The first national park in Nepal and later crowned a World Heritage Site, Chitwan National Park is on every nature-lover’s bucket list. It definitely tops the list of places to visit in Nepal and one safari in this park is enough to tell you all the reasons why. what else The site is home to so many species of flora and fauna that you won’t be able to take your eyes off it. The picture-perfect calm and peaceful views you get here are beyond compare. When you plan your trip, take a look in advance of everything you need to know.
Best time to visit Chitwan National Park
If you want to avoid the rain and visit at a time when the skies are relatively clear, the months from October to March are ideal. However, the best time to see the huge variety of beautiful species here is from January to March.
The weather of Chitwan National Park is humid throughout the year but monsoon starts from June to September.
Things to do when you’re out and about:
1. Go for an elephant safari
Sitting on a huge elephant and experiencing the jungle with the jungle will give you a new high. Not knowing where the turns are and being guided by an elephant guide, the elephant safari through the park will help you see the animals and birds from a vantage point.
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2. Capture beautiful flora
Sal trees cover the core area of the park, but you’ll also find rosewood, elephant apple, balsam, and gooseberry on the northern slopes of the area. The world’s tallest grass such as elephant grass and other species of true grass are also present here.
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3. See fascinating animals
Apart from a variety of flora, the park is also home to king cobra, rock python, Bengal tiger, starred tortoise, monitor lizard and crocodiles.
If you are really lucky, you may even spot some deer in this natural habitat.
4. Canoeing
For those who love canoe rides, this is definitely a must visit Chitwan National Park. It is advisable to take a canoe safari to see crocodiles resting on the banks of other rivers.
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5. Climb up for a jeep drive
Another option to visit this world heritage site is to book a jeep drive. It is usually included in a 3 day-4 night package, but can also be rented for a day on special request. The drive passes through grasslands, rivers and sal forests to Kasara which is the headquarters of this national park. The price of such packages starts from around Rs 8,000.
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6. Visit Chitwan Tharu Village
Although there have been attempts in the past to remove the Tharu tribes living nearby, Tharu folk dance is still one of the major attractions of this park and a visit to the village is a must to get a look at their culture. Traditional dishes.
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Important information about the park
Area: 932 km²
Place: Subarnapur 44200, Nepal
Established: 1973 (World Heritage Site status in 1984)
Time: 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM
entrance fees: INR 750 per person per day (additional taxes may apply)
Accommodation: Living amidst nature and luxury
A comfortable and luxurious stay near one of the gateways to Chitwan National Park is essential for your Nepal weekend planning. With sweet deals on elephant safari tours, canoe safaris and suites, the food experience served with freshly grown vegetables and mixed spices gives an extra kick to your holidays. Green Park Chitwan and Chitwan Village Resorts near the park are some other options for a budget stay in the Sauraha area.
price: Starting from Rs 13,000.
Must try: Tharu Village Thali which gives a glimpse of the traditional food of the Tharu tribe living in Chitwan National Park.
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When Hungry: Top Places to Eat
This list of places to eat around Chitwan National Park will satisfy your taste buds like no other.
1. Little Amsterdam
Offering a range of dishes including Nepali food, burgers, wraps and pancakes, it is a perfect stop for a hearty meal before heading towards the park. One can also order a cold beer in the afternoon sun to get relief from the heat.
Time: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Place:Buspark Road, Jhavni, Sauraha, Nepal
2. Jungle View Restaurant
Good curry, barbeque and an even better view, it’s all in one place. Here you can get whatever you want as the prices are reasonable and totally worth it. Being a rooftop restaurant, this place facilitates aerial view of the surroundings and is a good place to click amazing pictures.
Time:6.30 am to 10:00 pm
Place:Gaida Chowk, Sauraha, Nepal
3. KC Restaurant
Housed in a thatched-roof bungalow with a serene ambiance, KC’s Restaurant creates the perfect mood for a winter dinner. With its fire pit and attractive garden in the background, the chefs here have executed the menu well to offer a variety of dishes. Viola!
Time: 7:00 am to 11:00 pm
Place:Gaida Chowk, Sauraha, Nepal
How to reach Chitwan National Park?
The park mainly has two entrances, Sauraha in the east and Meghauli in the west area of the park.
from Uttar Pradesh, India
If you are visiting this place from India, the nearest city is Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh. You can board an air-conditioned bus at Gorakhpur bus station, traveling on alternate days from Varanasi to Kathmandu, which will take about 6-7 hours to reach.
Travel Tip: Advance reservation for this route is highly recommended.
from kathmandu
If you are coming from Kathmandu, the nearest airport to this place is Bharatpur Airport (10 km away) and you can easily get a cab from the airport. Flight fares can start from 11,000 Nepalese rupees (approximately Rs 7000).
Travel Tip: Try to bargain hard as cab fares can be high depending on various factors like fuel strike etc.
You can also take a bus from Kathmandu to visit Chitwan National Park. The bus leaves on Kantipath Road just outside Thamel and charges may vary. To reach early you will have to leave from Kathmandu at 07:00 am.
Tips:
Here is a list of additional information signs that will assist you in your visit to this beautiful park:
- All Indians traveling to this destination are required to carry a government approved valid ID proof such as Aadhar Card, PAN Card or Passport.
- For all other foreigners, a valid passport is required to enter Nepal.
- Make sure you hire a tour guide to roam around the national park for a better location and understanding of the area and to avoid any accidents in the area.
- Since the place is also home to many insects, carry a repellent cream and mosquito net if you plan to stay in budget accommodation.
- Surrounded by rural villages at both entrances, make sure you have enough Nepali currency to ensure a smooth journey.
read ahead: 42 Most Popular Tourist Places in Nepal You Must Visit on Your Next Trip
Are you curious to know more about the wildlife here? Plan your trip to Nepal today with TourTravelHotels and enjoy a safari to experience it live.
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