# Jungle Safari in Nepal ## Jungle safari in Nepal: rhinos, tigers and Tharu culture Few visitors expect jungle in the land of Everest, but Nepal's southern lowlands, the Terai, are home to some of the best wildlife parks in Asia. A **jungle safari in Nepal** takes you into the grasslands and sal forests of **Chitwan National Park**, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to look for the **one-horned rhinoceros**, **Bengal tiger**, sloth bear, gharial crocodile and hundreds of bird species. Our safari packages combine **jeep safaris**, **canoe trips** on the Rapti river, guided **jungle walks** with experienced naturalists and an evening of **Tharu** cultural dance. For the best chance of seeing a wild tiger, go to **Bardia National Park** in western Nepal instead. A safari fits perfectly between Kathmandu and Pokhara or after a trek. - **Where:** Chitwan (5–6 hours from Kathmandu) and Bardia - **Length:** 2–4 days - **Best time:** October–March, with the best sightings from February to April ## Trips - [Nepal Tour: Kathmandu, Pokhara & Chitwan](https://www.himalayanhiking.com/nepal-tour-kathmandu-pokhara-chitwan.md): 8 days, Easy, max 2,175 m / 7,136 ft (Nagarkot), from US$890. This Nepal tour package is an 8-day private journey through the country's highlights: the UNESCO World Heritage temples and royal squares of the Kathmandu Valle... - [Chitwan Jungle Safari](https://www.himalayanhiking.com/chitwan-jungle-safari.md): 3 days, Easy, max About 150 m / 490 ft, from US$320. The Chitwan jungle safari is a 3-day wildlife tour in Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nepal's subtropical lowlands. Stay in a jungle lodg... - [Nepal Family Holiday](https://www.himalayanhiking.com/nepal-family-holiday.md): 9 days, Easy, max 2,100 m / 6,890 ft (Australian Camp), from US$1,090. Our Nepal family holiday is a 9-day adventure designed for parents and children. Explore the temples and monkeys of Kathmandu, look for rhinos on a jeep safari... - [Bardia National Park Tiger Safari](https://www.himalayanhiking.com/bardia-national-park-tiger-safari.md): 5 days, Easy, max 1,400 m / 4,593 ft (Kathmandu), from US$590. The Bardia National Park tiger safari is a 5-day wildlife adventure in Nepal's largest and wildest lowland national park, widely known as the best place to see... ## Jungle safari in Nepal: a guide to Chitwan, Bardia and Nepal's national parks South of the Himalayan foothills, Nepal flattens into the **Terai**, a strip of fertile lowland plains, grasslands, rivers and forests that runs along the border with India. Once thick jungle, the Terai is now a patchwork of farmland and protected areas, and those parks still hold rhinos, tigers and wild elephants. A **jungle safari in Nepal** offers the chance to see the greater one-horned rhinoceros grazing in the tall grass, crocodiles basking on riverbanks and, with luck, the elusive Bengal tiger. This guide covers the best places for a safari in Nepal, the wildlife you can expect to see, safari activities, when to go, how to get there, where to stay, what to pack and how to choose a responsible safari. We wrote it from our office in Kathmandu. ## Why go on a jungle safari in Nepal? A safari adds a completely different dimension to a trip to Nepal. After the cold, thin air of the mountains, the warm lowlands feel like another world, with palm-shaded villages, mustard fields, riverside forests and the calls of hornbills and peacocks. Nepal's conservation success stories are among the best in Asia: rhinoceros and tiger numbers have increased significantly in recent decades thanks to strong protection and community involvement. Safaris in Nepal are also accessible and good value. Chitwan is a short flight or a scenic drive from Kathmandu and Pokhara, and two or three days is enough. Wildlife viewing is combined with cultural experiences among the **Tharu** people, the indigenous inhabitants of the Terai. ## Chitwan National Park **Chitwan National Park**, established in 1973, was Nepal's first national park and has been a **UNESCO World Heritage Site** since 1984. It covers around 950 square kilometres of sal forest, riverine forest and tall grassland in the Inner Terai, bordered by the Rapti and Narayani rivers. A large buffer zone around the park is managed with local communities, who share in the benefits of tourism. Chitwan is the best place in Nepal to see the **greater one-horned rhinoceros**, and most visitors see several during a safari. The park is also home to Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild elephants, gaur (the world's largest wild cattle), several species of deer, wild boar, rhesus macaques and grey langurs. Its rivers are home to the rare, fish-eating **gharial** crocodile and the larger mugger crocodile, and Gangetic river dolphins are occasionally seen in the Narayani. With more than 500 recorded bird species, Chitwan is also one of the best birdwatching destinations in Asia. Most visitors stay in **Sauraha**, a village on the northern edge of the park beside the Rapti river, which has a wide range of lodges and hotels. Quieter lodges are located on the western side of the park near the Narayani river and in community forests around the buffer zone. ## Bardia National Park **Bardia National Park**, in the far west of Nepal, is the largest undisturbed wilderness in the Terai. It covers about 970 square kilometres of sal forest, grassland and the braided channels of the **Karnali river**. Bardia gets far fewer visitors than Chitwan, and some days you'll feel you have the park to yourself. Bardia is known as one of the best places in the region to see a wild **Bengal tiger**. Tiger sightings are never guaranteed, but patient visitors spending several days on walking safaris, jeep drives and watching from riverbanks have a real chance. The park is also home to one-horned rhinos, wild elephants, swamp deer, leopards and Gangetic river dolphins in the Karnali. Accommodation is in small, often family-run lodges near the park headquarters at Thakurdwara. ## Other national parks and wildlife reserves - **Shuklaphanta National Park:** in the far south-west, famous for its vast grasslands and large herds of swamp deer (barasingha), as well as tigers and grassland birds. - **Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve:** in eastern Nepal, a wetland on the Sapta Koshi river and one of the best birdwatching sites in the country, especially for migratory waterbirds in winter. It is also home to the last wild water buffalo (arna) in Nepal. - **Parsa National Park:** adjoining Chitwan to the east, with forests that provide a corridor for tigers, elephants and other wildlife. - **Banke National Park:** adjoining Bardia, forming part of an important tiger conservation landscape. ## Safari activities ### Jeep safari A **jeep safari** is the best way to cover large distances inside the park. Half-day and full-day drives follow forest tracks and grassland edges, stopping at waterholes, lakes and viewing towers. In Chitwan, full-day jeep safaris often visit the gharial breeding centre and remote grasslands where rhinos and deer gather. Early morning and late afternoon drives give the best chance of seeing wildlife. ### Canoe trip A **canoe trip** in a traditional dugout canoe on the Rapti or Narayani river is one of the most peaceful ways to experience the jungle. Drifting quietly downstream, you can see mugger and gharial crocodiles, kingfishers, storks, herons and other water birds, as well as deer and rhinos coming to drink. Canoe trips are often combined with a jungle walk back to the lodge. ### Jungle walk A **guided jungle walk** with experienced naturalists is the most exciting way to explore the park. On foot, you notice tracks, signs and small creatures missed from a vehicle, and your guides explain how to move safely and quietly. Walking safaris require following your guides' instructions carefully, as rhinos, elephants and sloth bears can be dangerous. ### Birdwatching More than 500 species have been recorded in Chitwan, so **birdwatching** is good all year and best in winter, when the migrants arrive. Highlights include the great hornbill, Bengal florican, lesser adjutant stork, many kingfishers and colourful sunbirds and bee-eaters. ### Tharu village visit and cultural show The **Tharu** people have lived in the Terai for centuries, developing a way of life adapted to the forests and rivers. A village walk shows traditional mud-and-thatch houses decorated with painted designs, farming practices and daily life, and many lodges arrange an evening of Tharu **stick dancing**, a lively traditional performance. ### Sunset by the river Sunsets over the Rapti river in Sauraha are a daily ritual. As the light fades, rhinos sometimes emerge from the grass on the far bank, and elephants return from the forest. ## Responsible wildlife tourism and elephants Elephant rides were once a standard part of a Nepal safari, but animal welfare organisations now advise against them because of the training and working conditions