Jungle Safari in Chitwan National Park

By Trip Pokhara 2025-08-27

Chitwan National Park is considered the wild heart of Nepal. With dense jungles, rare wildlife, and authentic safari adventures, it is a complete adventure package and is one of Nepal’s most beautiful places. Elephant-back rides, open jeep safaris are the major highlights of this region, which offers you to explore one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, gharials, and hundreds of bird species.

Whether you're seeking thrilling wildlife encounters, serene forest walks, or simply want to know the best time to visit and how to get there, this detailed safari guide covers it all. Learn the full experience of a jungle safari in Royal Chitwan National Park, Nepal’s original wilderness gem.

Introduction to Royal Chitwan National Park

Located in southern Nepal, Royal Chitwan National Park is the country’s oldest national park. It was established in 1973 and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. It protects over 950 sq. km of rich biodiversity.

Located in the Terai region, it lies at an average altitude of 100–815 meters. If you're looking at the Chitwan National Park in the map of Nepal, you’ll find it near Bharatpur, easily accessible from major cities.

Today, the park draws nature lovers from all over the world. Why? Because a Chitwan National Park safari offers raw adventure and rare wildlife sightings in one place.

Types of Jungle Safaris Available

1. Elephant Safari in Chitwan National Park

A classic way to explore the jungle is through an elephant ride in Chitwan National Park. This experience allows you to get close to animals like the one-horned rhino and deer. The elephant safari in Chitwan National Park, Nepal experience typically lasts an hour. It begins early in the morning or late afternoon when animals are more active. While controversial in recent years due to animal welfare concerns, it is still widely offered. Many people tend to observe elephants at the elephant sanctuary in Chitwan, too.

2. Jeep Safari in Chitwan National Park

The most popular and ethically sound option is the Chitwan National Park jeep safari. These open-roof vehicles offer a safe, exciting way to explore deeper jungle trails. The jeep safari in Chitwan National Park runs in 4–5-hour shifts. You can book half-day or full-day packages, with or without a guide. The jeep safari price in Chitwan varies from $80 to $150, depending on group size. This safari is ideal for spotting the elusive Bengal tiger or a large herd of deer.

3. Chitwan Walking Safari

For adventurers, a Chitwan walking safari offers intimate, ground-level exploration. Accompanied by experienced naturalists, you’ll walk through buffer zones and forest edges. This form of Nepal safari, Chitwan National Park, appeals to bird watchers and botanists. You may not see large predators up close, but you’ll learn a lot about the ecosystem.

Wildlife in Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park is home to over 700 species of animals, which makes it one of the richest ecosystems in Nepal. The endangered one-horned rhinoceros is the major highlight of this park. They are often spotted grazing near the majestic grasslands or cooling off by the waterholes, which is a true highlight of any safari. The Bengal tiger can also be spotted by visitors in early morning jeep safaris, only if they are lucky.

Sloth bears, wild elephants, and leopards add to the thrill of jungle exploration. Along the rivers of the park, you can find mugger crocodiles on the banks and long-beaked gharials, which are gliding through the water in search of fish.

And the skies? They’re alive with color. With over 500 bird species, Chitwan is a birder’s paradise. Look out for vibrant hornbills, agile kingfishers, and the wild beauty of the jungle fowl, Nepal’s national bird.

Best Time to Visit Chitwan National Park

Timing is everything when it comes to visiting Chitwan National Park. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from October to March. Cool weather, blue and clear skies are the major traits of these times because of which wildlife sightings are more frequent, especially around water sources and open grasslands. It is a perfect time for exploring as jeep and walking safaris tend to run smoothly during this time.

You should avoid the monsoon season (June to September). Heavy rain tends to flood the trails here, and most of the safaris are suspended due to poor visibility and difficult terrain. The lush greenery may be beautiful, but it’s not ideal for wildlife viewing.

Heavy rain tends to flood the trails here, and most of the safaris are suspended due to poor visibility and difficult terrain.

Spring (March to May) brings rising temperatures, but also rewards. It’s a fantastic time for photography, with over 500 bird species filling the forest with color and song. Wildflowers begin to bloom, and animals gather near watering holes.

Whether you're chasing tigers or tracking rhinos, picking the right season makes all the difference in Chitwan.

Entry Fees and Safari Costs

The Chitwan National Park entrance fee for foreign travelers is around NPR 2,000 (roughly $15–20 USD). This fee contributes directly to wildlife conservation and supports local community development. To make it accessible to a wide range of visitors, Nepali citizens and SAARC nationals can enjoy discounted rates.

Along with the entry fee, you should also purchase all other facilities for a good experience.

Elephant safaris: Costing approximately $30–50 per person. It is a good old way to spot rhinos up close in the tall grasslands.
Jeep safaris: Typically costing $80–150 per group which depends on duration and group size. It offers better chances of spotting animals like tigers or leopards.
Guided walking safaris: Costing around $20–40 per person for those seeking a slower, more fascinating jungle experience.

