Things to do in Chitwan National Park
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Elephant Breeding Centre
About 3km west of Sauraha on the far side of the small Bhude Rapti River, the elephant breeding centre is a must-see sight in Chitwan. Providing most of the elephants for elephant safaris at Chitwan, it’s fascinating watching the interaction between mother and baby elephants, as well as the multi-task use of their trunk (which has a staggering 40,000 muscles), such as covering themselves in dust to ward off mosquitoes or scratching their backside with a bamboo stick.
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Bird Education Society
Run by local volunteers, the friendly Bird Education Society should be the first port of call for twitchers. In a new location on the road to the elephant breeding centre, the society has a library of bird books and a binocular rental service (Rs 50/100 per hour/day) and also has guided birdwatching excursions every Saturday from 7am to 11am. There’s no charge but donations help fund the activities.
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Wildlife Display & Information Centre
The new Wildlife Display & Information Centre in Sauraha has educational displays on wildlife, including a rather macabre collection of animal foetuses in jars, skulls, plaster-cast footprints and a collection of animal poo, while the various animal reproductive organs preserved in formaldehyde make for a novel exhibit.
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Tharu Cultural Museum & Research Center
The informative Tharu Cultural Museum & Research Center in Bachhauli, the nearest Tharu village to Sauraha has colourful murals and exhibits on artefacts and local dress. It’s a must-see for those interested in Tharu culture, and worth visiting.
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Happy House
For something a bit upmarket, head to Happy House near the Jungle View Restaurant. This small, family-run business produces its own honey (in various delectable varieties) and sells gorgeous Mithila paintings produced by women’s craft cooperatives near Janakpur.
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Tharu Cultural Museum
There’s a tiny Tharu Cultural Museum in Harnari, one of the best villages to get a taste of Tharu culture. It has displays of ornaments and a rakshi distillery pot. If it’s closed, ask around and someone will open it up.
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KC’s Restaurant
The most popular choice in Sauraha, KC’s is set in a Spanish-style hacienda with an open terrace and a fire pit at the back. The chefs here cook up a feast and the menu runs from Nepali and Indian curries to pizzas and pasta.
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Sweet Memory Restaurant
An attractive family-run shack restaurant with plenty of flowers and pot plants, Sweet Memory prides itself on its home-style cooking. The roast chicken is recommended, and it also serves up good filtered coffee.
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River Sunset Restaurant
On the sandy banks of the Rapti river, the most popular River Sunset Restaurant does a mouth-watering evening barbecue of duck, pork, chicken and buffalo over an open fire.
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Women’s Community Shop
The small women’s community shop, opposite the visitors centre, sells souvenirs with all proceeds going to developing local women’s community groups.
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Jungle View Restaurant
Probably the best of the terrace restaurants, Jungle View has all your traveller favourites, as well as a beer garden and views looking over the main strip.
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United
In Sauraha you can arrange inexpensive elephant safaris throughUnited. Safaris last 1½ hours and cost Rs 800, plus the park fees.
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Hamro Hotel Restautant & Bar
Hamro Hotel Restautant & Bar makes for a delightful spot to breakfast on the banks of the Rapti.
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Chitwan Extension
4 days (ex Chitwan National Park)
by Intrepid
Uncover remote and wild Nepal, Live it up in a jungle lodge, Explore the streets of Kathmandu, Count up to 400 bird species, Travel to Nepal and explore Chitwan…Not LP reviewed
from USD$320
