When I first learned of Chitwan National Park, it sounded like something in a nature documentary – walking in a dense sal forest, paddling in a dugout canoe down rivers, and viewing wildlife that I had only ever read about. Once I got to southern Nepal, I knew I wanted to devote some time to an adventure into the wild in Chitwan; I had no idea what to expect at all! It wound up being a wild, once-in-a-lifetime experience in Nepal that was not just another jungle safari.

A group of people are seen interacting playfully with a large elephant in water, with one person sitting on its back and others nearby as the elephant sprays water from its trunk.

My Initial Introduction to Chitwan’s Wild Side

When I went through the gate into Chitwan National Park, it felt like I was in another world! It was warm, and earthy-smelling forest scents were coming from the hot forest, as well as some fresher-smelling scents coming from the Rapti River, just below.

It was unique and fitting to stay in a Tharu-style lodge in its surroundings. The next morning, after a hot breakfast, I departed in a jeep with several other visitors. Our guide was a local man who had been doing this for years, and he told us to be quiet, look around, and enjoy ourselves as the jungle definitely had a way and a power to surprise you. With birds calling overhead and the occasional noise from the bushes to watch out for, I could appreciate the tension in the air. Our ranger identified different types of deer that grazed elegantly and cautiously in the tall grasslands, their ear foraging for any sudden noise. I knew then that Chitwan was not just about the large animals but being part of the vibrant, chaotic energy of nature that felt raw.

Meeting the Gentle Giants: Elephants.

I’d say a highlight on safari was connecting with elephants. These massive animals have cultural importance in the area, and it felt a little strange to see them. I was delighted watching a herd casually walk up the bank of a river while their trunks swayed and they softly rolled to one another, while splashing water with their trunks, which was entertaining, while calves nestled up alongside their mothers.

I was lucky to visit an elephant breeding center that administers conservation programs aimed at the elephant population. Observing the care and concern for the babies was basically eye-opening and emotionally moving. Plus, it reminded me that the animals living in wildlife safari resorts should not simply be as animals; they are part of an even larger ecosystem of which we should never take for granted, and I was reminded of this simply by being in the same general environment as animals. I reconsidered my appreciation for animals’ intelligence, docility, and gentle nature.

A nail-biting experience of seeing a one-horned rhinoceros. All of my experiences were exciting, but I have to admit, seeing the one-horned rhinoceros was an experience of a lifetime. They are large animals, yet I found their movements to be oddly quiet and unearthly.

The jeep shut off at a point where we felt the distance was safe, and we observed the rhino as it slowly ate grass and kept its distance. The sun shone bright and very clearly. The canoe ride gave me a different perspective of the park. It was not the thrill of encountering the larger animals, but rather an extended, slow meditation. I took in the rhythm of the river and the interaction of animals with the water as it gently flowed by. Both were very calming and rejuvenating.

The Colors of Tharu Culture.

In Chitwan, we witnessed the heavy, armor-like quality of the rhino that also gave it a prehistoric feature. In the guide, it noted Chitwan has one of the largest congregations of one-horned rhinos in the world, and is a true conservation success story for wildlife! Observing a big, powerful animal in its habitat is irreplaceable; you can’t mimic that in a zoo, or even in an educational documentary. It felt raw, it felt real and unscripted, and this was nature revealing and displaying its beauty.

group of people are on a jeep safari, driving through tall green grass in a lush, natural environment, possibly a jungle or national park in Nepal."

Canoe Down the Rapti River.

The safari experience was also more than a land-based safari experience. One of my favorite experiences was going down the river called “Rapti” in a wooden canoe. The water was still and mirror-like, with short trees reflecting on the bank. Crocodiles were sunbathing on the sandy banks, and would slip into the water; they would sometimes just be purely invisible. No splash. No noises. Kingfishers were darting red, blue, and orange, and the herons were still poised, waiting for their meal.

Nothing rounds out the full Chitwan experience until you have experienced the Tharu culture. Post-dinner one night, I had the opportunity to attend a community-based and traditional Tharu dance. And where community members expressed their culture through the use of rhythms and lyrics. The fire lights up the dancers with their traditional dress while they are dancing with sticks and singing songs. They have been passed down from generation to generation. I enjoyed a night in a Tharu homestay, and this was the icing on the cake of my trip. The hospitality, the bundyi (dhikri) and gundruk, and what felt like participation in the family dinner table chatter were experiences that will walk with me long after my stay. My time experiencing their culture, along with the safari, reminds me that Chitwan is about as much the heart of the forest as it is the culture of the people.

Why Chitwan Safari is Truly Special.

Looking back on my experience in Chitwan National Park, I think what truly made it a highlight was the diversity. It wasn’t just about the elephants or the rhinos. It was about being in a very thick jungle and hearing the jungle call to each other from a distance; it was watching the sun setting over the Rapti River; and it was meeting people who have lived with the jungle for centuries. The jeep safaris, canoe rides, bird watching, and throngs of people walking through villages. They are all something I take from the next day.

Chitwan was more than a safari for me. It was stories, feelings, and moments that I will always remember. If you are going to Nepal and want to do more than stand at a viewing spot. And glance at a bunch of different mountains, then Chitwan is calling you. It is a typical adventure that tugs the sensation of thrill and the calmness of life that makes you feel alive. And connected with the earth and nature.

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