance?
The distance is about 169 kilometres.
What are the different options for Chitwan National Park tours?
The Chitwan tours that one can opt for Canoeing at Rapti River in Chitwan, Elephant Safari, Jeep Safari, Jungle Walk, or Bird watching.
Is there a Chitwan National Park entry fee?
The current entry fees for the Chitwan National Park are NR 150 for Nepalis, NR 1000 for visitors from SAARC countries and NR 2000 for other visitors. Entry for children below 10 years is free. However, it is advised to check the official Chitwan National Park website for details and updated rates.
Which province is Chitwan?
Chitwan is situated in the province No. 3.
Are there tigers in Chitwan National Park?
There are Bengal Tigers inhabiting the forests of Chitwan National Park.
How many tigers are there in Chitwan National Park?
There are about 200 Chitwan tigers roaming the forests of the Chitwan National Park.
How do I go from Pokhara to Chitwan?
One can drive from Pokhara to Chitwan or catch a tourist bus. The other option is to take a flight from Pokhara to Bharatpur and drive to Chitwan. The Chitwan Bharatpur distance is about 22 kilometres only.
Why is Chitwan National Park famous? or What is Chitwan famous for?
Chitwan is a rare riverine eco-system and home to the endangered one-horned Rhino and is the only pristine part of the Terai region.
In which zone does Chitwan lie?
Chitwan is situated in Province No. 3 of Nepal with Bharatpur as its district headquarters.
What animals are in Chitwan National Park?
The Chitwan National Park animals include one-horned Rhino, Bengal Tiger, Sloth Bear, Leopard, Crocodiles, and many others. More than 68 species of mammals can be found in the Chitwan National Park which is a glittering jewel of the Terai & Mahabharat Range, Nepal.
How long does it take from Kathmandu to Chitwan?
It takes about 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic.
How long is the drive from Kathmandu to Chitwan?
It takes about 5 to 6 hours depending on traffic.
How many rhinos are there in Chitwan National Park?
As per the official Chitwan National Park website, the Rhino population was 645 in 2015.
How many species of birds are found in Chitwan National Park?
There are about 543 species of birds found in the Chitwan Park.
When was Chitwan National Park established?
The Chitwan National Park was established in the year 1973.
When was Chitwan National Park enlisted in Unesco World Heritage Site?
The Chitwan National Park was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in the year 1984.
What is Chitwan National Park famous for? Or What is Chitwan famous for?
Flora and Fauna at Chitwan is obviously its best attraction and this includes the rare one-horned Rhino apart from endangered species of birds.
What are the Chitwan points of interest?
Apart from the Chitwan jungle activities like Forest walk, Jeep safari, the places to visit in Chitwan are the Elephant breeding centre, Crocodile Breeding centre, and Museum.
How is the Chitwan Nepal weather and what is the best time to visit Chitwan National Park?
The Chitwan weather is dependent on a range of climatic seasons. It is winter from September to November and is the best time to visit the place. Summers which last from March to June is hot and humid while the rainy season lasts from June to September.
Is it worth it to visit Chitwan National Park?
The Chitwan National Park with its unique eco-system and rare flora and fauna is a must-visit destination.
What can I buy in Chitwan?
Chitwan is the best place in Nepal to buy some pure honey, local handicrafts, and mustard.
Planning a trip to Nepal?
If you want to plan a trip then book flights and hotels here.
You can plan your stay in Chitwan or any place in Nepal. We stayed at Jungle Villa Resort in Chitwan. For the best hotels and resorts or the best accommodation in Chitwan area or places in Nepal, we suggest checking out our favourite sites to book here. We always use these sites to book our stay. Hotel booking can be done through TripAdvisor or Cleartrip or Agoda or Hotels.com or Makemytrip or Priceline to save huge and get best deals on booking your stay.
| Click to book the best hotels/resort in Chitwan, Nepal |
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To benefit you, we have curated some exciting tours. You can choose and book tours for your Chitwan trip here:
Chitwan Tour
Chitwan Jungle Safari
Wildlife Adventure
Chitwan Jungle Safari
Kathmandu Chitwan Pokhara
Chitwan National Park Tour
Kathmandu, Pokhara and Chitwan Tour
3-Nights Chitwan Wildlife Adventure Tour from Kathmandu (Chitwan Jungle Safari)
Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour
2N3D Chitwan Luxury Package
Chitwan tour
Hope you liked our blog post on Chitwan National Park, Nepal. Do let us know if you have been here and if yes, share your experiences in the comments section. You can also connect with us to seek help on planning a trip to Nepal.
