Jeep Safari
Jeep safaris remain the top thing to do in the Chitwan National Park. It is an all-time traveler’s favorite. It offers a thrilling way to explore the park’s rich ecosystem and wildlife.
The activity covers a large area, including sal forests, grasslands, mixed forests, and lakes. It provides the chance to see diverse animals like the one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, deer, sloth bears, crocodiles, monkeys, and over 500 bird species.
During the activity, you will stop at the observation towers and popular animal sighting spots where you can enjoy the forest environment with the wild animals. Furthermore, the jeep allows you to have close contact with nature and takes you deep into the dense forest and elephant grass.
The best time for Jeep Safari is generally from October to April, particularly February to April. In this time the animals are more visible due to the controlled bushfires and the dry seasons.
Some of the best jeep safari options include:
- Jeep safaris in Kumroj: 2 hours
- Jeep safaris in Kuchkuche 2 hours
- Jeep safaris in Kasara (half/full day)
Similarly, there are other kinds of safaris too.
- Chitrasen safari: 2.5 hours
- Barandabhar safari: 2.5 hours
A canoe ride is a serene and immersive way to experience the rich biodiversity of the park. This quiet ride in the morning or in the evening in the Rapti River offers excellent opportunities to spot crocodiles, birds, and sometimes rhinos from a unique, low-profile vantage point.
You may have the chance to see species like kingfishers, hornbills, and migratory birds on the riverbanks.
As you ride further up parts of the Rapti River, the visitors may also observe aquatic wildlife such as the gharial crocodile, marsh mugger crocodiles, and various fish species.
All the canoe rides are guided by experienced local naturalists. They share insights about the ecosystem. The overall activity is safe and is best for all age groups and fitness levels.
The best time is during the dry season from late September to early December and again from March to April. In these periods, the weather is favorable with good visibility and a high chance of spotting wildlife.
The common options include
- Long canoe trip
- Short canoe trip
Elephant Breeding center visit
Elephant breeding center visits are a popular activity among nature and wildlife enthusiasts. The place is underrated yet one of the chitwan famous places to visit in 2025. It offers the rare chance to observe endangered Asian elephants up close, learn about their care, and support vital conservation efforts in Nepal.
The breeding center is open to visitors during the early morning between 7:00 AM and 10:00 AM or late afternoon from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. These are the best times to see active elephants. However, it is a good idea to confirm current opening times with local hotels or guides, as there may be possible seasonal changes.
If you want to learn about insights into elephant behavior, breeding, and conservation challenges, you can go for guided tours or informative exhibits.
The major highlights of the visit include witnessing the newbornelephants and young calves interacting with their families and learning about the challenges faced by Asian elephants in the wild.
Nature Walks
Nature walks in the park are the best ways to enjoy nature and are highly rewarding. It gives the up-close experience with the park’s diverse ecosystem guided by the expert naturalists. The activity can also be called a short trek or hike.
During this activity, you may spot wildlife like one-horned rhinoceroses, monkeys, deer, birds, and occasionally tiger tracks. As the walks continue, you will immerse yourself in the park’s dense sal forests, grasslands, and riverine habitats.
There are plenty of opportunities for photography and nature observations.
On nature walks, the unarmed guides will lead your walk. They carry the sticks for safety. There are also the climbable trees for safety if needed.
Additionally, there are other treks that can be combined if you want. For example, the forest and hill treks nearby include Churia Hills and Chepang Hills. These hills offer scenic views and cultural experiences.
Bird Watching
Bird watching is an underrated activity but a top thing to do in the Chitwan National Park. The park is home to over 450 to 560 species of birds, including migratory birds, making the activity popular in the area.
The top bird-watching spots in Chitwan include Bishazari Tal (20,000 Lakes), Sauraha Riverbanks, Chitwan Forest Trails, Devghat and Narayani Riverbanks, Buffer Zones, and Farmlands.
In the above-mentioned spots, you can witness the resident birds, including Indian peafowl, greater coucal, woodpeckers, hornbills, and red-headed trogons.
Besides these birds, you may also see the migratory birds like waterfowl, such as Brahminy ducks, pintails, bar-headed geese, and Siberian migrants, and many colorful species like the Paradise Flycatcher and Indian Pitta during summer.
The bird-watching activity is popular among hobbyists and professional ornithologists. They find plenty of opportunities for observing and photographing a wide range of bird species in beautiful natural habitats.
Tharu Village Visits
The other popular thing to do in the Chitwan National Park includes visiting the Tharu village. This is a cultural visit where travelers will be visiting the Tharu villages like Sauraha and Barauli.
During the visit, the visitors can experience the Tharu dances and songs performed by the locals in vibrant costumes. In the event, the famous stick and peacock dances are also included. They can watch the artisans creating handicrafts such as woven baskets.
Exploration of the Tharu village gives insights into their sustainable lifestyle. It showcases how they are living in the unique mud and thatch houses with colorful, intricate wall paintings. The lifestyle of the Tharu people is closely connected to nature.
