Tabel Of Contents
- Exploring Sauraha: The Heart of Chitwan’s Adventure Scene
- Best Time to Visit Chitwan
- How to Get to Chitwan?
- Top Things to Do in Chitwan National Park
- Cultural Encounters - The Living Heritage of the Tharu Community
- Religious and Pilgrimage Sites to Visit in Chitwan
- Hidden Gems and Offbeat Places to Visit in Chitwan
- Practical Tips for Female Travelers Visiting Chitwan
- Final Thoughts
- FAQs About Top Things to Do in Chitwan
Chitwan is one of the most popular places to visit in Nepal. It is known for its rich wildlife, lush forests, and colorful Tharu culture. It lies in the southern subtropical lowlands of Nepal and is home to the famous Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that protects endangered animals like the one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, and gharial crocodile. Chitwan, particularly the boutique village of Sauraha is one of Nepal’s most magical escapes for adventure lovers and nature lovers because people can explore the jungle, go canoeing, watch birds, and take part in cultural programs that show off the traditional Tharu dance and way of life.
For woman travelers, Chitwan is the perfect place to visit whether you plan to go for a safari, for the wildlife, for a desert getaway with close friends, or for a peaceful retreat in the pristine Chitwan forest. This piece of clean, remote, and less explored Nepal will truly help you unwind and reconnect with local traditions. Welcome to the guide to the top things to do in Chitwan, Nepal especially ideal for women who want safe, soulful, and vibrant travel.
Jungle Safari
Exploring Sauraha: The Heart of Chitwan’s Adventure Scene
Sauraha is a small village by the Chitwan National Park and is the center for all tourist activities, where all tourists and locals come to enjoy the local festivities. As such, Sauraha is safe, easily walkable, and a perfect beginning to any adventure in Chitwan.
For a truly magical experience, evening walks along the serene banks of the Rapti River and lantern-lit riverside dinners are highly recommended. There are a lot of eco-luxury lodges in the area that are surrounded by beautiful forests. These lodges give guests comfort, privacy, and easy access to the national park. Each lodge has its own balcony that looks out over the park, so guests can enjoy stunning views of the sunset. In addition, real Tharu cultural performances, such as traditional dances and folklore storytelling, bring the evenings to life, giving guests a memorable and immersive cultural experience.
In the case of solo female guests or smaller female groups, Sauraha is a perfect place to start a wonderful adventure. In Sauraha, socializing is easy and relaxing, and guests are free to join shared tours. There are configured private guided tours where guests can have some personal time. It gives you access to Chitwan sightseeing without feeling remote or disconnected.
Best Time to Visit Chitwan
Timing your trip right can make a huge difference in wildlife visibility, comfort, and crowd levels. Here’s how to think about seasons and choose the best window for Chitwan sightseeing places.
Peak Season (October to March)
- Pros: It is the best time for wildlife spotting, as the weather and skies are dry and cool.
- Wildlife bonus: Rhinos, deer, and birds are more active. River canoeing is calm and easy.
- Cons: It is the peak time, so lodges fill up and prices increase.
Shoulder Season (April to early June / Late monsoon easing)
- Pros: It is very pretty during these months with a lot of glowing landscapes, fewer tourists, and good birdwatching.
- Cons: It can get very hot during the afternoons, and the warm weather brings bugs.
Monsoon (June to September)
- Pros: Beautiful, calm, green, discount prices, and fewer people.
- Cons: At times, rain could cover some forest paths and some activities with water. There could be more mosquitoes.
For women travelers who wish to have some solitude, peaceful times, and no crowds, the shoulder or off-peak months are best, but for those who want extravagant experiences, the ideal months are October to March, as it is the best time for classic wildlife safaris and perfect weather.
How to Get to Chitwan?
Going to Chitwan is really easy and safe if you are careful. Below are some tips from Kathmandu or Pokhara. These tips are more applicable for women travelers.
By Road (Bus or Jeep/Private Car):
- From Kathmandu: It takes 5-7 hours of travel with tourist buses or private jeeps. Look for good operators, avoid night travel, and sit where you can see exits and other people riding on the bus.
- From Pokhara: It takes about 4-5 hours to travel by vehicle. The travel route is nice, and you will enjoy the view of the hills and the plains.
- Safety tip: Select a bus or a jeep that is rated well, use tourist-oriented companies, and pay for your tickets early. Bring some food, water, and a portable charger.
By Air (to Bharatpur Airport):
- From Tribhuwan International Airport: Nepal’s small domestic airlines fly to Bharatpur Airport, which is the nearest airstrip to Chitwan. From there it takes about 20 to 40 minutes to get to Sauraha or your lodge.
