Royal Chitwan Hotels

Our Members Say

punkpin
Reviews: 77

2 out of 5 stars User Rating

Island Junge Resort: Nice scene, but a dump

This place has potential if management would put some money into it. The rooms need to be sealed to keep bugs out, change the roofs so there aren't mice scurrying around about you and change the doors so they have real locks. Make it more like a resort and less like a campground.

It was quite hot while I was there and because they don't have much electricity, they don't keep the beverages cold during the day. It would be really nice to have cold water in the heat of the day and they really need to do something about that.

Also, the food isn't very good.

The elephant riding and baths is fantastic and was the only thing that salvaged the stay.

Opinion of Price: more expensive than average
Written April 28, 2009

halfbeat
Reviews: 43

5 out of 5 stars User Rating

Gaida wildlife camp.: Excellent safari camp in Chitwan.

Stopped here for 6 nights in November/December 2008. First impressions as we turned up were good. Camp is clean, very organised and the staff seemed very friendly.
I guess calling it a 'camp' like they do, is a bit deceiving as it sounds like you will be staying in tents. Far from it actually. The accomodation is excellent, they have standard rooms which are basic, but very comfortable, and they also have the individual lodges, which are just great!
I think i was lucky in that i got the lodge at the far end of the camp, number 30, so my views were great from the veranda on the front of the lodge. Although all the lodges have nice views, i think the view from the last few 26 - 30 are the best as you have the river winding around the bend in front, and the jungle rising up from the banks behind.
The lodge did used to run a tented camp in the jungle up until 4 years ago, when i believe the ownership of the camp changed hands, apparently they may be opening it up again soon when all the government paperwork is sorted and the fees are renewed.
The staff turned out to be fantastic actually! Extremely helpful and very nice people too! They did everything possible to make my stay as good as they could, and they did all they could to show me all the wildlife i wanted to see.
Electricity is supplied by a generator in the evening between about 5pm - 9pm. Cameras and things can be recharged in the bar, they have a couple of large multiplugs to take probably up to 20 chargers at a time. Some of the lodges have a plug in them too, so they can also be used.
Most of the lighting in the camp is kerosene lanterns along the paths and they leave one on your veranda in the evenings. Rooms all have candles in for lighting in the evening, and they supply a torch in your room too. They do have a few electric lights around the camp too when the generator is on.
If you are lucky you may be at the camp when they do a barbecue. All the tables are moved outside and they have 3 big grills on the go doing different cooked foods. That makes for a great night!
Apparently february/march time is the best time to visit Chitwan, but even so i had a great stay here in their winter time. I can definitley recommend the Gaida wildlife camp to anyone looking for a safari in the Chitwan national park! I am sure you will all love it there!

The camp is in a great place for seeing wildlife. It is situated just across the river from the edge of the jungle. It is peaceful, and far enough from the surrounding villages so that the noise and constant activity of people does not scare the animals away. Views are generally good from all around the camp, and just breathtaking early in the mornings when the sun comes up through the mist.
Food was excellent all week! Everything we were cooked was delicious! No shortage of it either, if you wanted to put some weight on it would be quite easy there, as at every meal they keep bringing it round and offering more... and as it is all nice, it is hard to say no!
Activities here are good. Camp have 5 elephants of their own, 4 wheel drive vehicles, 4 or 5 wooden canoes and are extremely close to the jungle. Wildlife can be seen very close without even going into the jungle... on a couple of occasions we had large Rhino and deer within 20 or 30 metres of the camp, and saw footprints of various deer, boar and cats on the paths just around the edges of the camp. Monkeys can be seen in the trees along the far side of the river bank from time to time too, i saw a whole family of them swinging around for a while.
Laundry service here is good, and very cheap too. Quick service, they take it in the morning, then it is returned in the afternoon. Drying does depend on the weather though, as it is all done outside. I guess in monsoon season it may take longer to get it back because of that.
Sounds of the jungle at night are really calming. Nice to sit out and listen to it for a while.
Only have two minor points that i didn't like, although cannot complain about it really... firstly, pillows in the bed were not really to my liking... 1 was too low, and then 2 was too high, then secondly they come in and make your room up every day, and sweep your carpets which makes alot of dust, and that kept getting in all my camera equipment.

