Quick answer
A canoe ride on the Rapti river takes 30 to 45 minutes, costs from $25 per person and is calm and easy. A guided jungle walk lasts from about 2 hours to a full day, costs from $35 per person and is easy to moderate. Many visitors do both.
| Canoe ride | Jungle walk | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | Rapti river, launched from Sauraha | Forest inside Chitwan National Park, entered from Sauraha |
| Duration | 30 to 45 minutes on the water | 2 hours (short), 4 to 5 hours (half day), 7 to 8 hours (full day) |
| Price | From $25 per person | From $35 per person |
| Difficulty | Easy, calm and seated; suitable for non-swimmers | Easy to moderate, mostly flat, at walking pace |
| Guides | Licensed naturalist and an experienced boatman | Two government-licensed naturalists, one leading and one following |
| Best time | Early morning, for calm water, birds and basking crocodiles | October to March; early morning for the most wildlife |
| Park permit | Needed for each day | Needed for each day |
Canoe ride on the Rapti river
You glide in a traditional dugout canoe, carved from a single tree trunk, past gharial and mugger crocodiles basking on the sandbanks, river birds such as kingfishers, storks, egrets and cormorants, and deer and monkeys on the bank. Sometimes a rhino comes to the water. See the canoe trip page.
Jungle walk with a naturalist
On foot you notice what a vehicle misses: tracks, birdsong, plants and small animals. A short walk covers about 3 to 4 km and a full-day walk up to about 10 to 15 km. Small groups are the norm, and private walks are available. See the jungle walk page.
Which should you choose?
- Short on time or travelling with children: the canoe ride.
- Want to track wildlife up close: the jungle walk.
- Have a full day: combine a canoe ride with a half-day jungle walk.
Safety
Both activities run with licensed guides who put your safety first. Follow your guide’s instructions, keep your voice low and stay seated in the canoe. Sightings are wild and never guaranteed.
Both are part of our 2 nights 3 days package. For more on trip planning, read the Chitwan travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a canoe ride in Chitwan?
A canoe ride lasts 30 to 45 minutes on the water.
How much does a canoe ride cost in Chitwan?
It starts from $25 per person.
How long is a jungle walk in Chitwan?
From about 2 hours for a short walk to 7 to 8 hours for a full day.
Is the jungle walk safe?
Yes, with two government-licensed naturalists on every walk, one leading and one following. Sightings are never guaranteed.
Can non-swimmers go on the canoe ride?
Yes. It is calm and seated, and suitable for non-swimmers.
