Chitwan Tours – Explore the Terai Region of Nepal

When most people think of Nepal, they imagine tall mountains and ancient temples. However, the Terai region offers a different experience with its national parks and wildlife reserve.

Visit the Chitwan National Park and spot elephants, rhinos and gharial crocodiles on a jungle safari. Also, take a canoe ride along Rapti River and observe water birds from the peaceful environment.

Canoeing

If you want to experience Chitwan National Park at a leisurely pace, canoeing is the ideal activity. You can enjoy the scenery of the park along with observing animals such as deer and wild boars in their natural habitat from a different perspective. You will also have the opportunity to see crocodiles basking in the water.

The best time to visit Chitwan is during the months of April and May, as wildlife is more active in this season. You will have a greater chance of spotting a wide variety of species, including endangered rhinoceroses and tigers.

Our most popular Chitwan tours run for 3-4 days, giving you plenty of time to properly immerse yourself in the wilderness. Private tours are also available, where you have the freedom to adjust activities around your personal preferences – head out early for bird watching or get the timing of your cultural visits just right.

Elephant Breeding Center

The Elephant Breeding Center plays a crucial role in preserving Asian elephants, an endangered species that faces many threats in the wild. In addition to breeding, the center educates tourists and community members about wildlife conservation to inspire future generations.

As you walk through the grounds of this sanctuary, you’ll get to see elephants playing and interacting with each other, as well as their caretakers. It’s an incredibly heartwarming experience that will leave you with a new appreciation for these gentle giants and the efforts to preserve their habitats.

The Elephant Breeding Center also helps to support the tourism industry, which is one of the main sources of funding for Chitwan National Park and its rangers. While we at Intrepid Travel discourage elephant riding, the center offers a number of other activities that are more ethical and humane.

Jungle and Nature Walks

A visit to Chitwan National Park is an opportunity to take in Nepal’s diverse flora and fauna from different perspectives. For example, the park is a Shangri-la for bird watchers as it boasts over 500 species of birds. It is also a refuge for endangered wildlife like the Bengal tiger and one-horned rhinoceroses. In addition to thrilling safaris, there are a variety of other captivating spots nearby that add value to the tour experience. These include Tharu Cultural Museum, Bishazari Tal, and Sauraha Market.

The best Chitwan tours are those that last 3-4 days and give visitors the chance to properly explore the park’s wild areas on foot and on the back of an elephant. This gives them the chance to observe a wide range of wild creatures, including the critically endangered rhinoceroses, tigers, four types of deer, and various bird species. Visiting a local Tharu village is also an excellent way to learn about the region’s traditions and culture.

Tharu Village Tour

Home to a diverse ecosystem and rare wildlife species, Chitwan is not just a safari destination. It is also a region with a rich culture, where local communities thrive. The Tharu people are one such community, and a tour to their village offers a glimpse into their unique lifestyle. Known as the “People of the Forest,” the Tharus value sustainability and a close connection with nature. They grow rice, corn, and lentils in the villages, as well as hunt wild boar, deer rabbit, and river fish.

Many village tours include a cultural dance performance, where locals showcase their age-old traditions and customs. The rhythmic beats of the drum and graceful movements create a mesmerizing experience for visitors. Moreover, guests get the chance to learn about traditional cooking and make handcrafted items, such as pottery or wood carvings. These experiences stay with travelers for a long time, making the trip more than just a wildlife adventure.