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Chitwan Jungle Safari

Chitwan Jungle Safari

Overview of Chitwan Jungle Safari

Explorers are often curious about visiting the Chitwan Jungle Safari before they travel. You can go on a jungle walk and enjoy the view of different animal species, such as gharial crocodiles, wild elephants, tigers, rhinos, deer, sloth bears, etc. There are just as many bird species to explore. The trip is going to be highly adventurous. You can also seek the help of a jungle guide to make your trip all the more exciting and knowledgeable. 

If you’re looking for an easier way to tour the jungle, then a jeep jungle safari might be your best option. Travelers can choose how long they want to be in the national park before touring. Likewise, it is a common question among travelers whether they will be safe during the journey. The answer is yes! To learn more about the Chitwan jungle safari, read until the end. 

Chitwan National Park 

Chitwan National Park is Nepal’s most popular national park and has long welcomed visitors worldwide. In case you didn’t know, it is also Nepal’s first national park! It was announced as a World Heritage Site in 1984. Moreover, though it protects endangered animal species in Nepal, it also naturally separates itself from the local habitat through the Narayani-Rapti river system.

So, how did Chitwan National Park come into existence? In the 1900s, Chitwan used to be the hunting ground for the royals in Nepal. The royal people crowded the location during winter. When the national park was first turned into a reserved area, the Tharu people were forced out of their homes at gunpoint. As of now, you will observe that the locals and the wildlife are living in harmony with the older fuss, which is long resolved. 

Why Chitwan for Jungle Safari?

Wildlife enthusiasts should visit Chitwan at least once for a jungle safari because it is home to many endangered species. As remarkable a fact as it may sound, the national park is also home to 543 species of birds. Sal trees make up 70% of the vegetation within the conserved area. Catechu has rosewood; Kapok has rhino apple trees, gooseberry, hill glory bower, and velvety beautyberry, which are other dominant species you’ll find here

Parents can take their children on a tour that is not only fun but also educational. Adventurers can go on walking tours and canoe rides and even spend considerable time in the jungle at night through the jungle tower during night stays. You can also visit an elephant breeding center; tours are familiar and enjoyable. And they are just as suitable for all types of travelers, including the older ones. 

Tiger Spotted During Safari

When to take Jungle Safari in Chitwan?

Spring and autumn are the best times for a jungle safari in Chitwan. These are the peak seasons for travel. A full-day safari can be made possible during the day because the day is pleasant, and you won’t have to face excessive heat and rainfall. Neither is it too cold in these seasons. Spending a night in the Chitwan National Park should not be an issue during either of the seasons. You can get just as many good opportunities to capture the most beautiful pictures. 

Chitwan is mostly hot, so going there during the summer is not a good idea. Winter is decent, but consider the peak seasons for maximum amazing experiences. You can also indulge in outdoor activities without worrying about the weather. Most of all, you won’t have to delay your trips because of bad weather. The fauna in Chitwan National Park are out of hibernation and hiding places in spring and fall. Additionally, spring is best known for the blossoming of vegetation. 

Types of Jungle Safaris in Chitwan

When discussing jungle safaris in Chitwan, you can choose different ways to explore wildlife sightings. This is another reason why we recommend the safari for every age group. If you are confused about which kind of safari suits you, you can contact us and learn the details. Meanwhile, be sure to go through the following to learn about the various types of Jungle safaris in Chitwan:

Jeep Safari

The jeep safari will allow you to tour the Chitwan National Park without sweating. Even in the warmer months, you can enjoy the sight of different species of birds and animals in a private jeep. Visitors also have the option to choose between a full-day jeep and a half-day jeep adventure. You can also hire a safari guide who will accompany you on your jeep tour and inform you about the national park and its elements in proper detail at every step. 

Elephant Safari

The elephant safari is perfect for those who want to take a distinct tour of Chitwan National Park. You don’t get an adventurous journey on many other trips like this one. An elephant with a small group of other journeys will carry you. A mahoot will guide the elephant. Hence, you can be assured of the safety of this safari experience. Visitors can also choose to travel with experienced guides for the elephant safari. 

Walking Safari

A walking safari would be the perfect option for those looking to follow an itinerary to walk around Chitwan National Park and explore everything up close. The safari offers a glimpse of wild animals, including leopards and the Bengal tiger, with a thrilling factor. If you’re traveling as a walking safari traveler in a reasonably big group, you should take two guides with you. You can choose a full-day tour if you’re opting for this option.

What Wildlife Can I Encounter During a Chitwan Safari?

You can encounter plenty of mammals, reptiles, and birds during the Chitwan safari. Let’s begin with the mammals. The ones you’ll see in the national park are Monkeys, Sloth Bears, Leopards, Gaur (Indian Bison), One-horned Rhinos, Wild Elephants, Spotted Deer (Chital), Royal Bengal Tigers, and Sloth Bears. Similarly, the reptiles include Mugger and Gharial crocodiles, pythons, and golden monitor lizards

Also, the birds you’d see here are the Bengal Florican, Paradise Flycatcher, Peacock, and Giant Hornbill. The birds are usually out during the day, and if you’re lucky and just at the right time, you will be amazed by the natural wonders in Chitwan. And, if we’re being honest, some of the endangered and oddly seen wildlife species, like the Bengal Tiger, won’t always be out in the wild. But you still have at least a 30% chance of spotting one

Other Activities Beyond Jungle Safari in Chitwan National Park

You’d be fascinated, and we’re giving a call to every adrenaline junkie out there with the different things you can do when you’re in Chitwan National Park. While a jungle safari is one of the significant activities to engage in here, other activities will keep you occupied in the best way possible. And, by these activities, we mean those that may take you on an adventure outside the national park, though not very far. 

