Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park, in the subtropical lowlands of the southern Terai, offers a completely different side of Nepal from its mountains, a UNESCO reserve of dense jungle, grassland and rivers teeming with wildlife. It is one of the best places in Asia to see the endangered greater one-horned rhinoceros, alongside wild elephants, deer, crocodiles, sloth bears and, elusively, the Bengal tiger, explored on jeep safaris, canoe trips and walks, and home to the culture of the local Tharu people.

What you actually see

• The one-horned rhinos - the endangered rhinos of the grasslands.
• The wildlife - the elephants, deer, crocodiles and, rarely, tigers.
• The jungle safaris - the jeep, canoe and walking safaris.
• The Tharu culture - the villages and traditions of the local people.

When to go

October to March, the cool dry season, is the most comfortable and good for wildlife; the grass is cut low around late winter and spring, improving visibility. The monsoon brings heavy rain and the pre-monsoon months are very hot.

Honest expectations

Ethical wildlife tourism matters here: elephant-back safaris and elephant bathing, once common, raise serious welfare concerns, so choose jeep, canoe and walking safaris and responsible operators instead. Tigers are very elusive and rarely seen, though rhinos are relatively reliable. It is hot and humid in the lowlands, a very different climate from the mountains.

Nearby

Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, and Pokhara are within reach.