12 Amazing Things to Do in Chitwan for an Unforgettable Trip

12 Amazing Things to Do in Chitwan for an Unforgettable Trip

Nepal is famous due to its geographical features and the touring sites. So, many tourists come to visit Nepal. In Nepal, there are numerous destinations to explore. Some of them are Kathmandu, Pokhara, Lumbini, Manang and Mustang. Along with this, one of the best places to visit is Chitwan. Now, many of you want to make your journey an unforgettable trip. So, here we are going to discuss 12 most amazing things that you should do when you visit chitwan.

Along with this, we also cover why Chitwan is a must visit destination in Nepal and the best time to visit chitwan. By keeping these things in mind, let's get started. 

Why Is Chitwan A Must-Visit Destination In Nepal?

Before we go into the details regarding the things to do in Chitwan for an unforgettable trip, let's first know why visiting Chitwan is a good idea. As we all know, Chitwan(the first National park) is also called “the heart of the jungle” due to the dense forest situated there. In the dense forest, we can see a variety of animals, such as leopards, tigers, rhinos, elephants, birds and many more. So, the following reasons state why you should visit Chitwan and make an unforgettable trip.

  • Incredible wildlife safari
  • Jungle activities and adventure
  • Rich Tharu culture and traditions
  • Beautiful sunsets and riverside relaxation
  • Perfect for family, couples and solo travelers 
  • Community homestay experience
  • Great food and local cuisine
  • Affordable yet luxurious options

Due to the following reasons, you can come and visit places like Chitwan. If you want to visit a place, Chitwan is the best one because Chitwan has something special for every traveler.

Things To Do In Chitwan For An Unforgettable Trip

As you are able to know why it is mandatory to visit Chitwan. Now, it's your turn to know what are the things you should do in Chitwan to create the best memory of your life. There are many things you can do in Chitwan. Some people go to Chitwan for adventures, and some may go for cultural experience. The following things are compulsory to make your trip unforgettable. 

1. Go On A Jungle Safari

For your unforgettable trip, you must take a village tour of Sauraha. While visiting Sauraha through different means (walking, cycling, ox cart and guided tour), you can get the best experience about the authentic rural life and cultural heritage of the Tharu community. The question can be raised: what can we expect from the Sauraha village tour? Well, we can expect many things from there. Some of them include experiencing authentic cultures, visiting the Tharu museum and cultural centers, exploring Tharu village and staying in mud houses alongside viewing a  stunning sunset at the Rapti river. By experiencing stunning views, you can get a peaceful retreat into the countryside, where you are able to learn the traditional lifestyles, local farming techniques, and unique customs. 

3. Canoeing On The Rapti River

One of the things to do in Chitwan is canoeing on the Rapti River. You can prefer canoeing if you seek refreshment and adventure as it provides you with an exhilarating experience. You need to pass the dense forest of the national park area, which helps you to see the sights of crocodiles and gharial soaking up in the riverside and water birds preying on fish. The most exhilarating part while crossing the dense forest is that you can enjoy the beauty of nature along with the description of the species found in the forest. Make sure that you have a camera with you to record the best moments of the day.

4. Experience Elephant Bathing

Another key reason to visit Chitwan is to get experience of elephant bathing. Although it sounds a little less exciting, people love to take baths with elephants in Chitwan. During this activity, you cannot just see the bathing taken by the elephant; you can also take a bath, play, and ride on the back to join the bathing at the same time. Most people wish to take a bath with the elephant because it is really fun and they can have a memory of it. It can be pleasurable to witness the human and elephant interaction; over fun to see them throwing a splash of water from their trunk and, in some instances, playfully throwing the riders into the river as per the request. If you aren't interested in taking a bath with an elephant, then you can just see others taking the bath with the elephant from the bank of the Rapti River.

5. Visit The Elephant Breeding Center

When you come to Chitwan for a visit, you cannot miss the elephant breeding center. If you are against elephant bathing or safari, it is the best choice to interact with the elephant. Even if you have taken elephant bathing, you can go there for enjoyment. So far, the elephant breeding center has been the ideal place for every couple. When you visit there, you can learn what elephants eat, how they eat, the food preparation method and other habits of elephants. For your kind information, the center always has baby elephants so that you can see the babies playing with the mother and having a great time. During this tour, you can get beautiful views and get more knowledge about nature. 

