Chitwan, the country’s fifth-largest city, is well-known for its wildlife and Tharu culture. When people hear the term Chitwan, they feel themselves in the National Park’s beautiful forests, taking hikes in the jungle or going on safari. Some end up in the forest, while others sunbathe and canoe along the Rapti/Narayani River bank. The primary draw of Chitwan is the Chitwan National Park, which welcomes thousands of tourists each year who come to take in the breathtaking scenery and the local Tharu community. The ideal fusion of these two elements makes Chitwan a well-liked vacation spot that provides guests with revitalizing activities in the surrounding area.

In this article, we’ll discuss the Best Things to Do in Chitwan. We’ll not only offer you a general picture of the area but will also highlight must-do activities, so read through to the conclusion to start thinking about your next trip.

Chitwan

Two Sanskrit words—Citta, which means heart, and Vana, which denotes jungle or forest—combine to form Chitwan. As a result, Chitwan is sometimes referred to as the “heart of the jungle” and is distinguished by a thick forest home to numerous species of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, Bengal tigers, and rhinos.

Chitwan is a Tarai region of Nepal. that is situated in the southwest of the Bagmati province. Its district headquarters are in Bharatpur, one of the country’s biggest cities. The hub for industries and services like healthcare, education, and many more in Bharatpur.

The four seasons of Chitwan are summer, monsoon, spring, and winter, just like other regions of the nation. Its elevation varies from roughly 100 meters in the river valley to about 815 meters in the Shivalik highlands.

Best time to go to Chitwan 

It is always the best time of year to visit Chitwan because you may enjoy different activities and experiences regardless of the weather. The monsoon, which lasts from June to August, might provide you with an exciting journey through the national park’s woods if you enjoy the rain. 

In contrast, there will be plenty of opportunity over the summer season,  months of March-May to see wildlife cooling off in the river. Even if it could get as high as 35˚C during this period, you can see various animals sleeping in the shade or the water.

December to February is the coldest month, with an average minimum temperature of 7˚C. During this, you can enjoy quality time by the riverside sunbathing. 

The time from September to November is supposed to be ideal, as the temperature is pleasant and you can be part of different activities like canoeing, jungle walking, elephant baths, and many more.

Best Things to Do in Chitwan

Jungle Safari

When on vacation at Chitwan National Park, one cannot miss the Jungle Safari. You can choose between a jeep and an elephant for the safari. You will travel through the forest’s deeper side in the tour, where you may see birds and kinds of wildlife animals including tigers, deer, leopards, wild boar, and many more. Make sure you bring binoculars and learn to identify a few species because many of the birds in the national park reside in the tree canopy.

Jungle Walks

Taking a jungle walk through the National Park’s thick tropical forest is another thrilling activity that lets tourists see creatures in their natural environment. The guided rainforest walk comes with all the essential safety advice from the guides. While on the stroll, you may come across some wild species, however, you are not allowed to carry any weapons. Luckily, you might encounter gharials, hogs, rhinos, wild elephants, and Royal Bengal tigers.

You will learn more about the natural habitat of several wild creatures during this jungle tour, including when they are mating, breastfeeding, or even fighting.

Canoeing

Compared to boating in Phewa Lake, canoeing on the Rapti River is far more pleasant because you will pass through the National Park area’s deep forest and see crocodiles and gharials sunning themselves by the river, as well as water birds swooping down to catch fish.

The most thrilling aspect is all that nature has to offer while your guide talks about the various species of water birds they have seen along the way. In addition, occasionally you may come across other untamed animals consuming water from the river. Thus, holding a camera you can record the highlight of the day.

Elephant Bathing

Despite its bad reputation, elephant bathing is a popular activity in Chitwan. In addition to seeing elephants bathe, you may play with them and even ride on their backs during this activity. Observing the connection between humans and elephants will be enjoyable, but it will be excessively entertaining to watch them tossing water from their trunk and, occasionally, chucking riders into the river at will.

Viewers have the option to participate in this activity for a unique experience or to observe it from the Rapti River bank.

Visit the elephant breeding center

If you are against the bath or safari, visiting the elephant-breeding center is a terrific method to interact with the friendly elephants. To prevent elephants from becoming endangered, Chitwan developed an elephant breeding center in 1985.

