About Chitwan

Overview

Chitwan National Park, set up in 1973 as Nepal's first national park, covers about 953 sq km of sal forest, grassland and river in the Terai lowlands. It is the best known place in Nepal to see the greater one horned rhino, and also shelters Bengal tigers, sloth bears, gharial and mugger crocodiles and hundreds of bird species. Most visitors stay at Sauraha, a village on the north bank of the East Rapti River just outside the park, and go in by jeep safari, dugout canoe or guided walk. UNESCO added the park to its World Heritage list in 1984. It is a few hours by road from the Raxaul and Birgunj border and sits between Kathmandu, Pokhara and Lumbini.

Best Time to Visit Chitwan

Plan your trip around the right season

Oct-NovBest Window

Why visit

Pleasant weather after the monsoon and the park reopens fully for jeep safaris and canoe trips.

Keep in mind

The grass is still tall early in the season, which can hide rhinos and deer.

Dec-MarBest Window

Why visit

Cool days, lots of migratory birds, and better sightings once the tall grass is cut in winter.

Keep in mind

Morning fog in December and January can delay canoe trips and early drives.

Apr-Jun

Why visit

Animals gather near water and visibility is good in the cut grassland.

Keep in mind

Very hot and humid, with afternoons often above 35°C.

Jul-Sep

Why visit

Lush forest and low rates.

Keep in mind

Monsoon rain floods tracks, many activities stop, and some lodges close for the season.

How to Reach Chitwan

Intercity connectivity and travel options

Bharatpur Airport, about 15 km from Sauraha, has short flights from Kathmandu. Tourist buses run to Sauraha from Kathmandu, usually 5 to 7 hours, and from Pokhara. From India, cross at Raxaul in Bihar to Birgunj, then drive north via Hetauda; Sauraha is roughly 3 to 4 hours from the border. Coming through Sonauli and Bhairahawa, the road via Butwal and Narayanghat takes about 5 hours. Indian citizens do not need a visa for Nepal, by road or by air. Carry a valid Indian passport or an original voter ID card issued by the Election Commission of India; Aadhaar, PAN cards and driving licences are not accepted as travel documents. Children can travel on a birth certificate or school ID. If you fly in, carry your passport.

Getting Around Chitwan

Local transport and practical tips

Local transport

Sauraha village is walkable. Park entry permits, guides, jeep safaris and canoe trips are booked at the park counter in Sauraha or through your lodge. Entering the park on foot is only allowed with a licensed guide.

Best Areas to Stay in Chitwan

Pick the right neighbourhood for your trip

Sauraha

Most first visits

Lodges and guesthouses along the East Rapti River, a short walk from the park entry point, boat crossings and safari counters.

Meghauli and western Chitwan

Longer, quieter wildlife stays

Quieter lodges near the western side of the park, far from the Sauraha crowds, usually reached from Bharatpur.

Bharatpur

Late arrivals and onward travel

City hotels in Bharatpur and Narayanghat, about 15 km from Sauraha, close to the airport and highway buses.