Royal Chitwan National Park is synonymous with some of the most rewarding and stimulating wildlife activities in Nepal. The park is approximately 1,000 sq. km. of sub-tropical lowland jungle, five hours by road from Kathmandu or a 25-minute flight. It is home to a multitude of wild animals including the Royal Bengal tiger and the endangered one horn Rhinoceros native to Nepal of which there are less than 1,500 surviving. There have also been more than 420 species of birds recorded inside the park.
Most of our jungle itineraries include a stay at a lodge within the park of which there are only six. The accommodation is normally in double thatch cottage style rooms. A typical package is based on a two night / three days stay. Activities include elephant safaris, canoeing, bird watching and nature tours conducted by resident professional guides and naturalists.
A visit to Chitwan allows the opportunity to fully experience the contrasts of Nepal. It offers an insight into a very different natural and cultural setting compared to the more familiar visions of the Kingdom. Chitwan fits well into a tour with a varied itinerary and can be easily combined with rafting and treks in the Annapurna region.
Our clients often choose to continue the trip from Royal Chitwan to Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, an important pilgrimage site. Others proceed directly to the beautiful lakeside town of Pokhara with arguably the most famous mountain backdrop anywhere in the world.
Jungle Safari in Nepal
As the crow flies, ninety Kilometers south-west of Kathmandu is the Royal Chitwan National park. Widely acknowledged as one of the best national parks in Asia, it spreads over a total area of 967 square kilometres. In the north-west section of the park is an island known as the Bandarjhola. Surrounded by the Narayani River, this unique island consists of riverine forest, tall grassland, marshland, numerous inlets and oxbow lakes. Such a diverse combination of nature is found only here on this island providing a perfect habitat for wildlife.
The Wildlife
Here where the famous elusive Royal Bengal Tiger prowls and the endangered Great One- Horned Rhinoceros you will also fine leopards, sloth bear bison, wild boar, dear monkey, crocodiles, pythons, freshwater dolphins and many other smaller animals and reptiles. For the bird watcher, it is a paradise island with over 450 species of exotic birds, many of which are migratory making Chitwan their winter home.
Wildlife Activities
One of the best ways to view the flora and fauna of Chitwan is from elephant back enabling you to penetrate deep into the Jungle through tall grassland, but there are many other exciting ways too. Our experienced naturalists and nature guides will take you on a jungle walk, bird watching, for a boat ride to seek out both the Marsh Mugger and Gharial crocodiles, and to observe wildlife from one of our watchtowers.