When most of the travelers consider visiting Nepal, the immediate picture that they get in their head is snowcapped mountains and challenging trekking routes surrounded by prayer flags and monasteries.
While that image of Nepal as one of the best trekking destinations of the world is absolutely correct, there is a lot more to Nepal which you can and should explore during your visit to the country.
After completing your challenging trek when you are looking to unwind and relax, you should visit Chitwan where you will get a chance to experience a completely different side of Nepal.
Why visit Chitwan?
Located in the southern plains of Nepal, the lush and subtropical city of Chitwan is one of the leading tourist destinations of Nepal and a place that any tourist should definitely visit.
You will find that Chitwan displays a refreshing contrast against the rugged mountain trails and presents to you its rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and immersive jungle experiences.
There are many reasons as to why Chitwan can be a premier destination for people of different tastes and wish lists as it has something for everyone including nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, or even a cultural enthusiast.
However, you must do a thorough research and plan your Chitwan trip perfectly to make the most out of it. Therefore, some of the things to do in Chitwan as a visitor are mentioned in this blog.
Explore Chitwan National Park
The Chitwan National Park is unarguably the biggest highlight of Chitwan. It is the first national park of Nepal and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site with immense value.
Spread over an area of 952.63 sq km and surrounded by a buffer zone of 729.37 sq km, the Chitwan National Park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts as it is home to a wide range of biodiversity.
Wildlife Safaris
The crown jewel of Chitwan National Park is the thrilling Chitwan Jungle Safari experience that it offers where you get to see some of the most iconic wildlife species of the world up close.
This national park is a sanctuary for a wide range of flora and fauna, including endangered species like one-horned rhinoceros and royal Bengal tigers. It inhabits 50 mammal species, 55 amphibians and reptiles, and over 525 birds.
Through the wildlife safari, you get to see these animals in their natural habitat as you go deep into the heart of the jungle, where you’ll have the chance to spot wild elephants, deer, sloth bears, and elusive tigers.
The crocodiles sunbathing on the riverbanks and playful gharials are a common sight while you are on the wildlife safari. You have the option to enjoy this experience on an open jeep safari.
The experience is absolutely safe as you will be guided by experienced locals and tourist guides who provide you with an exciting yet safe way to experience the untamed wilderness of Chitwan.
Birdwatching
Chitwan National Park can also be considered as a paradise for the ornithologists and those who enjoy the beauty of birds as there are over a 500 species of unique exotic birds in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Some of the frequently spotted beautiful birds here include the Bengal florican, the giant hornbill, black stork, white stork, the paradise flycatcher, etc. accompanied by other migrant birds during September, November, February, and April.
The best time for birdwatching here is during early morning or late afternoons as amidst the silence of the surrounding environment, the forests truly come alive with the chirping and fluttering activity of these birds.
Jungle Walks
Another simple yet relaxing activity that you can do in Chitwan National Park is jungle walking during which you can familiarize yourself with the unique flora of the region.
Covered in greenery, 70% of the park area is covered with Sal forests and 20% is covered with grasslands, mostly elephant grass, as 50 different types of grasses are found here along with medicinal plants.
You can either opt for a guided jungle walk or a simple nature walk. In a guided jungle trek, you will be accompanied by an experienced guide who will take you to the depths of the forest.
As you venture into the dense jungles of Chitwan, you will be signing up for an up-close encounter with nature as you will spot rare animals and probably even catch a glimpse of the famous rare tigers of Chitwan.
But there is nothing to worry as the guides accompanying you will be skilled in tracking wildlife and they can efficiently ensure your safety while trekking in the park.
If you are still unsure about this option, worry not as you still have the option of taking a relaxed walk in the nature on your own where you will still be safe and have an enjoyable experience.
You can opt for a nature walk around the park’s buffer zones. These eco-friendly trails provide a chance to learn about the diverse flora and fauna of the region while enjoying the serene environment and not having to fear about the animal encounters.
Canoe Rides on Rapti River
If you would like to think of yourself as a water baby, we have the best activity for you to do while in Chitwan. You can go for canoe rides on Rapti River or even the Narayani River, the choice is yours.
A calm activity, the serene canoe ride experience offers fantastic views of the surrounding landscapes and provides the chance to spot aquatic wildlife, such as crocodiles and otters, along the riverbanks as you relax and unwind.
On the other hand, if you are seeking thrill, you can opt for the more adventurous white-water rafting in the Narayani River which is both exhilarating and soothing experience thanks to the surrounding scenery.
Tower Night Stay
If you want to have a really unique experience when in Chitwan, you should definitely opt for a tower night stay in one of the towers inside the forest.
