Bagmati Province, Nepal
Things to do in Chitwan
Nepal's wild Terai lowlands — a UNESCO-listed national park where jeep safaris track one-horned rhinos and tigers along the Rapti River from the village of Sauraha.
Chitwan is Nepal's most famous wildlife destination, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the steamy Terai lowlands. The riverside village of Sauraha is the main base, where lodges line the Rapti River and the grasslands beyond hide one-horned rhinos and Bengal tigers.
It's a complete change of pace from the mountains: spend your days on a jeep safari, drift down the river by dugout canoe, visit the elephant breeding centre, and catch a Tharu cultural show after dark. Below are our picks for where to stay and what to do.
Where to stay in Chitwan
Sights & attractions in Chitwan
Adventure in Chitwan
Boating in Chitwan
What to do in Chitwan
Wildlife & nature in Chitwan
Festivals & events in Chitwan
Nepali cuisine in Chitwan
Plan your trip in Chitwan
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Chitwan from Kathmandu or Pokhara?+
Chitwan is roughly a 5–6 hour drive from either Kathmandu or Pokhara by tourist bus or private car. Short domestic flights to Bharatpur also connect Kathmandu to the park in about 25 minutes.
What animals can you see in Chitwan National Park?+
Chitwan is famous for one-horned rhinoceros, plus Bengal tigers, wild elephants, sloth bears, deer, gharial crocodiles and over 500 bird species. Rhinos and crocodiles are the most reliably spotted.
How many days do you need in Chitwan?+
Two nights is ideal — enough for a full-day jeep safari, a canoe trip on the Rapti River, the elephant breeding centre and a Tharu cultural show. Add a night if you want a deeper jungle experience.