Experiencing Wildlife of Chitwan, Nepal
The first and the foremost thing you can do in Chitwan is to experience the wildlife of Chitwan. The park is dwelling to 525 species of birds, 56 species of mammals and 49 species of amphibians and reptiles. To the wildlife of Chitwan is included the rare and endangered species like the Royal Bengal tiger and the one-horned rhinoceros gaur, wild elephant, leopard, four-horned antelope, sloth bear, rhesus monkey, wild boar, grey langur monkey, small wild cats, wild dog and many other smaller animals. Species of snakes like Cobras, kraits and pythons are also found here. The marshy areas and abundant oxbow lakes of Chitwan provide a dwelling for the marsh assailant crocodiles. Rare and endangered only fish eating gharial or Gangetic crocodile are found in the stretch of the Narayani River. Not only are this one of the world’s four species of freshwater dolphins also found here.
| Activity |
Location |
Highlights |
Travel Tips |
| Jungle Safari (Jeep or Elephant) |
Chitwan National Park |
Spot rhinos, deer, wild boars, sloth bears, and tigers |
Best done in early morning; book through authorized operators |
| Canoeing |
Rapti River |
Peaceful boat ride with views of gharials and birdlife |
Wear life jackets; ideal during sunrise or sunset |
| Tharu Cultural Dance Show |
Local Villages / Cultural Centers |
Traditional stick dance, fire dance, and folk music |
Evening shows available; support local performers |
| Visit Elephant Breeding Center |
Sauraha |
See elephants, baby calves, and conservation info |
Great for families and educational tours |
| Bird Watching |
National Park Buffer Zone |
Over 500 species including hornbills, kingfishers, eagles |
Bring binoculars and wear neutral colors |
| Village Walk |
Tharu Villages |
Learn about Tharu lifestyle, homes, and customs |
Hire a local guide for authentic insights |
| Cycle Tours |
Sauraha & Buffer Areas |
Explore scenic countryside and local farms |
Wear helmets; available for rent in town |
| Sunset at Rapti River |
Rapti River Bank |
Beautiful sunset views over the water and jungle |
Visit by 5:30 PM; cafes nearby for snacks |
| Wildlife Photography |
Chitwan National Park |
Capture wildlife in natural habitat and scenic jungle shots |
Use telephoto lens; silence is key to good sightings |
| Ox Cart or Bullock Ride |
Local Villages |
Traditional village transport experience |
Offered as part of cultural tour packages |
Experiencing Bird watching in Chitwan, Nepal
In the Chitwan a variety of birds are there and so it’s a great place to watch colorful birds like hornbill, Bengal florican, woodpecker and red-headed trogon. Winter birds which are drawn by the sanctuary of the park’s rivers include waterfowls, pintails, Brahminy duck and bareheaded geese. In winter birds from Siberia migrate to Chitwan Park. The forest looks lively in summers just because of the nesting migrants such as the fabulous paradise flycatcher, parakeets and the Indian pitta.
Jungle Safari in Chitwan, Nepal
Jungle Safari is a 2-nights/3-days venture which includes wildlife safari on elephants, canoe ride to watch the crocodiles and water birds, nature walks to see the exotic flora and fauna and at last but not the least the rural tour to view the lifestyle of the indigenous Tharu people. Together with jungle safari, the journey also includes, a worth visit to the Elephant Breeding Center and Gharial Crocodile Farm, where these animals and reptiles have been successfully bred in custody.
Visiting Devghat in Chitwan, Nepal
Devghat which is a well-known pilgrimage site is on the way to the Chitwan National Park and is about 6 km to the north of Bharatpur. Devghat, is situated at the joining together of the Trishuli and the Kali Gandaki rivers, which later on form the Narayani, a major tributary of the Ganga.
The joining together of these major rivers are considered very holy by the people. Makar Sankranti which is the first day of the Nepali month of Magh in January, on this day pilgrims from all over the world unite here to take holy dips. Devghat is a place which has a large number of shrines, ashrams, temples, and old age homes. The famous Balmiki Ashram where Sita came to live with her two sons Lav and Kush after separating from Ram was a retreat used by the great Hindu sage Balmiki. The ashram is located at the southwestern corner of the national park in a forest on the bank of the Tribeni River.
Trekking Chepang Hill Trail in Chitwan, Nepal
For trekking Chitwan mid hills is the best option as it is the home of the native Chepangs which provide interesting trekking tours leading to rural Chepang villages, bird watching opportunities and wonderful views of the mountains and the surrounding hills and plains. From Hugdi the trekking can be started or ended. Hugdy lies on the Kathmandu-Chitwan highway, and up to Hugdy one can go rafting on the Trishuli River. There is the other end of the trekking which is at Shaktikhor.