Sauraha: Your Gateway Village to Chitwan National Park
Sauraha is the lively tourist town right on the edge of Chitwan National Park — your base for jungle safaris, canoe rides, Tharu cultural shows, and relaxed riverside evenings.
Sauraha: Where the Jungle Meets the Village
Sauraha is a small town on the northern bank of the Rapti River, directly across from Chitwan National Park. It is the main base for visitors to the park and offers a range of accommodation, restaurants, and tour operators.
Where to Stay
- **Budget lodges:** Simple rooms from USD 5-15 per night.
- **Mid-range resorts:** Comfortable rooms with gardens, often backing directly onto the river, from USD 30-80.
- **Luxury jungle lodges:** Full-service resorts inside the park buffer zone from USD 150+.
Activities from Sauraha
- All Chitwan safari activities depart from Sauraha — jeep safaris, canoe rides, nature walks, and elephant centre visits.
- **Tharu cultural shows** — evening performances of traditional stick dances.
- **Sunset drinks** — several riverside bars offer cold drinks with views across the river into the park.
- **Bicycle rides** — rent a bicycle and explore the surrounding Tharu villages and farmland.
The Tharu People
The indigenous Tharu people of the Terai have lived alongside the jungle for centuries, developing a unique resistance to malaria that allowed them to thrive where others could not. Their culture, cuisine, and architecture are fascinating.
Getting There
Tourist buses from Kathmandu and Pokhara arrive directly in Sauraha (5-6 hours from each). Domestic flights to Bharatpur are followed by a 20-minute drive.
Sauraha is the perfect blend of comfort and adventure — cold beer by the river at sunset, then up at dawn for a tiger safari.