Adventure · Bishazari Tal
Cycle the Barandabhar forest road
A guided bike ride from Bharatpur or Sauraha through farmland and the Barandabhar forest to the lakes, with a stop at a watchtower and a lunch of Chitwan taas on the way back. Bikes and helmets can be arranged by lodges.
The Barandabhar forest stretches across the Chitwan valley as a green corridor between the national park and the hills. A guided ride along roads and tracks through it is a good way to feel how close the wild is to the city, with sal trees overhead and the sound of birds instead of traffic. Expect a mix of tarmac and dirt, with some traffic near Bharatpur.
Your guide sets a relaxed pace on mostly flat ground. You stop at the lakes and a watchtower to scan for birds and crocodiles, and look for signs of animals crossing the road: deer tracks, rhino dung, scratch marks on trees. Your guide stops often for photographs and rest, so the ride suits most fitness levels.
On the way back, stop in Bharatpur or Narayangadh for a lunch of taas, fried marinated goat with beaten rice. Bring water, a hat and sunscreen; helmets and bikes can be arranged by lodges in Sauraha. Carry snacks and at least two litres of water, and start early from March onward, when it is hot by late morning.
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Questions
Is it safe to cycle through the Barandabhar forest?
On the main roads and with a guide, yes. Traffic is light on forest roads, but watch for buses and trucks on the highway sections. Wild animals cross the forest, so do not ride into the forest off the main tracks, and do not ride at dawn or dusk without a guide.
How far is the ride from Sauraha to Bishazari Tal?
Allow about 15 to 20 km each way depending on the route, on mostly flat ground. A round trip with stops takes three to four hours. Many riders choose to cycle one way and return by car, especially in the warmer months.
What is the Barandabhar forest?
Barandabhar is a forest belt that crosses the Chitwan valley from the national park toward the Mahabharat hills. It contains Bishazari Tal and serves as a wildlife corridor for tigers, rhinos, deer and other animals moving between the lowlands and the hills.
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