Best hotels in Chitwan National Park

On the banks of the Rapti River, Barahi has transformed what was once barren grassland into a thriving jungle haven right opposite Chitwan National Park. No run-of-the-mill safari lodge, it's a carefully crafted retreat where thatched cottages blend seamlessly into 12 hectares of forest, all planted by the lodge. With their own quartet of resident elephants (Ranikali, Sundarkali, Madhumala and Rangmala), hand-picked naturalists who've spent their lives in these jungles, and a rare combination of genuine eco-credentials and luxury, the wildlife experience at Barahi is enthralling and really quite hard to match.

Perfectly positioned on the banks of the rippling Rapti River with Chitwan National Park as your UNESCO World Heritage playground, this 29-room wilderness retreat has mastered the art of discerning wildlife experiences. The Taj touch is evident throughout - from the spacious lounge dominated by an extraordinary chandelier crafted from 10,000 hand-painted Nepalese beads to the large Newari wooden door salvaged from a nearby Tharu village that never fails to spark conversation. Regional art and artifacts are thoughtfully interspersed throughout the space, creating an atmosphere that celebrates local heritage whilst maintaining the sophistication expected from this legendary hospitality brand. After days spent tracking the majestic greater one-horned rhino or seeking glimpses of the elusive Bengal tiger, the combination of wellness spa, health club, and expansive infinity pool with viewing deck provides the perfect counterpoint to jungle adventures.

Tucked beside lush forests with the famous Chitwan National Park as your playground, this lodge has cracked the code on making wildlife encounters both thrilling and ethically sound. The traditional Tharu longhouse architecture, crafted with locally-sourced materials and time-honored building techniques, creates an authentic immersion into village life without requiring you to rough it. Whether you choose one of the 12 spacious traditional rooms or opt for the full jungle experience in one of 9 safari tents, you're guaranteed front-row seats to nature's nightly symphony. The lodge's small scale means your experience takes priority over everything else - a refreshing approach in a world where bigger often masquerades as better.

The Jungle Villa Resort is surrounded by lush greenery and is located on the edge of the Rapti river, providing all residents’ splendid nature views and wildlife sighting from the property. At the northern edge of the Chitwan National Park, the resort provides comfortable amenities enriching your jungle experience. Blending into nature, the resort has wildlife views from the deck and rooms. You can capture a glimpse of herds of deer, the one-horned rhinos, the royal Bengal tiger, birds, and other amphibians and aquatic animals at sunrise or sunset by the Rapti river. The property is located half an hour away from the Bharatpur airport.