Many hotels and travel agencies in Sauraha offer packages that cover park entry, safari costs, guide services, and even accommodation. You can consider them for better value.

Always check ahead for the latest prices and package options to make the most of your trip.

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How to Get to Chitwan National Park

You can get to Chitwan National Park via two means, which are the most popular and explained below in detail:

1. By Road

Tourist buses and cars are the most common ways to travel to Chitwan National Park. The time details are given below:

From Kathmandu, it takes around 5–6 hours to reach.
From Pokhara, you can expect about 4–5 hours to reach.

Buses drop you near the park’s entrance in Sauraha or Bharatpur, while cars offer more comfort and flexibility, especially when travelling in a group. Our recommendation would be to go by car and enjoy your ride comfortably.

2. By Air

By air is a quicker option; you can take a 25-minute flight from Kathmandu to Bharatpur Airport. After that, it’s just a short drive (30–45 minutes) to the park or your hotel in Sauraha.

Knowing your route ahead of time helps make your journey smoother. Most travelers choose to stay in Sauraha, the tourist hub just outside the park, filled with lodges, restaurants, and safari services.

Things to Do Beyond the Safari

There are many more things to do in Chitwan beyond the jungle trails. The surroundings here offer you a blend of nature, culture, and relaxation, which is perfect for rounding out your trip. You can explore the following things after finishing your safari:

1. Visit the Elephant Sanctuary

You can get close to these gentle giants in an ethical and educational setting. There you can learn about their care, habits, and personalities. Watching them bathe or enjoy their meal is a treat to watch.

A male elephant named “Ronaldo” in Chitwan, Elephant Breeding Center.

2. Take a Canoe Ride on the Rapti River

Explore the river in a traditional wooden canoe to spot mugger crocodiles, gharial, and a wide variety of birds along the riverbanks. It is a very calm and refreshing experience.

3. Explore Chitwan Landmark Forest Park

Go for short nature walks, birdwatching, and photography inside this beautiful forest park to enjoy the quiet side of Chitwan, where you can connect with nature.

4. Visit a Traditional Tharu Village

You can explore the Tharu communities, which can be part of your cultural exploration. The mud-built homes, their customs, and a traditional Tharu dance in the evening are the highlights of the Tharu Village.

5. Discover the Chitwan Museum

Visit the Chitwan Museum to look at the park’s wildlife, its conservation efforts, and the culture of the region. It's a great stop for history buffs and curious travelers alike.

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

Follow these few tips if you are visiting Chitwan National Park for the first time to be well prepared for your journey of exploring this beautiful place:

Wear neutral-colored clothing to blend into the jungle.
Bring binoculars to see birds.
Carry insect repellent and sunscreen.
Book safaris early during high season.
Listen carefully to your guide, safety first!
Respect the rules: no feeding or touching the animals.
Stay hydrated and wear breathable clothing to stay comfortable.

Keeping them in mind will make your Chitwan National Park safari even better.

Is Chitwan National Park Worth Visiting?

If you’re wondering, “Is Chitwan National Park worth visiting?” the answer is a big yes.

Chitwan National Park is a place where you get to explore the heart of Nepal’s wilderness. You can spot rhinos walking freely, tigers hunting, and ancient cultures still thriving, which is fascinating. Getting excited when seeing a Bengal tiger is all part of a Chitwan visit. Chitwan offers a complete experience of wildlife, nature, and culture in one place. Chitwan is one of the world’s greatest national parks with diverse safari options, rich biodiversity, and a deep connection to local heritage.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Miss the Cultural Safari in Chitwan

Adventure in Chitwan is also about the local community. A cultural safari gives you a glimpse into the lives of the Tharu people. In the evenings, you can get a chance to attend the Tharu cultural dance performance. It includes colorful costumes, stick dances with peacock movements vibing on the sound of traditional drums, which create an unforgettable show.

Tharu cooking workshops are also a great way where you can learn to prepare authentic Tharu dishes using local ingredients and techniques. It is a delicious way to explore the region’s hospitality. Exploring this cultural side of Chitwan enriches your journey and helps support local families.

Conclusion

Going on a jungle safari at Royal Chitwan National Park isn’t just about seeing the views. It is a trip to learn about Nepal's culture, plants, animals, and ways to protect them. There is always something exciting to do in Chitwan, whether it's going on a jeep safari, trekking through the woods, or witnessing a Tharu dance.

The park provides a wild and mysterious experience, from river canoe rides to exciting village encounters; every moment is filled with excitement. You can spend time trying to spot the majestic one-horned rhino and the enigmatic Bengal tiger. Chitwan is more than just a vacation destination.