Chitwan National Park-Things To Do

Take a jungle safari in a national park spread in the area of about 370 sq. miles. The national park is home to more than 700 species of wildlife including 68 types of mammals and 544 species of birds. Chitwan’s Big Five that everyone who visits the park wishes to see are one-horned Rhinoceros, Asian Elephant, Royal Bengal Tiger, Sloth Bear, and Gharial crocodile.

The success rate of the national park in protection and an increase in the population of one-horned rhinos and Royal Bengal Tiger is remarkable.


The park has a high success rate in the protection of vulnerable one-horned rhinoceros that were once on the verge of extinction. There are high chances of spotting a one-horned rhinoceros in Chitwan National Park. Also, the world's second-largest single-horned rhino population is in Chitwan National Park.


Chitwan National Park has an impressive track record in the conservation of Royal Bengal Tigers in the world and increasing in its number. But still, sighting the elusive Royal Bengal tiger is rare; when it happens it is overwhelming. Tigers are tracked down following its paw marks and waste during a jungle trek. Since tigers are mostly nocturnal creatures, the probability of spotting them in daylight is low. It is said that the possibility of a tiger spotting you is greater than you spotting a tiger, so beware! 

Choose your style of exploring wildlife in the jungle. You can either go on a jeep safari, forest walk or elephant jungle tour. Get on a jeep and take a ride in the jungle and observe spotted deer, rhinos, and Rhesus monkeys in their natural habitat.

On a jungle walk, it is recommended to wear dark clothes and blend in with surroundings. On a jungle walk, you will be exploring those areas of the jungle which isn’t accessible via a jeep. Walk as silently as possible and don’t talk loudly. Also, be alert and agile! After all, you are walking in the jungle which is inhabited by leopards, clouded leopards, sloth bears, and pangolins. The paw marks of animals present in the jungle are proof of their presence and a way to spot them too.

The national park also runs the elephant jungle tour. To ride an elephant to explore the jungle or not is your decision. Riding on an elephant is the best way to see other animals of the jungle including rhinos closely. 

With a canoe ride in Rapti River, you will be exploring the aquatic life of Chitwan National Park. The main highlight of the boat ride is to closely observe the immobile big crocodiles basking under the sun. Sometimes the crocodile chooses to take a dip in the water as well. Enjoy the thrill of canoeing in the river filled with crocodiles.

The endangered species of crocodile gharials also live in Chitwan National Park. The breeding programs are carried out in an effort to save this endangered species. Gharials eggs that are hidden by mother gharials around riverbanks are searched. Eggs are incubated, after approximately 3 months hatchlings come out and are raised in captivity. Upon reaching the age of 4 years, Gharials are released into the wild. 

There can’t be a better way for birding in Nepal than visiting Chitwan National Park. The national park has more than 544 species of birds which make it a bird watcher’s san­ctuary. Morning is the best time for bird watching and you can even see many birds prey. You might get a chance to see them achieve a game too.

Birds including bulbuls, parakeets, peacocks, mynahs, and kingfishers are seen in this park. A birding enthusiast should spot crested hornbills, emerald dove, and ruby cheeked sunbirds among others. 

The elephant breeding center near Chitwan National Park is one of the big elephant breeding centers in the world. You will encounter domesticated elephants that are used for jungle safari or patrolling the otherwise inaccessible parts of jungles.

On this visit, you will get to watch elephants closely, touch these gentle giants, and don’t forget to click lots of pictures. You will see a mother elephant with their baby elephants in this breeding center. Moreover, you will learn about the habits of the elephant and know about their meals. 

Tharu ethnic group is an indigenous group of the Terai region of Nepal including Chitwan. Watch the Tharu cultural dance program performed wearing traditional attire. You will see the traditional dance performances with sticks called Danda Nach and with fire known as Ago Naach. Also, watch the popular Peacock Dance locally called Mayur Nach. If you wish to get a glimpse of the local culture then opt for a homestay rather than staying in a hotel.

Visit one of the best national parks in Asia, Chitwan of Nepal which is not only rich in flora and fauna but has a rich culture and tradition to boast!