Route · Chitwan & the Terai
Sauraha to Meghauli
Sauraha to Meghauli, on the western side of Chitwan, is about 45 km by road via Bharatpur: around 1.5 hours by private car. Most Meghauli lodges arrange transfers; there is no direct public bus to the lodges.
The usual way. The road runs from Sauraha to Tandi on the East-West Highway, west through Bharatpur, then south-west through farmland and villages to Meghauli. The last stretch to some lodges is a village road. Meghauli lodges usually include or arrange the transfer, so ask when booking.
Some operators can combine the move with a full-day jeep safari, driving west through the park and stopping at Kasara before reaching the Meghauli side. Park entry fees and permits apply, and routes depend on the season and park rules. Check current status before you travel.
Worth a stop on the way
- Bharatpur for a taas lunch
- Bishazari Tal, a short detour south of Bharatpur
- Kasara and the gharial breeding centre, via Patihani
Local tip
Ask your Meghauli lodge to collect you in Sauraha after a morning activity, so you arrive in time for an afternoon drive.
Questions
How do I get from Sauraha to Meghauli?
By private car, about 45 km and 1.5 hours via Bharatpur. Most Meghauli lodges arrange the transfer for their guests. Local buses run to Meghauli village from Bharatpur but do not reach the lodges, so a private transfer is far easier with luggage.
Can I visit Kasara on the way from Sauraha to Meghauli?
Yes. Kasara, the park headquarters with the gharial breeding centre, can be reached by road via Patihani with a short detour, or as part of a full-day jeep safari through the park. Allow extra time and confirm park permits with your guide.
Should I stay in both Sauraha and Meghauli?
If you have four nights or more, yes. Sauraha gives easy access, more food choices and lively evenings; Meghauli gives quieter drives and the Narayani. Two nights in each lets you see different parts of the park and different kinds of village life.
Is there a bus from Sauraha to Meghauli?
There is no direct tourist bus. You can take local buses from Tandi or Bharatpur toward Meghauli, changing on the way, but they are slow and crowded and do not reach the lodges. A private car is the practical option.