Royal Chitwan National Park
Wildlife safari tours in one of Asia's best wildlife reserves
Nepal's
first and richest
wildlife sanctuary
Covering 960 sq. km./ 360 sq. mi. of grassland, tall sal and riverine forests set against the backdrop of the Himalayas, the Royal Chitwan National Park is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including several endangered species. The elusive Royal Bengal Tiger, one of the most difficult big cats to observe in the wild, roams the jungles of Chitwan with the leopard and other lesser cats. There is the Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros; around 450 of these make their home in the lush forests of Chitwan, along with four species of deer, the rhesus and langur monkeys, sloth bear, wild boar, gaur (the largest of the world's wild cattle), the wild dog and the hyena.
In the waters of the two mighty rivers that drain the Chitwan valley, the Narayani and the Rapti, you will find a diversity of riverine wildlife including the endangered fish-eating gharial crocodile, the marsh mugger crocodile and the Gangetic Dolphin, found in the western area of the Park. Chitwan is a bird-watchers' paradise, with over 450 species of resident and migratory birds having been identified so far. The endangered Giant Hornbill, the Paradise Flycatcher, the Large Pied Kingfisher and the Racquet-Tailed Drongo are among the more exotic birds resident in Chitwan.
Experiencing
Chitwan
An unbeatable feeling of being in the wild pervades in the lodges scattered inside the park. They offer comprehensive wildlife tours of three or more days, inclusive of full-board accommodations and wildlife activities. There are a host of options to explore the jungle, accompanied by resident naturalists and guides: elephant-back safaris, canoe rides, jungle walks, bird-watching tours, and jeep drives. A two-night stay is the minimum time needed to experience Chitwan, and for wildlife enthusiasts, we recommend staying an extra day. The lodges operate round-the-year except during the Monsoon (June - September) when most lodges are closed.
The quickest way to get there is to fly from Kathmandu to Bharatpur (or Meghauli for Tiger Tops), where lodge staff will meet you for the short drive to camp. Chitwan is easily accessible by road from Kathmandu or Pokhara, a scenic five hour drive. Visiting Chitwan on your return from Pokhara will save you a day's travel between Pokhara and Kathmandu.
Follow the links on the right of this page if you'd like to view web sites of the wildlife lodges situated inside the Royal Chitwan National Park. If you would like advice on choosing a lodge, we'll be glad to help; please email us or submit a trip inquiry form. We can usually offer a substantial discount on the published rates quoted on their web sites; please enquire for current rates.
Follow the links below for additional information on our Nepal wildlife extensions.
Chitwan Lodges
Chitwan's original wildlife lodge offers an exclusive safari experience for the discerning traveler.
A superb alternative to Tiger Tops, providing excellent accommodations & great service at a prime location.
Machan Wildlife Resort lives up to its slogan -- "Wilderness in style". Distinctively the trendiest of Chitwan wildlife lodges, Machan boasts a natural pool.
Boasting a prime location on the Bandarjhola river island, Island Jungle Resort offers excellent elephant safaris and outstanding value.
Among the oldest of Chitwan's lodges, Gaida also offers tented camp accommodations and excellent wildlife activities.
Situated in the central area of Chitwan National Park, Chitwan Jungle Lodge offers standard amenities and all wildlife safari options.
