Sauraha, Chitwan: the riverside village at the park’s edge

What Sauraha is like

Sauraha in Chitwan started out as a farming village of the Tharu, the indigenous people of the Terai, and grew into the park’s main visitor base. Today it has lodges and guesthouses at every level, restaurants along the river, safari offices, small shops and a relaxed, low-rise feel. But step beyond the main streets and you’ll find mud-walled Tharu houses, rice fields and buffalo carts only minutes away.

Since the lodges inside the park were closed in 2012, almost everyone visiting Chitwan stays outside it, and Sauraha gets the biggest share. That means lots of choice and competition, but also a busy feel in the peak months. If you’d prefer somewhere quieter, villages such as Meghauli, Amaltari and Barauli on the western side of the park are calmer alternatives.

How the village is laid out

The road from Tandi on the East-West Highway runs south through fields into Sauraha. Tourist buses usually drop passengers near the edge of the village, where lodge staff are often waiting to meet guests. The road then reaches Sauraha Chowk, the central junction, with its shops, money changers and safari offices.

From the Chowk, lanes lead down to the Rapti River. The riverbank is the real heart of Sauraha: a strip of restaurants and terraces looking across the water to the park’s forest and grassland. You’ll find the canoe landings and the national park ticket counter along this stretch. Most lodges sit on the lanes between the Chowk and the river, or right along the bank.

Around the edges of the village are the Tharu Cultural Museum, community forests such as Baghmara to the west and Kumrose to the east, and the road to the elephant breeding centre at Khorsor, a short ride away.

Sauraha to Chitwan National Park: crossing the Rapti

The national park begins on the far bank of the Rapti, so most safaris from Sauraha start at the river. With your licensed nature guide, you cross by boat or canoe, and then begin a jeep drive, jungle walk or canoe trip on the park side. Your guide takes care of the park permit (approx. NPR 2,000 per person per day plus VAT for foreign visitors; check current rates).

Community forest activities in the buffer zone, such as jeep drives in Baghmara or Kumrose, set off by road from the village. The entry fees are lower, and rhinos are often seen there too. Our Chitwan National Park guide explains how the park and the buffer zone fit together.

Things to do in Sauraha

Most safari options from Sauraha start within walking distance of your lodge. The main ones are a jeep safari into the park or a community forest, a peaceful canoe ride on the Rapti, and guided jungle walks. In the village itself, you can visit Tharu homes and the cultural museum, catch an evening stick-dance program (see Tharu culture in Chitwan), cycle through the farmland, or just sit by the river at sunset, when rhinos sometimes come down to drink on the far bank.

For a fuller list, including trips beyond Sauraha such as Bis Hajari Tal and Devghat, see our guide to things to do in Chitwan. If you only have one day, a Chitwan day tour fits in the main activities.

Sauraha hotels in brief

Sauraha hotels range from simple family-run guesthouses to comfortable resorts with pools and gardens. Riverside rooms come with the sunset view, while lodges a few lanes back are usually quieter and cheaper. Many lodges sell their own safari packages, so compare what’s included, not just the room. For a full comparison of areas and styles, have a look at our where to stay guide.

Practical information: cash, Wi-Fi, food and evenings

When Sauraha is busy and when it’s quiet

The busiest months are October–November and February–April, when the weather is clear and safaris run at full capacity. The Dashain and Tihar festival period in autumn also brings lots of Nepali visitors, and the Christmas and New Year weeks are popular with visitors from India and further afield. For these dates, book your lodge and jeep safaris ahead.

December and January are quieter, but cool and foggy in the mornings. The monsoon (June–September) is the quietest time of all: some park routes close or are limited and the rain is heavy, but the village is green and calm. Our season guide has month-by-month detail.

Getting to Sauraha

Kathmandu to Sauraha is about 150–175 km, usually 5–7 hours by road, and tourist buses and private cars both drop you in the village. You’ll find full details on the Kathmandu route page. From Pokhara it’s about 150 km, and Bharatpur Airport is about 30 minutes away by road. If you’d like your transport, lodge and safari arranged together, a Sauraha safari package can include all three.