- Safety tip: Book early morning flights. They are less likely to be delayed. Make sure your lodge is picking you up and share your flight details with trusted people.
Combining Modes:
Some people prefer flying into Bharatpur and finishing the journey with a jeep transfer for comfort and the experience of the travel.
To sum it up, the best way to guarantee safe and easy travel is to plan ahead, use trusted operators, steer clear of roads during dusk, and have your accommodation or guide manage your last-mile transfer.
Top Things to Do in Chitwan National Park
When you get to Sauraha or your lodge, the fun is set to begin, but before you get started, always have a licensed guide with you. Wear neutral colors, and carry essentials like water, sunscreen, and insect repellent, and stay in a large group, especially in wooded areas.
Below are listed the best things to do in Chitwan National Park, tailored to women travelers focusing on safety, and the best activities for a balanced trip.
Take a Jeep Safari
Jeep trails go deep into the Chitwan National Park to help see rhinos, deer, wild boars, and if you’re lucky, tigers. The open-terrain drives are comfortable and safer from a physical standpoint. Your guide will be able to know the best active zones to see wildlife. These drives are among the most popular Chitwan National Park safari options. Jeep safaris are good for women who want to see wildlife but need the extra reassurance of having the metal protection and experienced guides. The best time to go is just after sunrise and before sunset to see the most active wildlife.
Jungle Walking and Bird Watching
Walking jungle safaris are among the most unique and memorable activities in Chitwan National Park. Guided by expert naturalists carrying anti-poaching tools and communication gear, you’ll walk through forest trails. Attentive silence is the best way to experience wilderness and gain the best of the very spirit of the wild. You can hear hornbills, see deer nibbling undergrowth, or catch glimpses of wild cats in a glade while doing jungle walk.
For birdwatching, early morning is the best time, when birds are most active and the forest is drenched in soft light. For women travelers, walking with expert guides ensures safety, pace, and education.
Elephant Ride and Safari (Ethical Options)
In Chitwan, elephant safari is a tradition. It is true that elephant rides help to access delicate areas, but there is a lot of controversy around them. Many conservationists believe that the rides will cause psychological stress and mistreatment. As a more ethical substitute, look for lodges or operators that have observation-only experience and offer only rescued elephants for rides that are for conservation or rescue purposes.
If you go for the ride, make sure to go with operators that have good practices for the elephants with limited ride hours and strong support for the back, and good rest periods. The best operators will be those that work with wildlife sanctuaries.
Visit Elephant Breeding Center
You can get an inside look at calf raising, conservation, and elephant care at the Elephant Breeding Center. It is conservation-focused and educational; there is no riding, only observation. You can learn about the diets and rehabilitation methods of elephants and occasionally observe their feeding or bathing habits.
For visitors who wish to learn more about the animal kingdom and promote responsible tourism, this is one of the more morally sound things to do in Chitwan National Park.
Visit Crocodile Breeding Center
The Gharial (crocodile) Breeding Center, which is close to Sauraha, is a crucial component of Chitwan's wildlife preservation initiatives. The center, which was founded to save the endangered gharials, specializes in breeding and rearing these unusual crocodiles before returning them to their native river environments. Along with marsh crocodiles and a variety of turtle species, visitors can safely observe long-snouted gharials in their enclosures. It's an insightful and educational visit that broadens your knowledge of Chitwan's abundant biodiversity and current conservation efforts.
Canoeing at Rapti River
The early morning canoe ride on the Rapti river is one of the most serene and incredible things to do in Sauraha Chitwan. The combination of mist rising off the water, the soft sound of the paddles, and the distant call of waking birds makes for a calming atmosphere. While on the canoe, you might see the gharial crocodiles sunning themselves on the riverbanks, waterbirds, and even elephants coming to the river. The tranquility of the ride is great for reflection and photography.
Cycling in Chitwan
You can rent a bike in Sauraha and ride through the quiet countryside to the rice fields and Tharu villages. This is a peaceful, unstructured way to embrace the local scenery at your own speed. Feel free to stop along the way to talk to people, have bites of local food, and rest in the shade. Cycling is a great option for women who like to explore at a slower pace and prefer to do it solo.
Tower Night Stay
For those in need of immersive wilderness, Tower Night Stay is one of the best things to do in Chitwan. You’ll be sleeping in a jungle watchtower, which is safe. You’ll hear nightly jungle sounds, breathe in the fresh, wooded air, and wake up to beautiful misty mornings.
