Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park lies in the warm, forested lowlands of southern Nepal and was the country’s first national park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it protects one of the largest populations of greater one-horned rhinoceros, along with Bengal tigers, sloth bears, gharials, deer and hundreds of species of birds.

Days begin with a jeep safari through the grasslands and sal forest, where rhinos are often seen grazing. A dugout canoe trip on the Rapti River is good for birds and crocodiles, and in the evening many lodges host a Tharu cultural show of stick dances and music from the local community.

Chitwan is about five hours by road from Kathmandu or Pokhara, or a short flight to Bharatpur, and we recommend two nights at a lodge near the park. Bring neutral-coloured clothing, insect repellent and binoculars; tigers are rarely seen, but rhinos and birdlife seldom disappoint.