You can learn about the eating habits, food preparation techniques, and other routines of elephants at the breeding center. Elephant babies are frequently seen at the breeding center, where you can witness the adorable infants having a great time playing with their mothers. It is only 3 KM from Sauraha to the breeding center; you may take a rickshaw or walk there. During your tour, you will be able to see elephants up close and learn about their natural habitat.

Foods: Taste some authentic cuisine, such as Patushni and Ghongi

The native cuisine of Chitwan is unlike anything you’ll get in Kathmandu or Pokhara, so it’s a must-try. Famous regional delicacies that have captured the hearts of millions of people are Dhikri with Sidra, Patushni, TAAS (spicy-fried mutton), and Ghongi (snail).

The intriguing aspect of Ghongi, which is served with ground linseed soup, is not the food itself but rather how it is consumed. If you are attempting the Ghongi for the first time, you should be aware that it is safe and that you must remove the snail from its shell. In other Nepalese cities, you can find another cuisine called TAAS, however the TAAS from Chitwan tastes completely different. 

Serve the spicy fried goat meat with pickles and Bhujiya or Chiura for lunch or as a great snack with drinks.

Another meal called Khariya is patushni, which is made by deep-frying steamed colocasia leaves (Taro) filled with a mixture made of rice beans or legumes (black lentils) spiced with salt. A typical Tharus cuisine is Dhikri with Sidra, which is made by steaming rice dough. It is served with Sidra, curry, or lentil soup. Sidra chutney is a pickle made from dried fish that is made by combining the fish with a variety of flavorful spices that linger on the tongue.

Tharu Village Tour

An accessible museum dedicated to educating visitors about Tharu customs, culture, and way of life is called Chitwan. Unlike other ethnic tribes, the Tharu community has a deep interaction with the natural world because they live so close to the National Park’s protected area. 

They actively participate in farming, livestock breeding, fishing, and hunting, in contrast to other ethnic groupings. Their homes are constructed of mud, with a reed roof. A guide knowledgeable enough about their way of life, customs, cuisine, and culture will go with you during your tour. 

Therefore, when you visit the village, you will be able to relate to and understand their everyday activities with ease. Despite their hectic schedules, they never fail to greet you with Namaste and a warm welcome to their houses.

Tharu cultural Museum

The community has been substantially impacted by the way of numerous cultures and existence over the years. As a result, at some point in your village tour, you might not witness humans carrying conventional clothing or historical village devices.

As a result, they constructed the Tharu Cultural Museum and studies in Sauraha to offer an outline of Tharu’s beyond. With its extensive collection of clothing, everyday items, tools, historical photographs, guidebooks, artwork, statues, and much more, the museum is an excellent way to learn more about the surrounding area.

Tharu Cultural Dance

Participating in the cultural dance overall performance held in Sauraha is another threat to interacting with the community further to savoring the delicacy, journeying the hamlet, and touring the cultural museum. The locals provide the visitors with nonstop enjoyment by showcasing numerous dances, consisting of the Ago Nach (hearth dance), Mayur Nach (peacock dance), and Danda Nacha (stick dance). 

The forty-five-minute spectacle features male and female performers who dance to illustrate communal peace while clothed in tremendous traditional garb. The network has been able to train travelers about its cultural customs and specialty to this cultural show.

Chitwan Chepang Hill Trail

An unforgettable journey inside the Terai highlands, the Chitwan Chepang hill trek offers visitors a glimpse into the existence of the native Chepang humans. The Chepang, who were once nomads, now have a semi-nomadic lifestyle and work as guides in urban areas or the fishing and agricultural industries.

You will spend 3 to four days trekking up Chitwan Chepang Hill and sleeping in a guesthouse inside the area. The indigenous community’s cultural exploration is the trek’s major draw, however, you’ll additionally be prompted to head via the sunrise vista from SiraiChuli and the expansive views of the Himalayas. Remember to take images of the center in their lifestyle whilst you are there.

Bird Watching

About 65% of all bird species in Nepal are discovered in Chitwan National Park, home to 576 different kinds of birds. The national park area is visited by loads of migratory birds every 12 months. Some come within the summer season and spring, and a few come within the iciness. The countrywide park location is home to kinds of hen species in specific places.

