Top 5 things to do in Chitwan

Top 5 things to do in Chitwan

Top 5 things to do in Chitwan

Apr 29 2022

Chitwan is one of 77 districts in Nepal which carries its unique and authentic ethnicity, culture, and importance. Chitwan is important because it provides a safe habitat to 525 species of birds, 55 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 50 species of mammals. One of the main reasons visitors around the world come to Chitwan is the one-horned rhinoceros. Did you know? one-horned rhinoceros is one of the world's seriously endangered animals and Chitwan is the second-largest home in the world for one-horned rhinoceros. Besides, Chitwan is not just a place to observe one-horned rhinos, there are also other exciting sports you can enjoy. But where? Well, do not worry we are here to help you know exactly what to do once you land in Chitwan and where.

 

Here we present you a list of the 5 best things to do in Chitwan.

1.Elephant Jungle Safari

An elephant Jungle safari is a must-try when you visit Chitwan. Elephant jungle safari will allow you to sit on the back of a beautiful elephant and take you into the woods. Bird Watching and take you  on the jungle safari inside the Chitwan national park. The national park consists of over 630 species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. Participating in the jungle safari can be an immensely joyful adventure for you as you will observe beautiful undiscovered and endangered animals and birds during the safari. 

 While  you enjoy elephant jungle safari in Chitwan, you may come across several species. Some of the common species you get to observe are mentioned below:

  •  Four-horned antelope, 
  • Pangolin,
  • Golden monitor lizard,
  • One-horned rhinoceros
  • Variations of deer such as Barking deer, Spotted deer, Sambar deer, and chinkara deer,
  • Distinct species of birds,
  • Bengal tigers,
  • Python,
  • Striped hyenas

 Elephant Jungle Safari at Chitwan national park will cost you around NRs. 1500 to 2500. 

 

2. Canoeing at Rapti River

Rapti is one of two beautiful rivers in Chitwan the other being Narayani. Among these two rivers, Rapti is more favorable for a pleasant canoeing experience as it’s situated inside Chitwan national park. The canoeing duration is 30-45 minutes in Rapti. Canoeing service is available all season from morning time to evening. You can choose a favorable time to participate in this sport however, canoeing in the evening before sunset is a therapeutic experience one must indulge in. While canoeing, you can observe a considerable number of replies and birds alongside the river bank. Some of the major things you can observe while canoeing at Rapti are

  •  111 species of fish 
  • Popular crocodile breeds like gharial and Marsha crocodiles 
  • Distinct variations of tortoise species
  • Rare reptiles and amphibians in their natural habitat. 
  • Colorful birds resting on the bank of river

 

Canoeing at Rapti River will cost around $48.00 per person. However, the amount may differ on the basis of your group size.

 

3. Wilderness walk and Bird Watching

A combination of a peaceful nature walk and bird watching is another ravishing experience you can have in Chitwan. Chitwan national park offers bird watching sessions for visitors every day at Bis Hazari Tal. Janakauli Community Forest is another place to go for bird watching. Get some friends and a guide and that is it! you are ready to go wild in the forest. You can see more than 525 species of birds in the national park. Few of the most common birds you can see are

 

  • The Black-necked Stork,
  • Wooly-necked Stork,
  • Deep-blue Kingfisher,
  • Stork-Billed Kingfisher, 
  • Bar-headed Goose 
  • Lesser Whistling-Duck 
  • Graylag Goose
  • Ruddy Shelduck

 Besides, you will also get a chance to observe migrating birds but for that, you will have to visit Chitwan national park during winters and certain other months. The best time to observe birds are

  • October, 
  • November, 
  • February,
  • March, 
  • April, and 
  • May

These months are perfect for birdwatching due to the suitable weather conditions for the birds from Asia and Europe to migrate. Likewise, the best time to observe birds are early in the morning before sunrise to 11 am. 

Bird watching is also beneficial for one’s physical and mental health. Children especially those living in the cities have the problem of Nature Deficit Disorder and bird watching is definitively a good option to help them overcome the problem. Bird watching at the national park costs around NRs. 2000. 

 

4. Visit the elephant breeding center 

There are two elephant breeding centers in the world and one of them is located in Chitwan, Nepal. Just like the above-mentioned one-horned rhinos, Elephants are one of the most endangered animals. As per a survey conducted in 2015, there are more than 51 elephants and their babies in the Chitwan elephant breeding center. 

You can enjoy the center by doing below mentioned things:

  • Watching baby elephants breastfeeding, eating, and playing
  • You can feed the elephants in the center
  • Visit the elephant breeding center museum. 

However, the breeding center is only open in the morning and evening time for visitors. Thus, be prepared to visit the breeding center according to the following table: 

Season
Morning Time Evening Time
Summer 07:00 AM to 10 AM 03:00 PM to 04:00 PM
Winter 08:00 AM to 11 AM 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM
 

5. Eat Luscious meals in Tharu Village

If you are someone who adores people and their culture, visit Chitwan Tharu village. Tharu people are an indigenous ethnic group living in the Terai region of Nepal. The Tharu village consists of many Tharu households. In addition, what makes the Tharus very special is their rich culture, practices, courteous hospitality, and of course the yummy food. 

The delicate cuisines of the Chitwan Tharu village are 

  • Gengta/Kakhor/Kekhada (Exotic crabs and clams)
  • Fresh-water shrimp and varieties of fish 
  • Pakuwa (BBQ meat of pork and wild boar)
  • Bhakka (Steamed rice cake)
  • Ghonghi (Snails)
  • Chichar/Anadi
  • Sipi/Situwa/Sutahi 
  • Jhingiya machhari (Prawns)
  • Parewak Sikar 
  • Dhikri Bagiya 
  • Khariya/Patushni/Aairkanchan
  • Sidra (Dried fish)

The price range to enjoy the meals at Tharu village differs as per your order and service. 

 

What is the best time to visit Chitwan?

The best time to visit Chitwan is from October to March due to the clear weather condition. The temperature between October and March is warm about 25 degrees celsius so you will be able to travel comfortably and have a cheaper stay compared to other months. 

 So, in Chitwan, you can have an exciting experience of both nature and the generous hospitality of the local indigenous Tharu people. Therefore if you are ready for a trip  full of carnival and cultural magnificence Chitwan welcomes you with an open heart.