A home to Asia’s rare and exotic wildlife, Chitwan National Park is Nepal’s most popular wildlife conservation area. Located in the southern part of Nepal, next to the Narayani river, it spans 953 square kilometers and was established in 1973 as Nepal’s first national park. If you are planning to visit Chitwan National Park, here is a detailed guide for the best time to visit Chitwan National Park, where to go and what to bring.
Chitwan National Park is one of Nepal’s most visited destinations as it is a place to spot various wildlife, learn about the biodiversity and for travelers, who want a luxurious experience right next to the jungle. Chitwan National Park has become a favorite for nature lovers, families, wildlife enthusiasts and glampers alike. Previously, it was the hunting ground for the royal elite, but today, it has been transformed into a conservation area for the one-horned rhinoceros and declared a World Heritage Site.
Come book a hotel in Chitwan National Park with Barahi Jungle Lodge and enjoy an unforgettable experience.
Where is Chitwan National Park located?
Chitwan National Park is located in the southern part of Nepal, the terai. It consists of alluvial grasslands and subtropical forests, a perfect habitat for the population of the Bengal tiger, the Asian elephant and rhinoceros. Two major rivers the Narayani and Rapti create a natural border between the national park and human settlement.
It is located about 200 kilometers from Kathmandu and about 150 kilometers from Pokhara. It can be reached by a domestic flight from major cities of Nepal, or by private car or bus. A bus ride takes about 5 hours from Kathmandu and 3 hours from Pokhara depending on the traffic and road conditions.
Barahi Jungle Lodge is situated on the banks of the east Rapti river in Meghauli, towards the central region of Chitwan National Park. It is 30 kilometers from Bharatpur airport and a 45 minute jeep ride will get you there.
Best Time to Visit Chitwan National Park
The best time to visit Chitwan is from October to March. When the climate is dry and there is very little rain. While mid-June to September is peak monsoon season, April to May also receives ample rain. So, the best time of the year to visit Chitwan National Park is between October to March. At this time, the vegetation also dries up and it is easier to spot the animals as they come out during the day to soak in the sun to escape the cold or come to the lakes and river in search of a drink.
Top Things To Do in Chitwan National Park
There are many exciting activities that you can experience in Chitwan National Park. Here are some ideas:
Go on a Jeep Safari
A jeep safari is the safest, easiest and fun way to explore Chitwan National Park. On a jeep safari, you will be accompanied by park rangers and guides to help you spot wildlife and to guide you through the jungle. With a jeep safari you can cover a large area of the national park. When you stay at Barahi Jungle Lodge, you can opt for a half day tour or a full day tour, along with breakfast and lunch served along the way.
Take a Boat Safari on the Rapti River
You can take a boat from the hotel and drift along the Rapti river to spot various aquatic wildlife. Spot animals like the gharial, aquatic birds or other fauna coming in for a drink on the banks of the river. You can end the boat safari with a hot breakfast or snacks depending on the time of the day.
Walk Through the Jungle
You can take a guided walk through the jungle for a more intimate experience through the national park. You can learn about the local flora and fauna and about tracking animals. In a walking tour, you will be accompanied by a professional guide who will teach you safety tips for a safari on foot. Make sure to stay on the designated path and do not wander too far from the group or guide.
Bird Watching
Chitwan National Park is home to over 540 identified species of birds. Many birds migrate south to the park from the colder regions up north while others are endemic to the area. Chitwan’s diverse habitat for grasslands, wetland and forests makes it a diverse place to go bird watching and consists of rare and endangered species of birds.
Visit the Tharu Village and Learn Tharu Culture
For a cultural experience, you can visit the Tharu villages and learn about Tharu culture, their history and their cuisine. The Tharu are the indigenous ethnic group who are the original settlers of Chitwan and they have rich culture and traditions inspired by the nature and wildlife surrounding them. Visit the Tharu museum and walk through the villages to learn about their way of living and get some souvenirs to take home.
Wildlife in Chitwan National Park
Over 700 species of fauna have been identified in the jungle including 17 species of snakes and cobras, 113 species of fish and aquatic life like the crocodile and gharial.
The one-horned rhinoceros, the Bengal tiger, sloth bears, leopards, different types of deer species, wild asian elephant and gharials are popular attractions of the park.
Travel Tips to Visit Chitwan National Park
When visiting Chitwan National Park, keep in mind that you are visiting a conservation area. Please make sure to be respectful of the wildlife and the environment.
Here are some useful tips to visit Chitwan National Park:
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- Pack binoculars, mosquito repellent, hats, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, reusable water bottle, sunscreen and a windproof jacket to go on a safari tour
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- For clothing, go for light, breathable clothes preferably with full coverage to avoid mosquito bites. For safaris, make sure to pack some clothes that can camouflage in the jungle like green, beige, brown or khaki. Also, don’t forget to pack your swimsuit to take a dip in our pool after a long day!
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- Ensure your safety by following the park rules and listening to your guide. Resist the urge to wander off on your own.
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- Respect the wildlife and observe from a safe distance. Do not make any loud noises or sudden movements which can startle the animal and provoke it to attack.
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- Leave no trace behind. Make minimal waste and do not throw anything in the jungle. Keep it with you and discard it in a designated area outside the park.
How Many Days to Spend in Chitwan National Park?
A 3 days 2 nights tour package is ideal to explore Chitwan National Park. It allows you to have ample time to explore the national park and conservation areas like the Gharial breeding center and elephant sanctuary.
On the first day, arrive at Barahi Jungle Lodge and check-in, then you can unpack to start your adventure. You can either begin your vacation by starting off with a jungle safari right then or begin the next morning for a full day tour. In the evenings, you can enjoy a sundowner on the banks of the Rapti river, followed by a leisurely outdoor dinner surrounded by trees in a secluded space.
On the second day, you can visit the elephant sanctuary and gharial breeding center in the morning and in the afternoon visit the Tharu villages and museum. You can also take a boat tour in the late afternoon before heading back to the hotel for an evening dip in the pool. You can also enjoy our Tharu cultural dance which is held everyday at dusk.
On the third day, you can choose for breakfast in the jungle while going on a safari tour or go birdwatching. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at our spa to relieve the exhaustion, followed by our Rangashala dinner, a multi-cuisine outdoor dinner prepared especially for you and your partner or group. Enjoy a scrumptious meal lit by lanterns and bonfires to reminiscence over your adventures.
You can book our Jungle Adventure Package to enjoy all the activities in Chitwan National Park and more!
Sustainable and Responsible Tourism in Chitwan National Park
Barahi Jungle Lodge understands that sustainability and tourism should go hand in hand. That is why we believe in responsible tourism. Since we started to build the hotel in 2012, we have planted over 5000 trees across 12 hectares of land.
We support ecologically sustainable business practices, which is why we work in reducing waste and recycling. We also work to save water by making sure that we turn off every tap and faucet when not in use. We understand that our actions can directly affect the local environment and wildlife, hence we take waste management seriously.
As a means to uplift the local community, we have hired staff from the Tharu and other ethnic groups and local settlements at our lodge. We also source our supplies from the local settlements while our guides and naturalists also come from surrounding villages, including two of our female naturalists.
Chitwan National Park is a beautiful natural treasure of Nepal that offers nature lovers, adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts an unforgettable experience. Once you have read this guide on best time to visit Chitwan National Park and other tips, you’re ready to start your wilderness adventure with Barahi Jungle Lodge!