This might not be everyone’s cup of tea, as the comfort level is low, but there are well-guided stays (by licensed operators) that ensure your safety, provide clear instructions, and give you group support. For solo women travelers who love nature at night, this is one of the most unforgettable Chitwan sightseeing places.
Sunset at Rapti River
Chitwan is one of the best places in Nepal, and it is a wonderful experience to take a sunset view by the Rapti River. Imagine the golden light kissing the warm and calm water and the soft light silhouettes from the trees and elephants as the light shifts slowly and the river water flows. The scene is so calm and so easy to take a picture of. Most of the camps and lodges have a view of the campsite and river. It is a wonderful moment for women travelers to stop and reflect slowly as the light and river flow. It ranks high among things to do in Chitwan Nepal for its balm to the soul.
Culture Tour Through Tharu Villages
The best way to get to know Chitwan is to connect with the Tharu people. You can take guided walks to Tharu villages, where you can meet the local people, take a look at their mud block and thatched roof houses, and give a shot at some local handicrafts and cooking.
Many lodges and tour operators provide homestay options within the Tharu people communities. This allows you to understand their daily family schedules and have coarse and authentic meals with them, not to mention the songs and stories that are preserved through the ages. For all the women travelers, this is a wonderful experience to share a deep, engaging, and warm atmosphere.
You can find Tharu people singing and dancing to their folk tunes (like the Lathi Nach, or stick dance) in the evenings. These dance shows are amazing and you get to learn a lot about their culture. The dance is performed with wonderful rhythmic movements with some feet, and they all have sticks and drums.
Chepang Hill Trek
If you are looking for something other than the jungles, the Chepang Hill Trek gives you a view of the Himalayan foothills and an opportunity to meet the Chepang people. This is a not-so-popular trek, and for women, it is one of the best gentle adventures at lower elevation. You will get to see terraced fields and some small hamlets. This trek is not visited by many tourists, which makes the trail less crowded. Hire a local guide to keep you safe while you navigate the area.
Explore Devghat Dham
This spiritual place of peace still offers many temples and shrines and makes for a lovely stop. Devghat Dham is located a short distance away from the park and is situated a little before the junction of the Rapti, Seti, and Narayani rivers. Devghat Dham is an excellent place for a short day trip. If time permits, an overnight makes an excellent low-key extension. Devghat Dham will still allow you the chance to skip the hustle and bustle of the park. Devghat Dham is a spiritual walking place and an excellent site to use for river meditation.
Visit Bish Hajari Taal
Also called Twenty Lakes, Bish Hajari Taal is a sequence of connected wetlands located just outside the park's main zone. You can check out the area on a boat or walk along the paths that go through the reeds and forest. The beauty, stillness, reflections, and diverse birdlife make this a true hidden gem among places to visit in Chitwan, Nepal.
Cultural Encounters - The Living Heritage of the Tharu Community
Beyond jungle tours, the Tharu way of life offers deeper connections to the trip. To experience that, you can visit a traditional Tharu community in Chitwan and engage in their:
- Cooking classes: Try your hand at local dishes like Dhido (millet-based local meal), pickles, and vegetable curries.
- Craft workshops: Tharu women often create baskets, mats, or traditional decorations. One can join them and learn it.
- Storytelling and folklore evenings: Some homestays or lodges host cultural nights where local elders share folklore.
- Women-led initiatives: Seek out women-run cooperatives or weaving groups where your support is direct and impactful.
These encounters give you real relationships, not just surface-level exchanges. As a woman traveler, these moments often become travel highlights.
Religious and Pilgrimage Sites to Visit in Chitwan
Chitwan and the areas nearby have many places that are great to visit if you want to feel some spiritual connection. Here are the lists of some religious and pilgrimage sites to visit in Chitwan:
- Devghat/Triveni Dham: This is a confluence of rivers and is a place where temples have been built and sacred ghats are built around the rivers.
- Valmiki Ashram (Balmiki Temple): This is a Hindu temple that is inside the park and is related to Rishi Valmiki and the Ramayana.
- Jalbire Mahadev & Lamo Waterfall: This is less popular, but the Chitwan district does have the beautiful Jalbire (Lamo) Waterfall and is often visited after going to temples.
- Ganeshthan Temple in Bharatpur: This temple is in the center of Chitwan District, and a large number of people visit this temple, especially on Tuesdays.
- Maulakali Temple, Harihar Temple, and Laxmi Narayan Temple: All these temples are in small towns and villages around Chitwan. You can ask your guide about the local festivals and access to the temples.
These temples and places are usually known to local guides and they can help you access them and perform a respectful observance, providing you with some peace and quiet when you need a break from the nature part of your trip.
