Jungle Safari in Nepal: Best Wildlife Tours in Chitwan and Bardia
Jungle safari in Nepal offers thrilling wildlife tours in Chitwan and Bardia National Parks. Spot rhinos, tigers…
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Chitwan National Park is situated some 172 km south of Katmandu in the lowlands of the inner Terai covered by dense grass interspersed with revering forests of silk, cotton, acacia, and Sisam trees. Major activities in Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour includes adventurous and thrilling Jungle safari in which you get the best animal sightings.
You will be able to appreciate the smaller attractions of the jungle with our naturalists. Usually, it is easy to see animals such as rhinos, deer, and sloths as these animals prefer to live in less disturbed areas of the park. Atop an elephant is the safest and most convenient way to get around in the jungle and observe the diversity of wildlife.
A canoe trip is another attraction of the Chitwan jungle safari where you float down in the river by dugout canoe. You will come across crocodiles basking on the riverbank during the ride. It is also a relaxing way to watch birds and wildlife species that frequently come to bathe and drink. You will enjoy the Tharu village walks to understand the culture of the Tharu ethnic people.
Tharu houses are made of mud and dung plastered over wood and reed frames. Their traditional culture is still strong in Terai. Local naturalists can take you to their village and describe their lifestyle and culture. The Tharu cultural dance is popularly known as Stick Dance. We will show you a different type of dance that will make you a real venture of travel.
Note: This trip can be made as an extra package trip if you have some additional days remaining to stay in Nepal.
After breakfast, you will start your drive towards Chitwan. You will be following the highway exploring some landscapes view, rivers, river basins, and some small villages along the way along with the exploration of way of living of the people. Upon arrival at Chitwan, we will check into our hotel and get refreshed and have some rest. After some rest at the hotel, you will go for an exploration around the Tharu village which is an ethnic group indigenous to the Terai region. Also, during the village walk, you will have a sunset view of the Rapti River. After the exploration, we will transfer you to the hotel and overnight at the hotel.
Today we will have multiple activities here. The activities today will be: Cannoning trip will be done on the typical handmade Canoe which will take you along the famous Rapti River where you will encounter the Harmless Gharials and the mud-drenched crocodile, basking in the sun at the Riverbanks. Moreover, many aquatic birds can be seen on the way. After cannoying we will be visiting the Elephant Breeding Center and getting to know and explore various things there. Elephant Safari/ Jeep Safari is the traditional way of exploring the jungle. During the safari, you can see over the high grass, discover the animals there, and explore the forest, during which we will see the wildlife that is rapidly becoming extinct on this planet. You are almost sure to spot one-horned rhinos, egrets, woodpeckers, and deer in their natural habitat. The Park is also home to rhinoceros, tigers, leopards, sloth bears, wild bison, genetic dolphin, 500 birds, butterflies, as well as the near-extinct Gharials crocodiles, and 543 species of birds that include the critically endangered Bengal florican, the vulnerable lesser adjutant, Grey-crowned Prinia, etc Tharu cultural dance includes the dances like Danda Nach (Stick Dance) and Ago Nach (Fire Dance) and Mayur Nach (Peacock Dance) are some of the popular highlights of the culture show. The program starts from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm every evening or on Demand and lasts for 45 minutes. After all the activities today, we will return back to our hotel and overnight at the hotel.
Before breakfast, we will be going for Bird watching in which we will be observing birds, either as a recreational activity or as a form of citizen science. You may observe by using their naked eye, by using a visual enhancement device like binoculars or a telescope, by listening for bird sounds, or by watching through public webcams which is one of the famous activities of Chitwan. After Bird Watching, we will return to the hotel and have breakfast. After breakfast, we will again be driving back to Kathmandu. We will be driving through the same highway we drove when we were traveling to Chitwan. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will check into the hotel and overnight at the hotel.
Note: You can also choose to do White Water rafting in Trishuli if you choose to return back to Kathmandu in a vehicle.
Chitwan Jungle Safari is one of Nepal’s most exciting wildlife experiences, offering visitors a chance to explore the rich biodiversity of Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the southern lowlands of Nepal, this safari is perfect for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
1. Home to the rare one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, elephants, crocodiles, and over 500 bird species.
2. Experience thrilling jungle activities like jeep safaris, canoeing, and birdwatching.
3. Explore the unique Tharu culture with traditional dance performances and village tours.
4. Ideal for both adventure travelers and family-friendly wildlife excursions.
The best time to visit Chitwan is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant, and wildlife sightings are frequent. The monsoon season (June to September) brings lush greenery but may limit safari activities.
