A Chitwan Jungle Safari Travel Guide & Review

Thinking about going on a Chitwan jungle safari? Great idea! This Chitwan National Park safari guide will tell you how to get there, where to book, and what animals you’ll see while on safari in Chitwan National Park. We’ll also cover what to pack and what not to pack, as well as when to go. Let’s dive in!

Chitwan National Park was one of my most-anticipated stops while I was visiting Nepal.

I’d experienced wildlife safaris before in Tanzania, and though I was lucky enough to see the Big Five and much more, Chitwan would be a new experience altogether.

The terrain was wildly different, and the animals were a world away. One horned rhinos and the unique gharial crocodile can all be seen here… and I could not wait to see them for myself.

If you are planning a Chitwan jungle safari, but aren’t sure where to start, this article will help you. Here we will cover where to go and what to see in Chitwan, what (and what not) to wear on safari, as well as top safari tours.

From the lush green jungle to the clear rivers to the incredible animal life, here is everything you need to know about a Chitwan jungle safari!

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Planning a Chitwan Jungle Safari

Chitwan National Park was the first national park of Nepal.

Established in 1973, this expansive park covers 932 km² of lush subtropical terrain. Nestled in the Inner Terai lowlands, it offers a diverse landscape ranging from peaceful river valleys to majestic Churia Hills.

Chitwan National Park is filled with wild and endangered animals. From the mighty one-horned rhinoceros, to the regal Bengal tiger, you’ll likely encounter the many majestic creatures that call this park home.

If you have the chance to go on a Chitwan National Park safari, you should absolutely do it! In this guide, I will tell you exactly how to plan and what to expect in Chitwan National Park.

When to go on a Chitwan National Park safari

If you are able to arrange it, the best time to visit Chitwan National Park is in April and May. Though these months are hot, reaching up into the low triple digits, trust me – it will be worth it!

This is because April and May are the end of the dry season in Nepal. This means that animals are much more likely to come out into the open, looking for watering holes, rather than staying hidden in the jungle.

If you want to visit during a more comfortable temperature range, then October to early March is the best for you. Temperatures will sit around the mid-70s, but be forewarned. Though you are more comfortable, you may not see as many animals.

Winter, on the other hand, gets downright cold. January is the chilliest month, skimming freezing at night.

I booked my safari in Chitwan National Park within the first half of May. While it definitely was hot and extremely sunny each day, I wouldn’t change that decision. I saw more animals than expected and we had long, dry days.

Pro Tip: This Chitwan jungle safari follows the exact route I took. It includes a walking safari, Jeep safari, and dugout canoe ride. Swipe my exact itinerary. BOOK YOUR JUNGLE SAFARI HERE!

What You’ll See On Safari in Chitwan National Park

The park is home to 68 species of mammals. The two most famous residents of the park are easily the Bengal Tiger and the Greater One-horned Rhino. Note that the rhinos and tigers are found in two different areas of the park.

You’ll likely see various hooved animals, including sambar, hog deer, barking deer, spotted deer, and wild boar.

The park is also home to 55 species of amphibians and reptiles. Gharial crocodiles were the stars for me, and they swam beside my canoe as we glided through the Rapti River.

Chitwan National Park is also home to nearly 600 species of birds, many of which you will see on your safari.

If you choose to take a walking safari, which is included on my recommended Chitwan tour, you will also see untamed plant life, creeping vines, and towering trees up close.

Where Is Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park is located in the southern part of central Nepal, close to the border of India.

Kathmandu to Chitwan Distance

Chitwan National Park is over 105 miles away from Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital city. It will take nearly five hours to drive to Chitwan via rental car, but can take longer through other transportation modes.

More on those below.

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Ways to get there

You have a few options when deciding how to travel to Chitwan National Park.

Take a tour.

The easiest (and arguably best) way to get to Chitwan national Park is on a tour.

The park has regulations that prohibit visitors from walking the park without a guide anyway, so in my opinion it is easiest to book a tour before arriving.

You can either book a larger tour of Nepal that includes a stop in Chitwan, lodging, transpiration nd more, or you can book a tour of Chitwan only, including transportation and lodging.

Let’s break down each option.

⫸ 10-Day Adventure Sports Tour in Nepal

I one-thousand percent recommend this 10-day adventure sports tour for anyone who wants to incorporate their Chitwan jungle safari with excursions in Pokhara and Kathmandu, too. loves nature, culture, and an adrenaline rush!

I can personally vouch for every activity on this tour!

It is the exact route I followed and hits all the stops you have seen me post about on this site. The only difference between this tour and mine is that I added on an ultralight flight, too.

• On this tour, you’ll experience a jungle safari to see rhinos and elephants in Chitwan National Park.
• You’ll ride a dugout canoe and see gharial crocodiles.
• Adventurers, you’ll get to go bungee jumping and paragliding in Pokhara and ride the steepest zipline in the world.
• And, you’ll see cultural sites in Pokhara and Kathmandu.

I could not recommend this experience more!

⫸ 3-Day Chitwan National Park Safari from Kathmandu

If you just need a tour to and from Chitwan, minus the rest of Nepal, then I recommend this 3-day Chitwan tour.

