Chitwan Jungle Safari (Flight or Car)

Explore a UNESCO World Heritage site known for one-horned rhinos, Bengal tigers, lush forests, and rich Tharu culture. Whether you travel by flight or car, this adventure offers unforgettable wildlife encounters and a deep connection to nature perfect for nature lovers, families, and first-time visitors.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Chitwan & See Tharu Culture

Morning/Afternoon (Arrival):

You will feel the weather change as you go down into the warm, wet plains of the Terai. This happens whether you come by a winding car ride or a fast flight over the mountains to Bharatpur. A person from your hotel will meet you. They will drive you to Sauraha, the main town near the park.

1:00 PM (Check-in & Talk):

Get to your jungle lodge or hotel. You will get a cool drink. After checking in, enjoy a tasty lunch. Your guide will then tell you all about the park. They will cover the planned activities and important safety rules.

3:00 PM (Tharu Village Visit):

Start a fun tour of a nearby Tharu village. You will see old houses made from mud. They often have bright paintings. Your guide will tell you about their special building style, which keeps rooms cool. You will see their farm life. You will see locals fishing. You will learn about their strong link to the land.

6:30 PM (Lively Culture Show):

As evening comes, you will see a fun Tharu culture show. The "danda nach" (stick dance) is often the main part. It is a dance with good rhythm and energy. The dances tell stories of their past, old tales, and daily meetings with animals. This gives a strong cultural meaning to your safari.

8:00 PM (Dinner):

Go back to your hotel for a big dinner. The sounds of the jungle will start in the background.

Day 2: A Full Day in the Jungle

6:00 AM (Wake-up Call): Starting early helps you see the jungle when it is most active. A quick cup of tea or coffee and breakfast will get you ready for the day.

7:00 AM (Calm Canoe Trip):

Go to the Rapti River for a calm trip in a dugout canoe. As you float quietly on the water, you will be at the same level as the river animals. Look for the long-nosed Gharial and the wider-nosed Mugger crocodiles sunning themselves on the riverbanks. The river is also a top spot for kingfishers, egrets, storks, and other water birds.

9:00 AM (Close Jungle Walk):

After the canoe trip, you will walk into the jungle with two skilled guides. This is an exciting, full-sense experience. Your guides will show you fresh rhino tracks and tiger paw prints. They will explain what different plant medicines are used for. You will hear the sound of birds and unseen animals moving. You will feel a real link to the wild.

12:00 PM (Lunch & Rest):

Go back to the hotel for a needed lunch. Take a few hours to rest during the hottest part of the day. You can relax by the pool or just enjoy the quiet air.

2:00 PM (The Big Jeep Safari):

The afternoon is for the main event: a 4x4 jeep safari deep inside the national park. The jeep lets you cover large areas of grass and forest. This raises your chances of seeing bigger animals. You will likely see many one-horned rhinos. You will also see different kinds of deer (spotted, sambar, hog) and rhesus monkeys. Your guide will talk with other guides. They will track any recent views of sloth bears or the hard-to-spot Bengal tiger.

6:00 PM (Sunset Views):

As the safari ends, you will go back to the hotel. You might stop at the riverbank to watch a great sunset over the jungle.

7:30 PM (Dinner):

Enjoy your last dinner in Chitwan. Share stories of what you saw today with other travelers.

Day 3: Morning Bird Watching and Final Departure

6:00 AM (Bird Watcher's Heaven):

Chitwan is a top place for watching birds. This morning, you will go on a special birding trip. Your guide will take you through different places—forests, grasslands, and wet areas. You will look for some of the more than 540 kinds of birds here. Look for parakeets, woodpeckers, and the giant hornbill.

8:00 AM (Last Breakfast):

Go back to the hotel for your last breakfast in the Terai.

9:30 AM (Leave):

Check out from your hotel. You will be driven to Bharatpur Airport for your flight. Or, you will start the road trip back to Kathmandu or to your next stop like Pokhara or Lumbini. Your mind will be full of the great sights and sounds of your Chitwan jungle safari.