involved. We do not include elephant rides in our safari packages. Instead, jeep safaris, canoe trips and walking safaris with trained naturalists offer excellent and more responsible ways to see wildlife. If you would like to learn about elephants, choose experiences that allow you to observe them without riding, and ask your lodge about their welfare practices. Other ways to travel responsibly include keeping a respectful distance from animals, never feeding wildlife, supporting lodges that employ local people and contribute to community conservation, and following your guide's instructions at all times. ## Sample safari itineraries ### Chitwan in three days DayActivities1Drive or fly to Chitwan, check in, afternoon Tharu village walk, sunset by the Rapti river, evening cultural show2Early canoe trip and jungle walk, afternoon jeep safari into the park, evening birdwatching or presentation on conservation3Early morning birdwatching, breakfast, depart for Kathmandu, Pokhara or Lumbini### Bardia in four days Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and drive to Bardia. Spend two to three full days on walking safaris along the Karnali river and its channels, jeep drives into the core of the park and rafting or canoeing trips looking for dolphins and crocodiles, before returning to Nepalgunj for your flight. ## Best time for a jungle safari in Nepal - **October–November:** pleasant temperatures after the monsoon, green forest and clear views of the Himalaya on the way. - **December–January:** cool, sometimes foggy mornings, comfortable days and excellent birdwatching with winter migrants. - **February–April:** the best time for wildlife sightings. From late January, the tall elephant grass is cut by local communities, opening up views, and animals gather near water as the weather warms. - **May–June:** hot, with temperatures often above 35°C, but animals are easy to spot near water. - **July–September:** the monsoon brings heavy rain and flooding, and many park activities are limited or closed. ## Getting to Chitwan and Bardia **Chitwan** lies about 150 kilometres south-west of Kathmandu. The drive takes around five to six hours along the Trishuli river, passing rafting points and the Manakamana cable car. From Pokhara, the drive takes around five hours. Alternatively, a short flight from Kathmandu to **Bharatpur** brings you within about 30 minutes of Sauraha. Chitwan combines naturally with Lumbini, which is about four hours' drive to the west. **Bardia** is reached by a flight from Kathmandu to **Nepalgunj**, followed by a drive of about two to three hours. Overland journeys from Kathmandu or Pokhara take a full day or more. ## Where to stay Chitwan has everything from simple guesthouses in Sauraha to comfortable resorts and luxury jungle lodges with swimming pools and their own naturalists. Many lodges offer all-inclusive safari packages with meals, activities and park fees. Bardia's lodges are smaller and more rustic, often with experienced local naturalists who have worked in the park for decades. We choose lodges for their location, service, guiding quality and commitment to conservation, and can recommend options for every budget. ## What to pack for a safari - Lightweight clothing in neutral colours such as green, khaki and brown; avoid white and bright colours. - Long sleeves and trousers for jungle walks and protection from insects. - A warm layer for cool winter mornings and evenings (December–February). - Comfortable walking shoes. - Insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. - Binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens. - A refillable water bottle. ## Health and safety The Terai is warm and humid for much of the year, so drink plenty of water and protect yourself from the sun. Use insect repellent, especially at dawn and dusk. On walking safaris, always stay with your guides, walk quietly in single file and follow their instructions exactly; they are trained to read animal behaviour and keep you at a safe distance. Check with your doctor about recommended vaccinations and malaria precautions for lowland Nepal before you travel. ## Combining a safari with the rest of Nepal A safari is the perfect complement to trekking and culture. A classic ten-day trip combines the Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara and Chitwan, while longer itineraries add Lumbini, a short trek such as Ghorepani Poon Hill, or rafting on the Trishuli river on the way to Chitwan. After a long trek in the Everest or Annapurna