The following are some such activities:

Bird Watching 

Bird-watching has to be one of the most interesting things to do in Chitwan National Park, especially if you’re an avid birdwatcher. You can watch the birds while you’re on either of the safaris. Hiring a guide will always help you learn interesting facts about different species of unique birds. Some birds you’ll find here may be the ones you’ve seen before, while others may be new and rare to you.

Canoeing On Rapti River

Chitwan National Park is famous for canoeing as well. The Rapti River sees lots of adventurers throughout the year who come there for canoeing. It will be an experience like never before, and for a reason! The ever-flowing, serene river is close to the national park, making it worth remembering. Not only will you be on an adventure in nature, but you’ll also be among the rarest wildlife species while on it!

Tharu Village Tour

Tharu is a dominant culture in Chitwan. Tharu villages have always surrounded the locality of the national park. Though there had been a bad relationship between the authorities and the Tharu community around the national park, you can see that the locals live relatively peacefully close to the protected area today. You can explore the stalls and houses of the locals to taste authentic cuisine and observe unique cultures, languages, and religions

Visiting Elephant Breeding Center 

The elephant breeding center in Chitwan National Park is known for its impressive elephant population. Many elephants help promote the elephant population in Nepal. The center’s authorities are responsible for every step in the breeding process, which is done with great care. The breeding center is safe for elephants whose natural habitat is within the Chitwan National Park. 

Experiencing the Tharu Cultural Program 

You can experience the Tharu Cultural Program in Chitwan in the evening. Tharu performers will sing and dance their traditional songs. The performances are very fascinating and will entertain you as well. You can also perceive the experience to be educational because you get to learn about the culture of the Tharu people. The cultural program will also teach you about the traditional costumes that the Tharu wear.

Rhinos And Elephant

What to Pack for a Chitwan Jungle Safari?

If you’re going to the Chitwan Jungle Safari, then the following are all that you need to pack:

  • Clothing is worn according to the season (Jackets, gloves, and layers of both bottoms and tops are worn for colder times of the year, while light cotton clothes are worn for warmer seasons). 
  • Shoes (slippers, sneakers, etc.)
  • Camera, journals, etc. 
  • Cash
  • Documents (tickets, permits, etc.)
  • Duffel bags for all your belongings
  • Toiletries
  • First aid kit
  • Miscellaneous

Is Chitwan National Park Family-friendly?

Absolutely! Chitwan National Park is family-friendly and will be one of the most amazing experiences ever. You don’t necessarily have to walk or physically engage in any activities. We mostly say this for those who want to take their children and older family on this trip. In addition, every traveler will be comfortably taken to the location by road vehicle. 

You can always hire our Chitwan National Park package with a dependable guide to help you secure a wonderful journey. If you’re worried about the open wildlife not being a safe experience, let us remind you that the national park is extremely safe and guarded for visitors. Following the rules of the protected area will ensure your safety without you having to do too much.

How does Chitwan National Park differ from other Wildlife Destinations? 

Chitwan National Park differs from other wildlife destinations in many ways. First, it is the first national park in Nepal, which gives visitors more ways to explore than any other national park in Nepal. Chitwan is also the hottest part of the country. Travelers can hence explore every wildlife species that is rarely found yet not challengingly so in the hotter regions of the world. Since it is very close to the Rapti River, you can enjoy your journey in its serenity.

Canoeing is also not available to travelers when they visit most other wildlife destinations. Unlike Chitwan National Park, you may not find an elephant breeding center in other wildlife destinations. We can’t forget this destination’s authentic Tharu cultural experience, either! You won’t find this experience elsewhere. Additionally, since this one’s the most popular wildlife reserve area, there are better amenities around it than in most other such locations. 

Conclusion 

Have you decided to go on the Chitwan Jungle Safari yet? Because we are betting, you have! As someone who loves adventure, exploring a new culture and unique aspects of nature, and doing it all while with your family, there is no reason not to go on this journey. Anyone starting their trip from Kathmandu can also quickly do so, as they’ll easily find transportation from either of the locations. We hope you’ve learned all you need through this article. Happy journey ahead! 

Atma Ram Bhatta
Aatma Ram Bhatta has been guiding trekkers with CoreTreks since 2016. Mr. Bhatta is a licensed trekking guide (licensed by Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal). He was born and raised in Gorkha District – the native of Gurkha soldiers of Nepal. Overall, he has 8 years of experience and has been rated as one of the top guides in our team. Mr. Bhatta is known for his knowledge about the trekking areas like Langtang Valley Trek, Upper Mustang Trek & Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal. He is a planner and always ready for possible emergencies while trekking. Our trekkers reviewed him as a great storyteller and have created a long-lasting bond with him over past years.