1. Jeep Safari – Venture deep into the jungle for a chance to spot wildlife in their natural habitat.
2. Canoe Ride – Glide along the Rapti River and observe crocodiles and aquatic birds.
3. Elephant Breeding Center Visit – Learn about conservation efforts and see baby elephants up close.
4. Birdwatching – Discover a paradise for bird lovers with diverse species.
5. Tharu Village Tour – Experience the rich culture and traditions of the indigenous Tharu community.
Chitwan National Park is accessible from Kathmandu and Pokhara:
1. By Road: A 5-6 hour scenic drive by bus or private vehicle.
2. By Air: A 25-minute flight from Kathmandu to Bharatpur, followed by a short drive.
Chitwan offers a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly lodges to luxury jungle resorts. Staying inside the park or nearby Sauraha town provides easy access to safari activities.
Visitors need a Chitwan National Park entry permit, which can be obtained at the park entrance. Fees vary based on nationality and activity choices.
Chitwan Jungle Safari is a must-visit destination in Nepal for an unforgettable encounter with nature and wildlife. Whether you seek adventure or relaxation, this safari experience promises a perfect blend of thrill and tranquility.
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5.0from 12 reviews of this trip
Mar 2026 • Friends
Me and my class went to Nepal for three weeks and had an absolutely amazing experience with Mountain Delights. Everything was done so well, from planning the trip together with us and adjusting activities to fit our group, to welcoming us in Nepal and showing us incredible places and people. We have all had an amazing experience and have great memories from out trip. Mr. Ram and the Mountain Delights team made us feel so welcome from the second we landed in Nepal. We visited Jyamrung, Pokhara, Chitwan, Kathmandu and Mustang. Every new activity exceeded our expectations and was a once in a lifetime experience! I strongly recommend Mountain Delights if you are planning a trip to Nepal!
Written March 16, 2026
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Incredible experience!
Travelled Mar 2026 · Friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Oct 2025 • Family
Written October 19, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Spectacular views and the most hospitable staff!
Travelled Oct 2025 · Family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nov 2024 • Solo
Written November 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chitwan safari
Travelled Nov 2024 · Solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Feb 2024 • Family
Written February 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Great family time in nepal
Travelled Feb 2024 · Family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Oct 2023 • Family
Written October 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Outstanding experience, couldn’t be easier!
Travelled Oct 2023 · Family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Apr 2022 • Solo
Written May 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Very good
Travelled Apr 2022 · Solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jul 2019
Written August 26, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Truly Delightful
Travelled Jul 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mar 2015 • Solo
Written February 9, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Great treks & support local businesses
Travelled Mar 2015 · Solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dec 2014 • Solo
Written November 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Excellent Service, friendly, fun and helpful guides, in very safe hands with Ram & his Team!
Travelled Dec 2014 · Solo
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Viggo Wallin2 reviews
Date of experience: Mar 2026
Viggo Wallin2 reviews
Trustpilot review
Amazing!
Travelled Mar 2026
Date of experience: Nov 2025
Exceptional support and a pleasure to work with
Travelled Nov 2025
Date of experience: Oct 2026
Fantastic adventure and Well organized
Travelled Oct 2026
Thomas Gordon Clausen33 reviews
Date of experience: Oct 2026
Thomas Gordon Clausen33 reviews
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We used Mountain Delight Treks to trek Everest Base Camp
Travelled Oct 2026
Would highly recommend Mountain Delights. We had an amazing time trekking in the Langtang Valley. Our guide, Dipak Nepal, did a fantastic job and made everything run smoothly throughout the trek. We didn’t have to worry about anything. Our two porters were also incredible. We would love to go trekking with Mountain Delights again in the future!
Date of experience: Mar 2026
Trekking in Langtang Valley
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Poon Hill and ABC trek
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Chitwan Jungle Safari is a wildlife adventure in Chitwan National Park, offering jeep safaris, canoe rides, birdwatching, and cultural experiences.
Chitwan National Park is in southern Nepal, about 160 km from Kathmandu and 150 km from Pokhara.
The best time to visit is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and wildlife sightings are frequent.
Visitors can see one-horned rhinoceroses, Bengal tigers, elephants, crocodiles, deer, sloth bears, and over 500 bird species.
Popular activities include jeep safaris, canoe rides, elephant encounters, birdwatching, Tharu village tours, and jungle walks.
You can travel by road (5-6 hours from Kathmandu or Pokhara) or take a 25-minute flight from Kathmandu to Bharatpur, followed by a short drive.
Yes, all visitors must purchase a Chitwan National Park entry permit, available at the park entrance. Fees vary by nationality.
Chitwan offers a range of budget lodges, mid-range hotels, and luxury jungle resorts, mainly in Sauraha and Meghauli.
Yes, the safari is safe when guided by experienced naturalists and following park regulations.
Yes, it's family-friendly with activities like jeep safaris, canoe rides, and elephant experiences suitable for children.
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