6. Taste Authentic Tharu Cuisine

Chitwan is popular in Nepal because of its taste in the food which they provide us. Their cuisine is so delicious that many of you may go there time and again to eat. There are many dishes that can be found in Chitwan, but the most famous dishes from which they won millions of hearts are Ghongi(snail curry), Taas(spicy fried mutton), Patushni(and Dhikri with sidra(steamed rice cake). Chitwan food is very popular because of its unique flavor and organic ingredients; healthy,  gluten-free, and rich in protein and Deeply rooted in Tharu history & lifestyle. Furthermore, it is famous because of a cultural experience beyond just sightseeing. We truly recommend you to try the Tharu cuisine if you visit chitwan.

7. Explore Tharu Village

A visit to Chitwan is incomplete without exploring the Tharu villages. This village is situated near the Chitwan National park and also forms a close relationship with the natural world. While exploring Tharu village, we can see farming, cattle rearing, fishing, and hunting as it is the main occupation of Tharu people. Most of them live in a house made of mud and a roof built of reeds. During the journey, you need a good guide who has enough knowledge about the lifestyle, practices, cultures and food. By having an expert guide, you can relate to and understand the daily activities that the Tharu people perform. Tharu people always greet you and welcome you to their place even though they don't have free time.

8. Chitwan Tharu Cultural Museum

Chitwan is also famous for the culture they have. In the past, the old community was highly affected by other people's culture and lifestyles. So, you may not be able to see the traditional dress of the Tharu during the past centuries. Due to this influence, the Tharu people established the Tharu Cultural Museum and created the research center in Sauraha. In those museums, you can find several items such as traditional dresses, daily used traditional items, equipment, utensils, and guidebooks. Furthermore, you can discover many things like historical photos, murals, statues and many more. It can be a great place for you if you want to widen your knowledge about the lifestyle and culture of the Tharu community.

9. Birdwatching In Chitwan National Park

One of the things to do in Chitwan National Park is to get a view of birdwatching. It is a mandatory place to visit in Chitwan for couples. The first national park(Chitwan) has altogether 576 species which is around 65% of the total bird species found in Nepal. Every year, most of the bird species come to Chitwan National Park to visit. Some of the birds come into the area in winter, but many of the birds visit the place during the summer and spring seasons. During those times, you can see many endangered species of birds, such as the Slender-billed vulture, Oriental darter, Kashmir flycatcher, Grey-crowned Prinia and many more. So, the seasons of summer and spring can be the best time for you and your family to visit the Chitwan National park. 

10. Visit Devghat Dham

Before reaching bird watching in Chitwan National Park, you must visit devghat Dham temple. This temple is just 7-10 km away from Bharatpur. The Devghat temple covers an area of 54.34 sq. Km of total area. In this place, you can see many temples, ashrams and old age homes filled with shrines. The continuous ringing of bells in the temple and holy chants of bhajans in the ashrams echo through the forests, giving it a heavenly feel. Especially in Hindus, the people love to die in Devghat Dham because it goes without saying that they can go to heaven instead of hell. So, many old people loved to go there and wanted to die in the devghat Dham during the last days.

11. Explore Bis Hazari Lake 

After you visit Devghat Dham, your next ideal destination can be Bishazari Lake. It is situated at a height of 285m and covers an area of 3200 ha in the southern corner of Chitwan. This location is one of the most compelling ideal places to visit in Bharatpur, Nepal. When you visit this place, you can find many common and rare bird species that come to drink water in the lake. This place is not only made for birds, many mammals can go there and enjoy their time. There are many things we can do at biohazard lake. Some of them are you can enjoy the view of birds, wildlife spotting, boating, and nature walks and hiking. Furthermore, you can do photography, picnic and relax there. 

12. Visit Jalbire Waterfall 

The last destination after visiting Chitwan is Jalbire waterfall. This waterfall is one of the longest waterfalls in Nepal which has a height of 60m. It is also a well-known waterfall, and many tourists come to visit here, mostly in the summertime. Many people come to this place to enjoy the beautiful scenery created by the waterfall, for summing, nature walks, and photography, but some of them come to this place to get the experience of canyoning, a thrilling descent down the waterfall with ropes. The best time to visit Jalbire waterfall is during the winter and spring. If you go in monsoon season, the high intensity of water can be risky for you. Jalbire Waterfall can be the best choice for you if you want relaxation and adventure.

