Chitwan Jungle Safari

Expectations: Chitwan Jungle Safari

A Chitwan Jungle Safari offers a golden chance to explore diverse wildlife, a cultural tour and nature immersion. From the moment you enter the park, you will have amazing and thrilling experiences. Here is what you can expect from the trip.

• Close encounters with the wildlife like one-horned rhinoceros, gharials, deer, monkeys, wild boars, if lucky, Bengal Tiger and Leopard
• Thrilling Jungle activities – Jeep Safari, Canoe Ride, Elephant Safari.
• Jungle walks to socialise with nature and witness different species of birds, flora & fauna.
• Socialise with the Tharu community and learn about their customs, cultures and traditions.
• Enjoying the Tharu cultural dance and performance.
• Immerse and indulge in the peaceful environment.
• Explore Elephant Breeding Centre at Sauraha.
• Comfortable Accommodation, including staying in the treehouses and eco-lodges.
• Meals include a mix of Nepali, International cuisine and Tharu dishes.

Preparations for the Chitwan Jungle Safari

Whether it’s a high-altitude trek, pilgrimage tours or jungle safari, you need preparations to make your trip safe, comfortable and unforgettable.

If you are a professional trekker and have been to several mountains treks, then the climate of Chitwan National Park is just contradictory. Here are some preparations you need before and during the safari.

• Be prepared for hot weather. Prioritizes the lightweight clothes – linen and cotton.
• Long sleeves pants to protects against insects and mosquitoes
• A sun glass and sun hat to protects yourself from sun radiations
• Use comfortable walking shoes.
• Stay Hydrated – drink 3-4 litres of water daily
• Carry a small First Aid Kit in your carry bag
• Take a Camera and Binoculars
• Raincoat – if you are travelling during the monsoon
• Keep your passports, visa, travel insurance and other documents along with you.
• Bring light snacks, bottled water and juices

How to get to the Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park is situated in the Terai lowlands of southern Nepal, around 160 kilometres away from Kathmandu.  The travellers have several options to reach Chitwan.

There are daily tourist bus runs from Kathmandu and Pokhara to Sauraha. The journey takes around 5-6 hours from both cities. The buses have comfortable seats compared to local bus.

If you want more reliable and faster service, you can take 20-25 minute flights from Kathmandu to Bharatpur city.

From Bharatpur, a 35- 40 minute drive to the Chitwan National Park entry gate. This is best for those who have limited time and avoid long and tedious journeys.

Hiring a private vehicle, a jeep, or a car offers more comfort and flexibility to travellers. The drive from Kathmandu to Chitwan concluded within 5-6 hours, depending on traffic and conditions of road. It is ideal for families, couples and small groups.

If you want cost-effective travel, you may take a local bus. The fare will be cheaper compared to flights, a tourist bus, or a private vehicle. It is cheaper in price, but usually crowded and uncomfortable.

Best time for the Chitwan Jungle Safari

The Chitwan Jungle Safari can be enjoyed throughout the year, but October to March is considered the ideal time for the Jungle Safari and adventure activities.

During these months, the weather is stable, with clear skies and mild temperatures ranging from 7°C to 25°C, making adventure activities very comfortable.

If you visit in autumn, you may enjoy the trip even in the warm temperatures. This is also the ideal time for bird watching and spotting wildlife like rhinos, deer, and gharials.

If you can handle a hot atmosphere, you may also visit from April or May. However, the temperature ranges above 40 °C. The rain can also restrict the adventure activities

Winter can also be a good option for the Chitwan Jungle Safari. There could be a clear weather in a day time. This season isn’t simply warm like spring. The mornings can be cold and foggy. This is also the perfect time for bird watching and wildlife spotting.

The monsoon is not so favorable Chitwan trip. From June to August, there are high chances of rain. The Safari activities are limited due to the muddy trails.

Food & Meals Availability

During the Chitwan Jungle Safari, we will offer you a wide variety of dishes and foods in the forms of breakfast, lunch and dinner. Here are all the food and menus.

Breakfast Items – Usually, you will get your breakfast around 7 to 8 a.m..  Here is the list of food items that you get as your first meal of the day.

• Tea (milk, hot lemon, black, Himalayan)
• Coffee (Milk, Black)
• Egg Toast
• Boiled Eggs
• Porridges
• Muesli
• Omelets
• Muffins
• Yomari
• Puri, Tarkari and Jalebi (Nepali morning khaja)
• Sel Roti
• Fresh Fruit Juices.

Lunch & Dinner – The travellers can enjoy a mix of continental and International dishes as well as delicious Nepali cuisine. If you are a vegetarian, you also have a lot of options.

• Dal, Bhat Tarkari (Rice, Lentils & Seasonal Vegetables)
• Chicken/Fish/Mutton Curry
• Biryani (eggs, chicken, mutton)
• Mo: Mo (dumplings)
• Pizza
• Burger
• Nepali Khana set
• Paneer Curry and Rice Varieties
• Samosa Chat

Tharu Dishes – Nepal is a place where you can enjoy a variety of delectable cuisines. Here are some mouthwatering Tharu dishes

• Ghongi (Snail Dish)
• Bhakka (steamed rice cake)
• Dhikri (steamed rice flour and dumplings)
• Jhingiya Maccha (Freshwater Shrimp)
• Various varieties of fish & non-veg. items

Accommodations & Living Facilities

Chitwan National Park offers a wide range of accommodation services, including budget-friendly hotels, affordable guest houses, mid-range hotels, and exotic & luxurious resorts with swimming pool facilities.

