Shifting the focus from Nepal as the Himalayan kingdom, Chitwan in the Terai region is starting to gain its own recognition as the Jungle of Nepal. Favored by climate and terrain, Chitwan is located in the Terai with tropical climate. Situated 145 km away from the capital city of Kathmandu, Chitwan is starting to be one of the most famous destinations of South Asia. Blessed with a diverse and exotic flora and fauna, Chitwan is developing as a wildlife adventure spot. Having a subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters, it receives tourists throughout the year. With the first conservation area of Nepal, Chitwan National Park, it is proving to be one of the most conserved areas in Asia with thriving wildlife in their intact habitats. Apart from their conservation efforts, the various places and attractions in Chitwan allow people to experience nature and its diversity up-close in the most entertaining ways.
BEST ATTRACTIONS
Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour offers you a visit to the Chitwan National Park which is the oldest national park of Nepal and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Chitwan National Park was established in 1973 AD covering an area of 932 sq. km of subtropical valleys and dense forest.
Blessed with a diverse and exotic flora and fauna, Chitwan is also home to the one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger, Spotted Leopard, Wild Elephant, Gharial Crocodiles, Blue bull and other wild animals with more than 650 bird species. Arranged in natural wonders of wildlife, Chitwan National Park offers tourists to indulge in the wild atmosphere of the jungle.
We can canoe over the Rapti River while watching gharial mugger crocodiles basking in the river banks and different species of birds in their natural habitat.
We can even flock around with the great views of the sunset, exploring the Tharu museum, culture and traditions of the Tharu community, cultural programs and typical Tharu village.
HOW TO GET THERE
By Air
The city of Bharatpur is the air hub for the Chitwan National Park, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from Sauraha, or 30 miles (48 kilometers) from Barauli. There are several daily flights between Kathmandu and Bharatpur, which take only 20 minutes once you’re in the air. It’s not an especially scenic flight as you’re going away from the mountains. Flying is by far the easiest and quickest way of getting between Kathmandu and Chitwan. Taxis can be found easily at Bharatpur Airport.
By Private Transfer
The Chitwan National Park is about 60 miles (96 kilometers) from Kathmandu, and on a good day this journey may only take about five hours. However, road works leaving Kathmandu and along the Prithvi Highway, as well as traffic jams, can slow down the trip by many hours. It is a scenic trip though, following the Trisuli Valley much of the way, with its steep forest-covered hills and farming villages. The road turns south at Mugling and heads towards the Terai.
Many hotels and travel companies can arrange private transfers between Kathmandu and Chitwan. This is the most comfortable way to travel overland. Private transfers aren’t much faster than buses, but they do usually come with air conditioning, good suspension, and the ability to stop when you wish.
By Tourist Bus
Tourist buses are another way to get from Kathmandu to Chitwan. These leave from near Thamel early in the morning and arrive in Sauraha five or more hours. They usually make a few comfort and meal stops, although not on demand. Tourist buses are usually air-conditioned, and moderately comfortable. Local buses are also available, but are generally uncomfortable, crowded, and not as safe as tourist buses.
BEST SEASON
October to early March is the best time to visit Chitwan for pleasant 25°C temperatures, but if you can stand the heat, come in April and May, the end of the dry season when wildlife gathers at waterholes – expect meltingly hot temperatures in the mid 40°Cs.