Here, you will be staying the night in a secluded tower deep within the jungle, from where you will enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the park’s wildlife as the tower acts as a vantage point.
You will be able to closely and comfortably observe animals in their natural habitat during the evening and early morning, when many creatures are most active.
Worry not as there are proper safety measures in place along with some simple yet comfortable amenities to make your stay comfortable. This adventure will take you closer to nature than ever before.
Experience Tharu Culture
Visiting any part of Nepal is deemed incomplete if you don’t experience the unique culture of that place, and same is the case with Chitwan as your visit remains incomplete as long as you don’t experience the Tharu culture.
Predominant in Chitwan, the Tharu people have lived in Terai for ages and they boast a rich and indigenous culture. The people here are very closely connected to the land.
When exploring Chitwan, either on your own or through any locally operating agency, you will see a lot of Tharu culture reflecting in many small as well as big things of the city.
Be it in the traditional thatched homes that you will see or the farming techniques that you will learn, there is culture steeped rich in everything. You will also get to hear stories about their history and beliefs.
You can even opt for homestays in Chitwan where you will be building a close connection with the Tharu people, who are known and praised for their strong resilience.
During your visit, you can also see various aspects of Tharu culture through their way of living, traditional dance performances, rituals and festivals, and even their staple food items.
The Tharu stick dance, peacock dance, and other lively performances offer a glimpse into their rich traditions and are a highlight for many visitors.
Visit the Elephant Breeding Center
Moving out of the boundaries of Chitwan National Park, you can explore the Elephant Breeding Center in Chitwan where you can get insights on the conservation efforts that are being made towards protecting the elephants of Chitwan.
A visit to this Elephant Breeding Center provides insight into the breeding programs and the daily lives of elephants, their feeding system, as well as the challenges faced by conservationists in protecting Nepal’s elephant population.
You will find a herd of elephants belonging to different ages who are well protected here with the visiting hours restricted to several hours from the morning to the afternoon.
While it may seem like an unethical practice to breed the elephants by holding them captive, the elephants here are kept in their natural environment and taken good care of. This is being done to conserve the gene pool of the Asian Elephants.
Birdwatching in Bishazari Tal
Birdwatching in Chitwan is not just limited to the boundaries of Chitwan National Park. You can indulge in this experience even in other locations of the city where the azure skies are dotted with exotic birds.
Located within the buffer zone of Chitwan National Park, the Bishazari Tal (twenty thousand lake) is one such location which provides you a quiet and great experience of birdwatching.
This wetland features a lush vegetation that surrounds the lake and is home to various bird species, reptiles, and mammals. Birdwatchers can spot species like storks, cranes, and kingfishers in this serene environment.
You can visit the lake starting from early in the morning up to late afternoons. Bishazari Tal is also an important habitat for endangered animals, including the elusive tiger and one-horned rhinoceros.
Cycling and City Exploration
There are some local surrounding areas of Chitwan which can make for great visiting spots if you have spare time throughout the day, and the best way to explore it is through cycling.
You can get rental cycles in the city for pretty reasonable prices and you can go on a tour of the city. You will also find many guided cycling tours in Chitwan that are offered by the local operators.
These tours take you through quaint villages, fertile lands, farms, and the areas around the banks of river. You can see the way of living of the locals as they go about their daily routines.
Sunset at Rapti River
After a day out and about in Chitwan, there is no better way to end your adventurous day other than experiencing the beautiful sunset at Rapti River which makes a perfect cherry on the top for your day.
At this prime rafting and canoeing location of the city, you will be stunned to see how beautiful the sunset looks. You can simply head to the banks of the Rapti River near Sauraha.
You will usually see many locals and visitors gather to watch the sun dip below the horizon which casts a stunning golden glow over the water giving you the best view. This peaceful setting is perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
After you are done with viewing the sunset, you can also have your dinner from the local restaurants available at the banks of Rapti River which will offer you a variety of options for both meal and drinks which you can enjoy as you watch the sky change colors.
Photography Opportunities
Beyond being a perfect spot for adventure and wildlife enthusiasts, Chitwan is also a haven for photography enthusiasts as there are diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and vibrant culture in the city.
All of these offer ample opportunities for both professional and amateur photographers to capture stunning moments which will create lifelong artistic memories for them.
You can capture the incredible wildlife of Chitwan in their natural habitat using a telephoto lens which can zoom in a lot which gives you a great photograph while not disturbing the animals.
Any birdwatcher’s dream is to capture the stunning birds which can also be easily done in Chitwan as you will come across many opportunities for bird photography too.
You can also simply capture the diverse landscapes of Chitwan or the cultural beauty that the city has to offer.