Hidden Gems and Offbeat Places to Visit in Chitwan
Chitwan has hidden gems if you enjoy exploring off the usual route, such as:
- Balmiki (Valmiki) Ashram: Although we have already discussed it, getting there through quieter paths gives the impression that it is a secret pilgrimage.
- Chiraichuli Hill: Provides views of the Terai plains and occasionally far-off mountain ranges. Ideal for walks that are a little lighter.
- Local Villages beyond Tourist Paths: With permission, stroll through tiny villages, interact with farmers, observe daily activities, and take advantage of open invitations to talk.
- Forest patches, seasonal streams, and wetlands: Ask local guides for less-traveled locations, such as buffer zone wetlands, seasonal streams, and forest patches.
These locations are frequently devoid of tourists, which makes them perfect for contemplative tourists or those looking for peaceful photo frames.
Practical Tips for Female Travelers Visiting Chitwan
Here’s your go-to checklist to make your Chitwan adventure safe, comfortable, and truly yours:
- Dress Modestly & Practically: Wear lightweight, neutral-colored clothes (long pants, long sleeves) to blend in, avoid bugs, and respect local norms.
- Travel in Daylight Hours: Avoid Road travel or forest walks at dusk or night unless arranged with guides or transport.
- Hire Licensed Guides Only: Always use guides endorsed by lodges or park authorities and never stray with strangers.
- Share Itinerary & Contacts: Leave your daily plans, lodge info, and contact numbers with someone you trust.
- Carry Essentials: Insect repellent, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, first-aid basics, a flashlight, a portable charger, and snacks.
- Stay in Groups or Pair Up: Even if solo, group up for excursions or join other travelers early in the day.
- Respect Local Etiquette: When entering Tharu homes, remove shoes, cover your head lightly as needed, and ask before taking photos.
- Stay Hydrated & Watch Food: Eat cooked foods, drink bottled or filtered water, and snack smart to prevent fatigue.
- Mind Ethical Wildlife Tourism: Avoid rides or shows involving mistreated animals. Opt for observation, feeding (under supervision), or conservation centers.
- Have Safe Transport Pre-arranged: Ask your lodge to book return transfers from Bharatpur or highway pickup after safari excursions.
By following these, your journey through Chitwan will be safer, more respectful, and more enriching.
Final Thoughts
Beyond just a place to see wildlife, Chitwan is a canvas of river reflections, forest whispers, cultural interactions, and introspective pause. It holds a unique promise for female travelers: independence with safety, wildness with respect, and adventure with care.
Chitwan invites you to re-establish connections with the natural world, yourself, and your community, whether you're drifting in a canoe at dawn, listening to tribal stories by firelight, or drifting to sleep in a jungle watchtower. Plan your getaway, bring your curiosity, and allow the rhythm of the jungle to become a part of your own.
It's time to begin planning your ideal trip to Chitwan through a female trekking guide agency like Woman Adventures.
FAQs About Top Things to Do in Chitwan
What Is the Famous Thing in Chitwan?
The most famous thing is the jungle safari and the one-horned rhinoceros safari. Riverside canoe rides and walks through the forest are nice too, as well as the culture and traditions of the Tharu people.
How Much Does a Jeep Safari Cost in Chitwan?
This depends on how long the safari is, how far it goes, and what safari company you choose. It will be around 30 to 70 US dollars for a half to a full day, and then you will need to ask what is included. It is best to ask your lodge to keep things simple.
Are Elephant Safaris Still Available?
Yes, many people still offer rides to elephants. It is still less common because the people who offer rides will not give people-controlled rides. If you choose to ride the elephants, choose lodges that will visibly care for the elephants' welfare (limited hours, rest, veterinary care).
Where Can I See Elephants and Crocodiles Ethically?
- Elephant Breeding Center / conservation camps (no rides, only observation)
- Crocodile Breeding Center / Gharial ponds in the buffer zone
- River canoe safaris for crocodile spotting along riverbanks
Guided, regulated, and educational visits are considered ethical.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Chitwan National Park for a Safari?
The best time is from October to March because the weather is cool and dry, and the wildlife is active. Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times to see the wildlife, but April and May, during the off-peak time, are also good times to see the wildlife with fewer crowds.
How Much Is the Entry Fee for Chitwan National Park?
Different nationalities pay different amounts for entry fees (Nepali, SAARC, and foreign). For foreigners, it is usually around 30-35 dollars and varies for different times (so check before you come). There are also extra fees for a guide, a vehicle permit, and a buffer zone entry.