regions, two or three days in the jungle are a relaxing way to end your trip. ## The one-horned rhinoceros: a conservation success The **greater one-horned rhinoceros** is the symbol of Chitwan. Weighing up to two tonnes, with thick, folded skin that looks like armour plating, it grazes in the tall grasslands and wallows in the rivers and marshes. In the 1960s, poaching and habitat loss had reduced the population in Nepal to only a few hundred animals. Strong protection by the park authorities and the Nepal Army, community anti-poaching units and the involvement of local people in conservation have since helped the population recover significantly, and several years have passed with no rhinos poached. Rhinos have also been moved from Chitwan to Bardia and Shuklaphanta to establish new populations. ## The Bengal tiger in Nepal Nepal has done better than almost any other country at bringing tigers back. Surveys have shown the country's wild tiger population roughly tripling over little more than a decade, making Nepal one of the leaders in global efforts to protect the species. Tigers live in Chitwan, Bardia, Banke, Parsa and Shuklaphanta national parks, connected by forest corridors. Seeing a tiger requires patience and luck, as they are secretive and mostly active at dawn and dusk. Your chances improve with several days in the park, especially in Bardia and in the dry season from February to May. ## Birds of the Terai Birdwatchers can spend days exploring the forests, grasslands and wetlands of Chitwan, Bardia and Koshi Tappu. Look out for the great hornbill, the critically endangered Bengal florican, the lesser adjutant stork, several vultures, many kingfishers, bee-eaters, sunbirds and paradise flycatchers. In winter, huge numbers of migratory ducks, geese and waders arrive from Central Asia and Siberia. An experienced bird guide will help you find and identify species you would otherwise miss. ## Community forests and homestays Around Chitwan's buffer zone, community forests such as those near **Barauli**, **Amaltari** and **Bagmara** offer quieter alternatives to Sauraha. Tharu communities run homestays where you can sleep in a traditional house, eat home-cooked meals, help in the fields and learn about local life. These programmes share tourism income directly with villagers and give them a strong incentive to protect the wildlife that crosses their land. ## Wildlife photography tips For wildlife, bring a zoom of at least 200–300 mm, and use a fast shutter speed from a moving jeep or canoe. The best light comes early in the morning and late in the afternoon, which is also when animals are most active. Keep noise and movement to a minimum, especially on walks and canoe trips, and never ask your guide to approach animals too closely for a photograph. Bring spare batteries and memory cards, and protect your equipment from dust on jeep safaris. ## Safari with children Children love a jungle safari. Jeep drives, canoe trips and visits to the gharial breeding centre are suitable for most ages, and many lodges have gardens, pools and family rooms. Walking safaris usually have minimum age limits for safety, so check with us in advance. Choose the cooler months from October to March for family trips, and plan rest time in the middle of the day. ## What does a jungle safari in Nepal cost? The cost of a safari depends on the park, the standard of the lodge, the number of nights and the activities included. Many Chitwan lodges offer packages that include accommodation, meals, park entry fees and guided activities such as jeep safaris, canoe trips, jungle walks and cultural programmes. Bardia packages usually include more days in the park because of the longer travel time. Transport or flights from Kathmandu or Pokhara can be added. Contact us for a quote based on your preferred lodge and dates. ## Chitwan's rivers and wetlands Water shapes life in Chitwan. The **Rapti**, **Narayani** and **Reu** rivers, together with oxbow lakes such as **Lami Tal** and **Devi Tal**, provide water and habitat for rhinos, crocodiles, deer, otters and hundreds of bird species. The **Twenty Thousand Lakes** area near Sauraha, a series of small ponds and wetlands in a community forest, is another excellent spot for birds and crocodiles. Canoe trips and walks along the riverbanks offer the chance to see this watery world up close, and wetland birdwatching is especially rich in winter. ## The gharial breeding centre The **gharial** is a slender-snouted, fish-eating crocodile found only