It originates in Kathmandu, and all transportation is provided via Tourist Bus to and from Chitwan. (Be forewarned, the bus ride is long! 7 or 8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.)

It also includes all meals and accommodations in Chitwan, near the park, as well as entrance fees and activities within the national park.

You’ll get up close and personal with gharial crocodiles, and enjoy a guided Jeep tour. Lastly, tackle short jungle hikes as well as a cultural show from the Tharu tribe.

Chitwan was one of the highlights of my entire trip, and this tour won’t disappoint. Seeing the one-horned rhinos and gharial crocodiles was incredible, and the lush green jungle was so lush and beautiful.

Ride the Tourist Bus.

Every morning, multiple tourist buses leave from Kathmandu to Sauraha, which is near one of the park’s 12 entrances.

When booking the tourist bus, know in advance that the road is difficult for the bus to drive. There are large unpaved sections and that will nearly double the transportation time.

It can take around eight hours, give or take, to reach the park by bus, depending upon traffic, road construction, and weather.

Book a Rental Car.

From Kathmandu, Chitwan National Park is reachable in under five hours by car.

From Pokhara and Lumbini, Chitwan National Park is a roughly four to five hours drive.

Pro Tip: I always get the best rental car prices here. If you are considering booking your own car to self drive, BOOK YOUR RENTAL CAR HERE!

The park is easily accessible from most of the larger cities of Nepal. Be aware that some sections of the road are unpaved, though they are passable by car if you take it slow.

What To Pack for a Chitwan Jungle Safari

The key to comfort on a Chitwan jungle safari is layers. While I do have a complete Nepal packing list available, I want to talk a bit more specifically about what to pack for your safari in Chitwan.

Here is everything you need for your trip.

What not to pack for a Chitwan jungle safari

When planning for your safari in Chitwan National Park, you will want to be very mindful about what colors you pack.

Earth-tones and muted colors that blend with the natural environment are best.

Bright unnatural colors, like vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, should be avoided. This is because the bright colors can scare or startle the animals, and they may be more likely to stay hidden if you’re wearing them.

Your guide will likely warn you the day before about color considerations for your tour. Unfortunately, there are always people who ignore that advice.

Don’t be that person!

Where To Stay Near Chitwan National Park

If you choose to self drive or travel to Chitwan without a tour, you are gonna need a place to stay. While it is not possible to stay inside the park, there are a number of options in the small towns nearby.

I stayed at the Parkland Hotel in Chitwan and I highly recommend it! If I return, I would absolutely book a stay here again.

The grounds are lush and green. There is a swimming pool on site, which is amazing in the hotter months. The staff is all super friendly and helpful. And, the rooms are comfortable.

They serve buffet-style meals, which accommodate both meat eaters, vegetarians, and a number of other dietary needs. My only criticism is that they could have served dal bhat and other Nepali staples, but hey – I ate well so no compaints!

FAQs on Chitwan National Park

Still have questions about taking a safari in Chitwan National Park? Let’s tackle those below.

How many days do you need in Chitwan National Park?

I recommend a minimum of three days in Chitwan (3d/2N) so that you get to take a safari drive, a Rapti River canoe ride, and a walking safari. With more than three days, you could even consider longer visits to the elephant breeding center, gharial breeding center, and more.

Basically, the longer you stay in Chitwan, the more wildlife you will get to see.

Can you see tigers on a Chitwan jungle safari?

Yes, it is possible to see Bengal Tigers on a Chitwan jungle safari. Chitwan National Park is home to 128 Royal Bengal Tigers according to a national survey conducted in 2022.

However, they are quite rare! The best chances to see them are often near Tamor Lake and Lamital.

Is Chitwan National Park worth it?

Hands down, yes! Chitwan National Park is one of the top destinations in Nepal. This is due to the lush green nature, the endangered and unusual wildlife, and the stunning rivers.

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How expensive is a Chitwan jungle safari?

It varies depending on the experience you book. For example, Jeep safaris can range from under $100-$250 depending on the route, length, and provider. Elephant safaris on the other hand tend to be around 2000 NPR give or take.

Can we stay inside Chitwan National Park?

There are no actual resorts or hotels set within Chitwan National Park. However, you can stay in the nearby village of Sauraha, which is walkable to the Rapti River and one other entrance into the park. A list of recommended hotels is featured above in this post.

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Final Thoughts on a Chitwan Jungle Safari

I would recommend to everyone visiting Nepal that they should absolutely book a Chitwan jungle safari. It really is a once in a lifetime chance!

If you want to swipe my exact Nepal itinerary, you should book this tour here.

It covers not only Chitwan National Park, but also Kathmandu’s cultural sights, Pokhara’s adventure activities, and Trishuli River white water rafting. I could not have been happier with my route and would recommend it to anyone who wants a taste of everything.

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I hope that this Chitwan National Park safari guide will help you plan an amazing trip!

The jungle is stunning. The animal life is amazing. And, the lush greens and the glowing orange sunsets will certainly stick with you forever.

If you have the chance to visit Chitwan National Park, you definitely should!

Want to know more about my full Nepal itinerary? Check out this article here.

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