Chitwan National Park (Sauraha Gateway)
Nepal's first national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, reached via Sauraha. Famous for jeep and walking jungle safaris to spot one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, deer, crocodiles and 500+ bird species.
About this spot
Chitwan National Park, established in 1973 and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, is Nepal's first national park, covering roughly 952 sq km of subtropical lowland forest, grassland and the floodplains of the Rapti and Narayani rivers in the southern Terai. Sauraha, on the park's northeastern edge, is the main tourist gateway, lined with lodges, restaurants and tour operators. The park is best known for its large population of greater one-horned rhinoceros, alongside Bengal tigers, wild Asian elephants, sloth bears, gharial and mugger crocodiles, spotted deer and more than 500 bird species.
The classic experience is a jungle safari, by 4WD jeep or on a guided nature walk, plus dugout canoe trips on the Rapti River, birdwatching, visits to the gharial breeding centre, and evening Tharu cultural dance performances in Sauraha village. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best wildlife sightings. Note that ethically minded travellers increasingly choose jeep safaris over elephant-back rides.
Park entry permits for foreign visitors are modest (roughly NPR 2,000), while guided half- or full-day safari packages typically run higher once a licensed guide, jeep or canoe and equipment are included, putting a typical visit in the mid budget range. Allow at least two days to enjoy the park and Sauraha fully.
Why it's worth it: rated 4.4★ on Google Maps (8,595+ reviews).
Location
Sauraha, Bachhauli, Bagmati Province (main tourist gateway to the park), ChitwanSauraha, Bachhauli, Chitwan, Bagmati Province, Nepal
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