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Chitwan (Sauraha)
Nepal / Terai: Chitwan & Lumbini / Chitwan (Sauraha)

Chitwan (Sauraha)

Rhinos, Tigers and the Rapti River Jungle

Plan this trip
2 daysIdeal stay₹1,250From / night₹690Food / day₹710Entry

Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO site in the lowland Terai, has one of the largest populations of one-horned rhinos and a growing number of tigers. Sauraha, on the Rapti River at the park's edge, is the base: jeep safaris, canoe trips past gharials, guided jungle walks and Tharu village evenings. It is 5-7 hours by tourist bus from Kathmandu or Pokhara, or a short flight to Bharatpur. The park is best from October to March; the monsoon floods the river and limits the jungle trips.

Highlights

  • One-horned rhinos from a jeep safari
  • Dugout canoe past gharials and mugger crocodiles
  • Guided jungle walk
  • Sunset over the Rapti
  • Tharu stick dance
  • Bird-watching (over 500 species)

Things to do

  • Jeep safari in Chitwan National ParkMorning · 4h
  • Canoe trip on the Rapti RiverMorning · 2h
  • Guided jungle walkMorning · 3h
  • Riverside sunsetEvening · 1h 30m
  • Tharu cultural dance showEvening · 1h 30m

Tours & tickets

Tours & tickets in Chitwan (Sauraha)via GetYourGuideTours & tickets in Chitwan (Sauraha)via Klook

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When to go

Best time: October – March

Worth knowing

Flood Season: Jungle Activities Cut Back

In the monsoon the Rapti (Chitwan) and the Karnali and Geruwa (Bardia) rise and flood the grasslands. Jeep safaris and canoe trips run only when the tracks and river allow, jungle walks are wet and full of leeches, many lodges close in July and August, and the tall grass hides the animals. October to March is the season (March–May for tigers at Bardia).

Worth knowing

Dashain: Transport Full, Offices and Shops Closed

During Dashain (late September or October, 15 days, the main 4-5 days like India's Navratri and Dussehra) most of Kathmandu goes home to the villages: long-distance buses and domestic flights sell out a week either side, offices, banks and many shops and restaurants close for the main days, and taxis are scarce. Book transport early and carry cash.

Heads up

Tihar: Holidays and Full Buses

Tihar (Nepal's Deepawali, five days, two to three weeks after Dashain) closes offices and many shops for its last days and fills buses again. The lamps and decorations are lovely to see; plan around the transport.

Heads up

Terai Heat

April to June the Terai is as hot as the Indian plains across the border, often 38-42 °C. Sightsee at dawn and after 4 p.m., and book a room with air-conditioning.

  • Dashain (Bada Dashain) — Nepal's biggest festival, 15 days ending on the full moon, with the main days (Phulpati to Vijaya Dashami, the day of tika from elders) like India's Navratri and Dussehra. Kathmandu empties as people go home: buses and domestic flights sell out a week either side, government offices, many shops and some restaurants close for 4-5 days, and prices rise. It falls in the autumn trekking season, so book transport early.
  • Holi (Fagu Purnima) — Colours are thrown in the hills, Kathmandu included, a day before the Terai (Janakpur, Chitwan, Lumbini) celebrates with India. Basantapur and Thamel are the centres in Kathmandu; wear old clothes and keep phones in a bag.

Part of a longer route

Chitwan (Sauraha) is a stop on a curated circuit through Nepal.

🏔️

Pokhara, Chitwan & Kathmandu

Stop 2 of 4 · 8 days · moderate