Also Read:

Top 9 Famous Places of Nepal You Must Visit in 2021

Best Time To Visit Chitwan

You can visit Chitwan anytime you want. But the best time to visit is during the dry season(October to March). During this time, the temperature of the place is 10c - 25c which is suitable for you and many travelers come there to do jungle safari, birdwatching and wildlife spotting. It is suitable because the grass of the Chitwan can be short, which helps us to see the animals more clearly. During other times, the temperature can be very hot, and you may not see the animals while visiting Chitwan. 

Additionally, the monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rainfall which makes some areas inaccessible and difficult for safaris. However, if you enjoy lush greenery and fewer crowds, the off-season can still be a unique experience. To make the most of your trip, it is recommended to plan your visit during the cooler months for the best wildlife experience.

Conclusion

Chitwan is an ultimate destination that fits the bill for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and culture enthusiasts. From thrilling jungle safaris and serene canoe rides to absorbing Tharu cultural shows and relaxed sunset views at the Rapti River, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Be it a sighting of the endangered wildlife in Chitwan National Park, exploring the lush forests of Bishazari Lake, or overindulging in authentic Nepali and Tharu cuisine, every moment spent in Chitwan is bound to be memorable. Chitwan offers an unparalleled adventure with its rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality. So pack your bags and get ready for an incredible journey into the heart of Nepal's wilderness! 

In this blog, we provide enough information about the things to do in Chitwan, why Chitwan is a must-visit destination in Nepal, and when is the best time to visit Chitwan. 

For further information regarding the various aspects of websites and amazing things to do in Chitwan, feel free to check out some of our other blogs. Similarly, if you are in search of the best travel company, do check out A2ztips Nepal.

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FAQ 12 Amazing Things to Do in Chitwan for an Unforgettable Trip

1. Is 1 day enough for Chitwan?

One day is not enough to visit Chitwan because Chitwan is such a big place that you cannot cover it in one day. However, if you have only 1 day, you can still cover some activities such as:

  • Jungle safari(6:00 am - 10 am)
  • Cultural and river experience(10:30 am - 1:00 pm)
  • Tharu culture and relaxation(2:00 pm - 4:00 pm)
  • Tharu culture show(6:00 pm - 7:00 pm)

For a complete trip and to get a full experience of Chitwan, you must have 2-3 days to visit.

2. What to do in Sauraha Chitwan?

Sauraha Chitwan is the main place where you can visit Chitwan National Park. We can do many things in Sauraha, especially in Chitwan National Park. Some of the things we need to do in Chitwan Sauraha are as follows:

  • Jungle safari in Chitwan National Park
  • Canoe Ride on the Rapti River 
  • Visit the Elephant Breeding Center
  • Explore Tharu Village & Culture
  • Birdwatching in the Community Forest 

3. How long do you have to spend in Chitwan?

You have to spend at least around 2-3 days to visit Chitwan fully. If you spend 2-3 days in Chitwan, you can get a variety of experiences such as jungle walks, and jeep safari. Additionally, you can get to know about the Tharu culture and the lifestyle of them.

4. What fun activities can tourists enjoy in Chitwan National Park?

There are many fun activities tourists as well as local people can do in Chitwan National Park. Some of them are as follows:

  • Jungle safari
  • Canoe Ride on the Rapti River 
  • Elephant Bathing
  • Tharu Village Tour & Cultural Show 
  • Birdwatching

5. How much does the Chitwan safari cost?

The Chitwan safari cost depends upon factors such as the type of safari, duration, and accommodation quality. It also depends upon the tour packages.

  • For 2 nights/3 days = Price ranges from rs 21000 to rs 4200 per person. This package includes all the things like jungle safari, meals accommodations and many more.
  • For individual activity = For jeep safari, it ranges from rs 4200 - rs 7000 for individuals.
  • Park entry fee = For Nepalese citizens(rs 100) and for foreigners(rs 2800).

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