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Chitwan, Nepal
Chitwan is Nepal's premier wildlife destination, a vast tract of subtropical forest, grassland, and wetland in the Terai lowlands. Walking safaris with trained naturalist guides offer an intimate, ground-level wildlife experience fundamentally different from vehicle-based safaris. The park is home to the endangered greater one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, gharial crocodile, and wild elephant. The village of Sauraha on the park's northern boundary serves as the main tourist base, with lodges, restaurants, and the Rapti River as the park boundary. Dugout canoe rides on the Rapti River provide close encounters with marsh mugger and gharial crocodiles, while the Bis Hajaar Tal (Twenty Thousand Lakes) area offers birdwatching walks through wetlands. The Tharu Cultural Museum and evening cultural dance performances in Sauraha introduce the indigenous Tharu people's traditions. Elephant breeding centers and community forests add to the walking experiences outside the core national park.
explore by interest
Never walk in the national park without an authorized guide — the jungle contains tigers, rhinos, and wild elephants. Wear neutral-colored clothing and move quietly.
October through March offers dry weather and the best wildlife viewing as animals gather near water sources. February through March is peak rhino spotting season.