You might be interested in reading our other posts on Nepal:
Travel Tips for Nepal – Things to Know Before Traveling to Nepal
Trekking in Nepal – Best Trekking Places in Nepal
A Paradise called Pokhara beckons you
We were hosted by Nepal Tourism and Himalayan Travel Mart. However, the views and opinions expressed here are our own.
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That sounds like an amazing experience. You are so lucky to have seen the Rhino up close like that in its own environment. I think the close encounter with the crocodile sounds a bit scary though – you seem to take it so calmy!
Wow guys! Amazing. Chitwan has long been on my list, ever since I watched nature shows profiling the park as a kid.
There is only one thing in this world that can woo me and that’s nature… These pictures make me go awww! I so wish I could visit Nepal and Chitwan national park… It’s really beautiful! ❤
Chitwan morning sounds lovely! I must be awesome sipping a hot cup of coffee in a cool morning as you experience nature unfolding before your eyes. What lovely experience you had! Chitwan definitely sounds a great adventure!
I envy you. So many places you go and discover unique places.
Take me next time with you.lol.
Anyways, love the post and pictures.
I am so glad that you mentioned the opposing views of riding an elephant. I see why some people do a safari by elephant, because like you mentioned, it is easier to get up close to animals without scaring them away. But like you also said, a life in chains where you are restrained to the bidding of a master is not much of a life at all. I am glad you guys chose to do the walking safari 🙂 It still seemed like a great experience and staying in that lodge still alowed you to see some beautiful birds and the one-horned rhinos in the distance!
I haven’t been in Nepal. Also, I didn’t know there’s a safari on this country. I really want to visit Chitwan Jungle Safari soon and enjoy the nature and see the wildlife.
Now this is where the travelers like you make a difference. Since you inspire others to follow your path you have shared something very unique here . You have shared a way to enjoy national park by skipping the elephant Safari. I really respect the decision you took when you got this option in front of you . You are right that the chained life is no justice to elephants. I realized it when I had similar situation at Assam Manas National Park. The elephants after safari ,were taken for bathing and later chained . Here you present a way to enjoy safari without elephant tour . Huge respect to you and your decision 💪
Staying here is a wonderful experience. The place has too much history and that we have lots to learn from it. It looks so peaceful making it a great destination to unwind. We hope to get a chance to visit in the future and appreciate this natural ecosystem.
Nepal is such a beautiful country. It is really great that your Nepal itinerary was closely similar to the one you had planned. We missed visiting Chitwan National Park on our last visit to Nepal. It looks a wonderful place in the midst of nature. The photographs are lovely.
You explored Chitwan National Park in so many ways! You explain the difference I seeing and feeling from the walk, elephant ride and canoe and make it clear each is worth it. I love UNESCO World Heritage Sites so glad to hear that this one in Nepal presents a unique eco system. Plus how fun to see rhinos just across the river like that!
Such a wonderful read. Travel is like that breath of fresh air that makes life worth it. Its very important to travel as much as u can n imbibe.
I am in Kathmandu right now and your post nearly made me book a taxi for Chitwan National Park. However, since the rains are here I realize that the plan should be shelved for the next visit. The detailed writing of your experience and well structured post provides an answer to every possible question one may have in mind. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it till the last word. Bravo!
Wow!! What an elaborately described article. It is always a pleasant pleasure to read such articles non stop without a break.
Utpal Khot
This is such a detailed post. I had a great time exploring Chitwan National Park in Nepal. I loved the boat ride and those tall elephant grass. You have covered every aspect of the safari experience so beautifully. Loved reading about it.