Luxury Resorts – The luxury resorts offer you modern amenities and facilities, including air-conditioned rooms, fine dining, swimming pools, spas and gardens.

Mid-range Hotels/Guest houses – The mid-range hotels offer you comfortable rooms with attached bathrooms, hygienic restaurants, hot water services, free W-FI and more.

You also have the option to stay in Budget & Eco lodges. It offers simple rooms, shared bathrooms with minimal facilities for travellers. Aside from this, you can make your trip an adventure by staying in a treehouses, cottage or in the tented camps.

Travel Insurance and its necessities

Although Chitwan Jungle Safari is regarded as a low-altitude adventure trip, compared to mountain trekking, travel insurance ensures the safety and peace of mind.

The Chitwan Jungle Trip includes jeep safari, elephant safari, canoeing, jungle walking, and wildlife encounters, where unforeseen circumstances may arise.

Here are some points that illustrate the necessity of Travel Insurance

Medical Emergencies – Although the Chitwan area is low-belt. However, there are chances of accidents, insect bites, illness or sunstroke. In such cases, reliable insurance covers all your medical emergency expenses.

Emergency Evacuation – In case of emergency cases, you need to transfer to Kathmandu hospital through an air ambulance

Trip Cancellations – Sometimes the trip is cancelled due to bad weather or political unrest. In such circumstances, your insurance will cover all costs, including meals, transportation and accommodation.

Lost Belongings – Insurance will cover your lost belongings, such as baggage, camera, and other valuables.

Last but not least, a peace of mind while enjoying the Jungle Safari.

Necessary Permits & Entry Fees

In Nepal, for any trekking activities, pilgrimage tour or jungle safari, you need the necessary permits. To explore Chitwan National Park, obtaining the permits is mandatory for all travellers. The permit fee is taken to ensure the trekker’s safety and to conserve the natural and cultural heritages.

Entry fees of Chitwan National Park

• NPR 2000 per person entry/24 hour’s period for the Foreign Nationals
• NPR 1000 per person entry/24 hour’s period for the SAARC Nationals
• NPR 150 per person entry/24 hour’s period for the Nepali Citizens
• Children Under 10 years – Free.

Where to get these permits?

The easiest way to get the permits is at the entry gate Sauraha or Kasara.  You may also obtain the permits through the tour operator. You have to pay additional costs for activities, which include Jeep Safari, Canoe Ride, and Elephant Safari.

Chitwan Jungle Safari & Adventure Activities

Here are some Adventure activities that you can do during the Chitwan Jungle Safari

Jeep Safari – A Jeep Safari is the most popular way to explore the Chitwan National Park. During this activity, you will enter the depths of the forest. It offers visitors the chance to see rhinos, deer, wild boars, monkeys and other animals from a safer distance.

Elephant Safari/Ride – The Elephant Safari in Chitwan National Park is the most promising way to explore the jungle. Sitting on the top of an elephant and watching wildlife, birds, and gharials will be an incredible experience for the visitors.

Jungle Walks – Jungle Walks in the Chitwan National Park is an amazing way to explore the forest. It provides the visitors with opportunities to encounter nature. During Jungle walks you’ll get better knowledge of wild species.

Canoeing – Canoeing in the Rapti River is as refreshing as boating in the Phewa Lake. As you float along the calm water, you can spot gharials, crocodiles, and colourful birds. Make sure you have a camera to capture the perfect photos.

Visit the Elephant Breeding Centre – A visit to the Elephant Breeding Centre is an excellent way to learn about the Elephants. During the visit, you can see baby elephants. Furthermore, you will also know how they live, what they eat and the method of their food preparation.

Visit Tharu Cultural Museum – During your Chitwan Jungle Safari, you have the chance to explore the Tharu Cultural Museum. While you are on visit, you may see the Tharu attire, their jewelry, historical photos and house hold items.

Tharu Cultural Dance – Apart from the visiting Tharu museum, you will see an amazing dance of the Tharu people. It is a cultural dance. They performed the various dances like Danda Nach, Mayur Nach, and Aago Nach.

Sunrise and Sunset – Experience the breathtaking sunrise and sunset during your Chitwan Jungle Safari.

Bird Watching – Chitwan National Park is a paradise for bird watching. Here you can find more than 543 species of birds. Some of them are kingfishers, peacocks, hornbills and other migratory birds.

Extra Expenses during the Jungle Safari

Chitwan Jungle Safari package covers almost everything that includes accommodation, meals and core activities. There are certain additional expenses that travellers should prepare to pay and fulfill.

The visitors are liable to pay for extra meals, snacks, bottled water and soft drinks. Having coffee, tea or other foods charged separately.

Shopping and personal expenses are included in the extra expenses that will not be included in the itinerary.  Similarly, extra transportation and personal rides are not included in the tour package as well.

Laundry services, phone calls are generally not included in the itinerary. Furthermore, the visitors have to pay extra amount for the extra transport and the personal rides.

While tipping the guides, hotel staff, and driver is not mandatory, it is highly appreciated.