Large warblers, Bengal floricans, and grass owls are among the birds that can be determined alongside the grassland. Pheasants, woodpeckers, tremendous hornbills, peafowls, and different birds may be spotted in the wooded area and are visible during a safari or jungle stroll. 

During the canoe journey, site visitors may look at several wetland species in Chitwan, such as the Kingfisher, Wooly-necked stork, Bar-headed goose, and Black-necked stork, which can be located surrounding the lake and riverside. Apart from these, endangered and rare species such as the Grey-crowned Prinia, Kashmir flycatcher, Oriental darter, and Slender-billed vulture may be found in the national park.

Sunset  View

Imagine spending a vacation in the great outdoors, dining at a riverbank café while taking in the sights of elephant baths, canoeing, and rhinoceros sunning themselves. As you unwind in the riverbank eateries of Chitwan, all of this is achievable, even though it may sound fantastical. People congregate in restaurants in the evening to take in the sunset and sip cocktails with their loved ones. A completely different environment is being created by people dancing, singing, and admiring the beautiful surroundings.

Bishazari Tal

Within the boundaries of the Chitwan National Park, in the southernmost point of Bharatpur, the 3200-hectare Bishazari Tal rises to a height of 286 meters. The lake is an ideal location for bird enthusiasts to observe common to uncommon bird species, having been recognized as a Ramsar site in 2003. 

The wetlands have served as home for animals and reptiles such as sloth bears, rhinoceros, crocodiles, pythons, and cobras, in addition to birds like vultures, lesser adjutants, and Indian peafowls.

Devghat Dham

The Devghat Dham, the holiest place in Nepal according to Hindu tradition, is located 20 miles from Sauraha. The 54.34 square kilometer Devghat Dham is home to numerous shrines, temples, ashrams, and an assisted living facility. The sanctified chants of bhajans in the ashrams and the ceaseless ringing of bells in the temple create a wonderful atmosphere in the forests.

Many Hindus think they would have a spot in paradise if they passed away in Devghat. Because of this, a lot of elderly believers spend their final days in the neighborhood. 

Cycling in Chitwan

Cycling is another best way to explore places around Chitwan. Different cycling routes in the area will allow you to get a better understanding of the people and their lifestyles. You can rent a cycle from a hotel or travel company and pedal your way to Tharu village, Narayani River, Bishazari tal, or stroll down the main road.

Cycling on the outskirts of Chitwan is mesmerizing, as you will ride through agricultural fields and small villages, learning new things about the place and locals.

Best things to buy in Chitwan 

A wide range of handicrafts from Chitwan are ideal as mementos. Mithila paintings, jewelry, and woodwork crafts featuring rhinos, elephants, and other animals are available for purchase. locations where one can choose from a variety of possibilities, such as women’s art and handicraft shops and happy house gift shops.

Conclusion

Chitwan, which is tucked away at the base of the Himalayas, boasts an exceptionally diverse range of flora and fauna. It is also the last remaining habitat for Bengal tigers and one of the few populations of single-horned Asiatic rhinoceroses. The first national park in Nepal was Chitwan National Park (CNP), created in 1973. So, you can enjoy different wildlife here. 

FAQs

What is the temperature of Chitwan?

Chitwan is warmer than other parts of Nepal’s Terai area. Around 33˚C during the day and 25˚C at night are typical temperatures.

What is Chitwan famous for?

Chitwan is famous for, Chitwan National Park, Traditional Cuisine, Tharu culture and dance, and religious places. The city’s main attraction is the Chitwan National Park, though.

What are the Places to visit in Chitwan?

In addition, to places to visit in Chitwan and National Park, there are Jalbire Waterfall, Siraichuli Hill, and Devghat Dham.

What food is famous in Chitwan?

Famous foods in Chitwan unique Tharu delicacies like Ghongi (snail), Patushni, Dhikri with Sidra, and other foods like Newari Khaja set and TAAS (spicy burned mutton) are the main reasons Chitwan is well-known.

What are the best things to buy from Chitwan?

the best things to buy from Chitwan may be handicrafts. Depending on your chances, Mithila paintings, jewelry, and woodwork crafts may also be excellent.

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