Tasting Local Cuisine
In the Chitwan National Park, there are several hotels and locally owned lodges offering a wide range of local cuisines. So, you can explore the cuisines if you feel bored or something. There are places like riverside restaurants, Tharu village dinners, taas corners, local eateries, and hotels.
These local lodges and restaurants offer hands-on cooking classes where travelers can learn to prepare their or Nepali dishes too using the traditional methods and local spices.
In places like Sauraha, the street stalls and local markets allow tasting of the quick bites and sweets that are indigenous to the region.
The common local cuisines include Taas (spicy fried goat meat with beaten rice), Ghonghi (snail curry), Tharu fish curry, Ghee Jhinge Machha, and Dhikri (steamed rice dough). There are also other Nepali dishes available, like Dal Bhat and Momos, alongside international options.
Buying Handicrafts & Souvenirs
Buying Handicrafts & Souvenirs
While others enjoy the adventure, you can explore the handicraft and souvenir markets. The Chitwan National Park market features locally crafted handicrafts and souvenirs.
Some of the popular places to explore the Nepali handicrafts and souvenirs include Sauraha Handicraft Center and Local Markets, Happy House Fair Trade Center in Sauraha, various boutiques and shops in Bharatpur and Ratnanagar, and so on.
Below are the popular handicrafts and souvenirs:
- Vibrant, colorful garments from the indigenous Tharu community.
- Elephant-themed figurines, paintings, and t-shirts.
- Forest honey collected by locals
- handcrafted clay pots and vases
- wooden furniture, figurines, and decorative items.
- Brass and copper items like lamps, religious idols, and kitchenware.
Cycling
Cycling seems to be a common sport, but it is unique to the Chitwan National Park, especially for the tourists. In the ancient days, the locals used cycles to travel around. Adapting the same style, cycling instead of raw walking has become popular among the tourists.
Cycling is a unique way to explore the region’s natural beauty and local culture. Through it. The tourists can explore the buffer zones of the national park, where there are high chances to spot wildlife like rhinos, deer, and birds.
The route goes through the traditional Tharu villages like Sauraha and Meghauli. There, the travelers can stop for a while and explore the villages, stay in the restaurants, and enjoy the local cuisines.
However, while cycling, you have to take care of your safety, as there are risks while enjoying it. You can carry the water, sunscreen, and insect repellent and inform guides or hotels about cycling plans due to occasional wildlife presence near cycling routes.
Night safari or jungle camp experience
The night safaris or the jungle camp are a unique way to experience and connect with the jungle wildlife and atmosphere. The night safaris can be done in the jeep guided by the experts to track the nocturnal wildlife activity in the dense jungle.
In the nighttime, the travelers may spot animals like jungle cats, wild boars, and potentially tigers or leopards. The night safari can be a thrilling experience for anyone trying it for the first time.
While the jungle camp allows overnight stays inside or very close to the park boundaries. It is also a thrilling adventure. Staying overnight in the jungle camps includes guided night walks, early morning birdwatching, and direct cultural interactions with the local communities.
Ziplining over a forest canopy
Ziplining in the national park is an exciting adventure activity providing thrilling rides through the jungle canopy and beautiful natural surroundings. It is located near the Aaptari Jaladevi Community Forest area in the Chitwan district.
The ziplines in the Chitwan National Park feature two routes with lengths of about 192 meters and 175 meters for adults. For kids, there is a smaller zipline of about 35 metcomplementsers. During the ziplining, you can see the breathtaking views of the forest canopy.
The ziplining is popular because it compliments the popular safaris, jungle walks, and river canoeing by offering an adrenaline-packed perspective of Chitwan’s natural beauty.
Photography with Nature Spotting
Photography with nature spotting is a popular activity that can be done by almost all the persons who have mobile phones or cameras. In this 2025 era, almost all people carry mobile phones that have good camera lenses. Which makes this activity a common plan for everyone.
The photographers can capture endangered species like the one-horned rhino, the Royal Bengal tiger, gharial crocodiles, wild elephants, leopards, and so on. The best time for this activity is during the early morning and late afternoon.
However, while doing photography with nature, you have to be very careful, and it is better to be accompanied by a professional guide.
Tips for Visiting Chitwan National Park
- Choose the best time to visit according to your preferences and reason to visit. The general best season to visit is from October to March.
- Go for the jeep safaris if you want to take a deep dive into the jungle of Chitwan National Park.
- Hire a guide to be safe and experience the stress-free adventure.
- Always carry your permit during the park visits to avoid the fines.
- Wear lightweight, long-sleeved clothing to protect against mosquito bites and sun exposure.
- Stay hydrated during the journey.
- Do not disturb or feed the wildlife.
- Respect the local cultures and customs of the Tharu village.
- Try to join groups to share costs and reduce expenses during the jeep safaris.
- Book accommodations in Sauraha or Bharatpur in advance during peak seasons.
- Consider staying in a Tharu village homestay for a cultural experience.
