Jeep drive in Chitwan's western sector

The western sector of Chitwan, in Nawalpur district, sees only a fraction of the vehicles that use the tracks near Sauraha. Drives from Amaltari cross into grassland and forest along the Narayani, where rhinos graze and gharials and muggers bask on the riverbanks. Drives usually leave at first light and return by late morning, avoiding the heat of midday, with a second drive possible in the afternoon.

Expect rhinos, spotted deer, hog deer, sambar, wild boar and monkeys, with chances of gaur, sloth bear, leopard and tiger. Birdlife is rich, from peafowl and hornbills to fish-eagles and storks. Stops at watchtowers and lakes let you wait quietly for animals to appear. Your naturalist stops for tracks on sandy stretches and listens for alarm calls from deer and monkeys, which often reveal a predator nearby.

Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge runs drives with its own naturalists, and the homestay can arrange jeeps and guides. Bring a scarf against dust, a hat, water and binoculars. Park entry fees are charged per day, and your guide carries the permits. Private jeeps cost more than shared ones but let you set the pace and stay longer at sightings. Dust can be heavy in April.