Chitwan National Park 1-day itinerary

Set out at dawn on a jeep safari into Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the last remaining habitats of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. The morning is the best time for wildlife sightings as animals move to water sources — expect to see rhinos grazing in the tall elephant grass, spotted deer, wild boar, and with luck, the elusive Bengal tiger's pugmarks on the muddy trails. The subtropical jungle is dense and green, with sal forests, grasslands, and riverine habitats teeming with life.

After lunch, board a traditional dugout canoe carved from a single sal tree trunk and glide silently down the Rapti River. The flat water is home to mugger crocodiles basking on the sandy banks and the critically endangered gharial crocodile with its distinctive narrow snout. Kingfishers, herons, and fish eagles perch in the riverside trees. The canoe ride is peaceful and atmospheric — drifting past jungle-lined banks with the possibility of wildlife appearing at any moment.

Experience a traditional Tharu cultural performance in Sauraha village. The Tharu people are the indigenous inhabitants of the Terai lowlands and have a rich tradition of stick dance, peacock dance, and ceremonial performances accompanied by drums and singing. The evening shows are performed in open-air arenas with torchlight and are a vibrant introduction to a culture that has coexisted with the jungle for centuries. After the show, dine on local Tharu cuisine — snail curry, ghonghi, and river fish.