in the rivers of South Asia, and it is critically endangered. At the **Gharial Conservation and Breeding Centre** near Kasara, inside Chitwan National Park, eggs are collected from the wild, hatched and raised in safety before the young crocodiles are released into the Rapti and Narayani rivers. A visit, often part of a full-day jeep safari, shows how the breeding programme is bringing this odd-looking crocodile back. The centre also cares for turtles and other species. ## Combining Chitwan and Lumbini Chitwan and **Lumbini**, the birthplace of the Buddha, are about four hours apart by road, making them a natural combination. A popular route travels from Kathmandu to Chitwan for two nights of safari, continues to Lumbini to explore the Sacred Garden and Monastic Zone, and returns to Kathmandu by a short flight from Bhairahawa. This circuit can also include Pokhara for a complete tour of Nepal's highlights. ## A day on safari in Chitwan A typical safari day begins at dawn, when mist lies over the Rapti river and the jungle is at its most active. After a hot drink, you set off by canoe or on foot with your naturalist guides, watching for rhinos in the grass, deer at the forest edge and kingfishers darting over the water. Breakfast is back at the lodge, followed by a rest during the heat of the day, when animals also rest in the shade. In the afternoon, a jeep safari takes you deeper into the park, stopping at viewing towers and lakes. As the sun sets, you return to the riverbank to watch the sky turn orange behind the Churia Hills, before an evening of Tharu dancing or a talk on conservation at the lodge. ## Travel insurance and health Make sure your travel insurance covers wildlife activities such as jeep safaris, canoe trips and walking safaris. Chitwan has good road access and medical facilities in Bharatpur, while Bardia is more remote, with the nearest major hospital in Nepalgunj. Carry any personal medication, drink plenty of water in the heat, and follow your lodge's advice on insect protection. Two nights in Chitwan or a week in Bardia: either way, you'll see a Nepal that has nothing to do with mountains. Early starts, quiet canoe trips and patient waiting are rewarded with encounters you will remember long after your trip, from a rhino and her calf in the grass to the call of a peacock at dusk. Choosing responsible lodges and experienced naturalists ensures that your visit supports both wildlife and the communities who live alongside it. ## Book your jungle safari with Himalayan Hiking Himalayan Hiking is a local travel company based in Kathmandu. We arrange jungle safaris in Chitwan and Bardia, with transport or flights, hand-picked lodges, park permits, jeep safaris, canoe trips, walking safaris with experienced naturalists and Tharu cultural programmes. Safaris can run privately on your own dates and be combined with any of our tours and treks. Browse our safari trips above, or contact us for a tailor-made itinerary. ## Frequently asked questions ### What animals can I see on a Chitwan jungle safari? Chitwan is famous for the **one-horned rhinoceros**, which most visitors see. Other wildlife includes spotted and sambar deer, wild boar, monkeys, gharial and mugger crocodiles, sloth bears and more than 500 bird species. **Bengal tigers** live in the park but are shy and sightings are a matter of luck. ### How many days do I need in Chitwan? Two nights and three days is ideal, allowing a jeep safari, a canoe trip, a jungle walk, a visit to a Tharu village and a sunset by the river. Keen wildlife watchers and birders may want three nights or more. ### Chitwan or Bardia: which is better? **Chitwan** is easier to reach, has more lodges and activities and excellent rhino sightings. **Bardia** is further west and more remote, with fewer visitors and some of the best chances in Asia of seeing a wild tiger, but it needs more travel time. ### What is the best time for a jungle safari in Nepal? October to March has pleasant temperatures. From late January the tall elephant grass is cut, and February to April offers the best wildlife sightings, although April and May get very hot. Safaris are limited during the June–September monsoon. ### Do you offer elephant rides? No. We do not include elephant rides in our safaris, in line with animal welfare guidance. Jeep safaris, canoe trips and walking safaris with trained naturalists offer excellent and more responsible ways to see the wildlife. Web page: https://www.himalayanhiking.com/category/jungle-safari-in-nepal