During a chitwan tour you can go on an elephant safari to search for rhinos and tigers. However, Intrepid Travel discourages travellers from riding elephants as it’s against their welfare policy.
The Tharu community has a rich cultural heritage and many exciting experiences to offer visitors. Watching their traditional dances and hearing about their history is a real treat for any visitor.
Jungle Walk
Jungle walks are the best way to get close and personal with the wildlife at Chitwan. Half day tours are available from Sauraha, while one to three-day extended jungle walks that include an overnight stay inside the park are also popular with adventurous travellers.
The jungle is a fascinating place, and it comes to life at night. On a Jungle Night Walk, you’ll explore the rainforest with a different eye—spotting bizarre creatures that are adapted to living in the dark, like Poison Dart Frogs and praying mantises.
Be sure to bring a pair of walking shoes for your jungle trek and lightweight long-sleeved clothing, as well as sunscreen and a hat. You’ll also want to pack hand sanitizer and a small first aid kit.
Canoe Ride
Canoe ride is a great opportunity for you to escape from the modern world and enjoy the serenity of the Rapti River. You can also spot crocodiles and other wildlife along the riverbanks while enjoying the breathtaking natural scenery of Chitwan National Park.
A 1-1.5 hour river journey accompanied by an experienced guide. This is a one-way trip downstream, so you will need to combine it with a jungle walk or jeep safari activity to return. This is an opportunity to see rare animals like Gharial Crocodile, Marsh Magar crocodile and more than 100 different types of colorful Birds. You can also visit some famous lakes inside the park – Lami Lake, Tamour Lake, Devi Lake and Kamal Lake.
Elephant Safari
Elephant safari is a famous activity for visitors to Chitwan. During this tour, tourists cruise inside the jungle on an elephant’s back and trace wildlife, birds and reptiles. An elephant can accommodate four people, including one experienced wildlife tour guide and an elephant rider.
Observing wildlife at close quarters is an incredible experience, but please consider choosing an ethical safari. The animals on elephant-back safaris weren’t born to work with humans; they are domesticated and often subjected to abuse and neglect.
Bring a waterproof rain jacket and comfortable walking shoes for your elephant safari. It’s also a good idea to pack mosquito repellent and quality sunscreen. You should also bring a travel adapter if you’re traveling from a country with different electrical outlets than Nepal.
Bird Watching
Bird watching is one of the most popular activities in Chitwan. The area is a bird lover’s paradise, home to more than 500 species of birds. The best time to spot them is early morning or late afternoon, when they are most active.
Canoeing on the Rapti River is another popular activity in Chitwan. You can observe wildlife from the riverbank, including crocodiles and other water birds. It’s also a great way to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Other popular activities include visiting an elephant breeding center and enjoying a beautiful sunset view from the riverbank. You can also take a tour of a Tharu village and learn about the indigenous culture of Nepal.
Tharu Cultural Performance
Many lodges and hotels in the area host Tharu cultural programs, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the culture of the local community and enjoy a fun evening. The programs often feature dances that represent the daily life, beliefs, and customs of the Tharu people.
Often, the dances portray themes from the community’s history and mythology. In addition, some of the programs include storytelling sessions where local elders share folktales and legends.
During my visit, I saw several performances, including Danda Nach (Stick Dance), Ago Nach (Fire Dance), and Mayur Nach (Peacock Dance). Each dance carried a deep-rooted meaning, highlighting the harmony between humankind and the wildlife that surrounds them. This was an incredible and immersive experience!
