Chitwan

UNESCO National Park — One-Horned Rhinos, Royal Bengal Tigers & Tharu Culture

Home to one-horned rhinoceroses, Bengal tigers, and wild elephants in a UNESCO-listed national park — the top wildlife destination in Nepal.

Overview & Highlights

Chitwan National Park, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, is Nepal's oldest and most visited national park. Covering 952 km² in the subtropical Terai lowlands, the park shelters over 600 one-horned rhinoceroses, around 120 Bengal tigers, wild elephants, gharial crocodiles, and 543 species of birds. The gateway town of Sauraha offers jungle safaris by jeep, elephant, dugout canoe, and on foot. An authentic Tharu cultural show in the evenings gives a glimpse into the indigenous Tharu community's dances and traditions. Chitwan is equally accessible from Kathmandu and Pokhara, making it an ideal add-on for any Nepal itinerary.

How to Reach Chitwan

Chitwan National Park (Sauraha gateway) is situated in the subtropical Terai lowlands, centrally placed between Kathmandu, Pokhara, and the Birgunj border.

From Kathmandu or Pokhara

Tourist buses depart daily at 7:00 AM from Kathmandu Thamel and Pokhara Lakeside, reaching Sauraha in 4.5–5 hours (150 km, fare NPR 700–1,200).

From Raxaul–Birgunj Border

Direct road journey from Birgunj to Sauraha takes approx. 3 hours (100 km by bus or jeep).

Onward Travel & Connections

Common travel routes connecting from Chitwan.

Chitwan → Kathmandu

4.5 hrs · 150 km · Tourist Bus

Buses depart Sauraha early morning. Most resorts arrange Sauraha–Bharatpur transfers to connect with Kathmandu buses or the morning domestic flight from Bharatpur Airport (20 min to Kathmandu, ₹5,000–8,000).

Explore Kathmandu

Chitwan → Pokhara

4.5 hrs · 155 km · Tourist Bus

Early morning departure from Sauraha to connect with Pokhara-bound buses at Bharatpur or Narayangadh junction. Alternatively, fly Bharatpur (BHR) to Pokhara (PKR) in 20 minutes.

Explore Pokhara

Chitwan → Lumbini

3.5 hrs · 115 km · Bus

From Sauraha: local transport to Narayangadh, then westbound buses to Bhairahawa/Butwal (2.5 hrs). Auto-rickshaw from Bhairahawa to Lumbini Garden (30 min, ₹150–250). Allow 4 hours total door-to-door.

Explore Lumbini

Suggested Itineraries Featuring Chitwan

9 Days Circuit

Golden Triangle Nepal: Kathmandu, Pokhara & Chitwan

The classic Nepal itinerary covering the country's three unmissable destinations — heritage temples in Kathmandu, lakeside adventures in Pokhara, and wildlife safaris in Chitwan. Designed for Indian travelers seeking the best of Nepal in 8–10 days without missing anything essential.

Practical Travel Guides

Nepal Budget Guide for Indian Travelers: How Much Does a Nepal Trip Cost? →

A realistic cost breakdown for Indian travelers visiting Nepal — daily expenses, accommodation costs, transport, food, trekking permits, and how far your rupees go.