When I visited Chitwan National Park, I had the chance to see many rare Indian rhinoceros! In the early morning, I went on a jungle walk, and in the afternoon, I went on a jeep safari. All day long, my senses were on high alert, spotting many exotic animals and birds!
Chitwan National Park is located in the southern part of Nepal and used to be a favorite hunting reserve for the British royalty. To protect endangered animals such as the Bengal tiger, Indian rhino, and bison, it became Nepal's first national park in 1973. In 1984, it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage natural site.
Besides rare animals, Chitwan is also located between Kathmandu and Pokhara, making it a perfect stop in Nepal’s travel triangle.
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◦ 3 Popular Activities in Chitwan National Park
01｜Canoeing Trip
Between the village of Sauraha and the national park flows the Rapti River. Canoe trips start on this river.
As you travel along the Rapti River, you can watch birds and have a good chance of seeing crocodiles sunbathing up close.
02｜Jeep Safari
Jeep safaris are the most popular way to explore the park. Compared to jungle walks or overnight stays in towers, jeep safaris are easier and safer. This makes them perfect for people who don't like too much adventure or don't want to deal with insects in the grass. Since jeep safaris typically start in groups, the noise from the engines can scare away animals, resulting in fewer animal sightings. Interestingly, during our trip, we had to wait for ten minutes because a wooden bridge ahead was being repaired. It seems like there's always roadwork in Nepal!
Our guide was very professional and skilled at spotting animals. Thanks to him, we saw Indian rhinoceros, spotted deer, and even a rare wild bison up close from the jeep.
During the jeep tour, we also stopped at the Kasara center in the national park for a short break. Visitors can pay extra to visit the crocodile breeding center there.
03｜Jungle Walk
Jungle walks, which can last from half a day to seven days, are the best way to deeply experience Chitwan National Park. For safety, even solo travelers need to have two guides with them. Because you might encounter Bengal tigers, sloth bears, and Indian rhinos up close, the guides carry sturdy bamboo sticks for protection.
The best part of a jungle walk is the detailed explanations from the guides. During our three-hour walk, we saw tiger claw marks on the tree trunk, deer fur in droppings, and messy animal footprints. Imagining the fierce battles that took place there was thrilling.
We also had close encounters with peacocks, elephants, spotted deer, crocodiles, and Indian rhinos. Though rhinos appear slow, they can be dangerous. When we saw one, we quietly hid behind a tree and slowly moved away.
Compared to the muddy and wildlife-filled Amazon rainforest, the paths here are much easier to walk. The tall grass makes every step a surprise, which is something I love about this place!
◦ Restaurants
01｜ Vitamin Cafe
I need a cup of black coffee every day to feel right, and the black coffee at Vitamin Cafe was a lifesaver! While drinking my coffee, I saw an elephant walk by the cafe entrance, which was a rare sight in Taiwan!
Opening Hours: 0545-2200
02｜ Valentine Restaurant
The restaurant is close to the national park's boat dock. Compared to other nearby restaurants, it’s reasonably priced and the food is good. However, the service is slow; I waited half an hour for my food. If you're in a hurry, this might not be the best choice.
◦ Guesthouse: Hotel Tree Tops
The rooms are large and clean, with strong hot water and high-speed WiFi that remains active even during power outages. This left a great impression on me!
The hotel's tours are also reasonably priced. An all-day package including a canoe trip, Chitwan National Park entry, jungle walk, and a jeep safari costs just $100 USD (05/2024). The food at the guesthouse is delicious. During my three days in Chitwan, I looked forward to their milk tea and momo every day!
Single room Bachauli Road, Ratnanagar Price: 8.4 USD per night (05/2024)
◦ How to Get to Chitwan National Park
Chitwan is located between Kathmandu and Pokhara, and the trip takes 5 to 7 hours including breaks. Most travelers take a tourist bus. Buses from Kathmandu leave at 7 AM from Swayambhu Marg in the Thamel area, near the Pokhara Bus Arrival Station.
Buses from Pokhara leave at 7:30 AM. Both arrive at Sauraha village, the entrance to Chitwan National Park, around 2 PM. For the return trip to either Kathmandu or Pokhara, buses leave at 8 AM and arrive around 2-3 PM.
You can buy bus tickets from hotels or travel agencies in town. Given the poor road conditions in Nepal, it is advisable to choose luxury seats for a more comfortable ride.
Prices: General seats 1,000 NPR Luxury seats 1,300 NPR (05/2024)