Bagmati Province, Nepal
Things to do in Sauraha
The lively riverside village on Chitwan's edge — Nepal's safari capital for rhinos and tigers, where dugout canoes drift the Rapti at sunset and jeeps roll into the national park at dawn.
Sauraha is the lively riverside village on the northern edge of Chitwan National Park — Nepal's undisputed safari capital and the launch point for almost every jungle adventure in the Terai lowlands. Lodges and cafes line the Rapti River, dugout canoes nose along the bank, and at dusk the whole village drifts down to the water to watch a famous Rapti riverside sunset with the silhouettes of the forest beyond.
The reason most travellers come is wildlife. From here you can roll into the park on a Chitwan jeep safari tracking one-horned rhinos and, with luck, an elusive Bengal tiger, or drift silently past basking crocodiles on a Rapti River canoe trip. Our top things to do in Sauraha collection and the focused Chitwan safari from Sauraha guide gather every activity in one place.
Beyond the safaris, Sauraha is a window onto Tharu culture and conservation. Visit the elephant breeding centre at Khorsor to see mothers and calves ethically, watch the energetic stick dance at a nightly Tharu cultural show, and cross to the gharial and crocodile breeding centre to meet Nepal's rarest reptile. A short walk away, traditional Bachhauli village shows everyday Tharu life away from the tourist strip.
To turn it into a trip, read our practical guides on where to stay in Sauraha by area and budget, how to get to Sauraha from Kathmandu and Pokhara, and the best time to visit Sauraha for wildlife. For the wider picture, see the main Chitwan travel guide, Nepal's national parks and wildlife and the best time to visit Nepal. Tap any pin below to start planning your safari escape.
Where to stay in Sauraha
Sights & attractions in Sauraha
Adventure in Sauraha
Boating in Sauraha
What to do in Sauraha
Wildlife & nature in Sauraha
Festivals & events in Sauraha
Getting around in Sauraha
Plan your trip in Sauraha
Frequently asked questions
What is Sauraha known for?+
Sauraha is the main gateway village to Chitwan National Park and Nepal's safari capital. It is famous for jeep and dugout-canoe safaris in search of one-horned rhinos and Bengal tigers, sunset over the Rapti River, the elephant breeding centre and nightly Tharu cultural shows.
How do you get to Sauraha?+
Sauraha is about a 5–6 hour drive from Kathmandu or Pokhara by tourist bus or private car, with a short final hop from Tadi Bazaar. You can also fly Kathmandu to Bharatpur in about 25 minutes, then drive roughly 30 minutes to the village.
How many days do you need in Sauraha?+
Two nights is ideal — enough for a jeep safari, a Rapti River canoe trip, the elephant breeding centre and an evening Tharu show. Add a third night for a longer jungle walk, dedicated birdwatching or a gharial breeding-centre visit.
Is Sauraha the same as Chitwan?+
Sauraha is the riverside village on the northern edge of Chitwan National Park, not the park itself. It is where almost all lodges, operators and activities are based, so most visitors to Chitwan actually stay in Sauraha.