Quick answer
Chitwan National Park, in southern Nepal, is famous for its wild one-horned rhinos, and Sauraha is the village on the edge of the park where most visitors stay. Plan two to three nights, travel between October and March for the most comfortable weather, and book your safari together with your stay.
Chitwan at a glance
- Where: southern Nepal. Sauraha, beside the Rapti river, is the main gateway village.
- The park: Nepal’s first national park (1973) and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Best time: generally October to March.
- Time needed: two to three nights.
- Park entry: NPR 2,000 per person per day for foreign visitors (checked 6 November 2026).
- Right now: the park is open and the roads are good. See the latest update.
Where Chitwan is and why people go
Chitwan National Park covers the lowland jungle and grassland of southern Nepal, a warm, flat region far from the Himalayan trekking routes. People come for something the mountains cannot offer: wild animals in their own habitat, seen from a jeep, a canoe or on foot with a guide.
It is also a place to meet the Tharu, the people who have lived in this region for generations, and to spend a few slow days between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
What you can see
- One-horned rhinoceros: the animal Chitwan is known for, and the one most visitors see.
- Bengal tiger: present in the park but rarely seen. Be wary of anyone who guarantees one.
- Gharial and marsh mugger crocodiles: along the rivers, often seen on a canoe ride.
- Deer, wild boar and monkeys: common on most safaris and walks.
- Birds: the park is home to a very large number of bird species, which makes early mornings rewarding even if you are not a birdwatcher.
Local tip
Wildlife keeps its own timetable. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see animals, so plan your safari for those hours, not the middle of the day.
Where Sauraha fits
Sauraha is a small village beside the Rapti river, on the edge of the park. Most jeep safaris, jungle walks and canoe rides start here, and the village has the hotels, lodges, restaurants and guides that visitors need. Rhino Lodge & Hotel is at Gaida Chowk on Sauraha Road.
The best time to visit
October to March is generally the most comfortable season, with warm days and cooler nights. The rainy season runs roughly from June to September. The jungle is green and humid then, and heavy rain can pause river and jungle activities for a day or two.
Conditions can change from week to week. For the situation today, read our update on whether Chitwan is safe and open.
How to get to Sauraha
- By road from Kathmandu or Pokhara: tourist buses and private cars both make the trip. Ask us about the current options when you book.
- By air: domestic flights land at Bharatpur, the nearest airport, and the last part of the journey to Sauraha is by road.
The roads to Sauraha are in good condition at the moment. Message us on WhatsApp with your route and dates and we will help you plan the journey.
Things to do in and around Sauraha
- Jeep safari: covers the most ground inside the park.
- Jungle walk: on foot with a guide, for the sounds, tracks and small details.
- Canoe trip: a quiet way to watch the riverbank.
- Bird watching: best in the early morning.
- Jungle tower night stay: spend a night in a tower in the forest.
- Tharu cultural dance show and Tharu village tour: an introduction to local culture.
- Cycling: a slower way to see the countryside around Sauraha.
Where to stay
Rhino Lodge & Hotel is a family-run lodge in Sauraha with a swimming pool. You can look at the rooms and amenities on our website. Our 2 nights 3 days and 3 nights 4 days safari packages bring your stay and your activities together in one booking.
What a trip costs
Entry to Chitwan National Park costs NPR 2,000 per person per day for foreign visitors and NPR 1,000 for SAARC visitors, as of 6 November 2026. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount when you book.
Room and package prices depend on your dates and the room you choose. Message us on WhatsApp with your dates and the number of guests and we will send you the current prices.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Chitwan?
Two to three nights is enough for most visitors. It gives you time for a jeep safari, a jungle walk or canoe ride and a cultural evening without rushing.
When is the best time to visit Chitwan?
October to March is generally the most comfortable time, with warm days and cooler nights. The rainy season runs roughly from June to September, when the jungle is green and humid and heavy rain can pause river and jungle activities for a day or two.
Do I need a ticket to enter Chitwan National Park?
Yes. As of 6 November 2026, foreign visitors pay NPR 2,000 per person per day to enter the park and SAARC visitors pay NPR 1,000. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount when you book.
Is Chitwan safe and open right now?
As of 6 November 2026 the park is open, safaris and activities are running and the roads to Sauraha are in good condition. Message us on WhatsApp for the situation on the day you travel.
Can I see a tiger in Chitwan?
Tigers live in the park but are rarely seen. One-horned rhinos are seen far more often, and a guide who promises you a tiger is promising more than anyone can deliver.