Opinion of Price: more expensive than average
Related to: Safari, Jungle and Rain Forest, National/State Park
Written December 9, 2008

nattybabe
Reviews: 241

5 out of 5 stars User Rating

3.5 out of 5 stars Helpfulness

Jungle Safari Lodge: Luxurious and airconditioned!!

I stayed at the Jungle Safari Lodge which is located outside the park near the river. It was more than I expected as it was luxurious, had airconditioning and the staff were extremely attentive.

I booked a 3 day/2 night package staying here with all food and all activities and return tourist bus for US$110. I booked this in Australia, so you could probably get it cheaper from Kathmandu in this off season.

The lodge owns its own elephants (3) so you don't have to wait and you can basically say when and what you want to do ie. elephant bathing.

The lodge is surrounded by beautiful gardens and you can eat either in the restaurant, in a garden bungalow or in the garden itself. The garden is the perfect place to have a drink at night.

The Jungle Safari Lodge surpassed my expectations and is a fabulous place to stay outside of the park.

Opinion of Price: about average
Written June 19, 2007

1 more images

Saagar
Reviews: 2166

4 out of 5 stars User Rating

2.5 out of 5 stars Helpfulness

Gaida Wildlife Camp: Easy access - great upmarket place at Sauraha

Despite the name "wildlife camp" and the simplicity of facilities, this is more of a hotel than you think. It was originally established by royal interests and thus is one of the few resorts located inside the Chitwan national park itself.
There is an annex to the jungle lodge, called the Gaida Jungle Camp 8 km into the jungle in a rustic setting.
The program offered is much like that of other resorts, but Gaida has been the one place to set the standard. Very good quality of every service and guiding, good elephant rides and what not.

Inside the national park.
Good food - the BBQ is recommended! The best food I have eaten in Chitwan.
Limited electricity supply inside the park, bring headlamp/torch.
Large inside bar area, wildlife library etc. Good selection of drinks. Guides will mingle with customers, excellent way of getting aquainted with Nepalis and get more understanding of tha park and wildlife.

Opinion of Price: more expensive than average
Related to: Adventure Travel, Jungle and Rain Forest, National/State Park
Written March 21, 2007

josephescu
Reviews: 882

5 out of 5 stars User Rating

2.5 out of 5 stars Helpfulness

Gaida Wildlife Camp: Go there for the jungle activities

In practice, I’ve chosen one of the most visible Chitwan resorts on the internet – Gaida wildlife camp. Cosy cottages spread along narrow alleys in a park with nice views on the shores of a small river arm, friendly but excessively polite staff (but not at all pushy), delicious meals and quiet atmosphere.

2 nights meaning 2,5 days full of activities from sunrise to sunset, meals included, for 250 USD. You can also opt to extend your stay a few more days, if time allows.

I expected Chitwan and its resorts to be packed with tourists and some organised tours, so I reserved while back home. But to my personal comfort and probably to the one of the wildlife too, there were only very few tourists during Christmas 2006, so we could enjoy all those beauties only for ourselves, in a typically selfish manner.

With the tourist numbers so low, be sure to ask beforehand if there are any discounts, or accept and pay the price in full (as I did), and comfort yourself with the idea of a tax for the pollution you made a month before at home.

Opinion of Price: about average
Related to: Jungle and Rain Forest, National/State Park, Photography
Written March 3, 2007

my own view, form my own cottage

4 more images

Saagar
Reviews: 2166

4 out of 5 stars User Rating

2.5 out of 5 stars Helpfulness

Gaida Wildlife Camp: Sauraha's best for wildlife

I stayed only one night here based on a recommendation from friends. It is located inside the Chitwan national park, so it's among the exclusive ones in that sense. However, it is not a luxury camp as such. Utilitarian, rather, but that's what i was looking for. Good food off a huge BBQ, outside seating (inside alternative, too, of course), and very freindly and knowledgeable staff and guides. My only complaint is that I stayed too short.

See crocs and rhinoes from the forest edge porch. Bring binoculars and view the birdlife from the veranda or bar. Very good guides. Good rates for all-inclusive type of stays. For cheaper places in Sauraha, the accommodation might look cheaper, but they top it off with extras for this and that activity...

Opinion of Price: more expensive than average
Related to: National/State Park, Jungle and Rain Forest, Birdwatching
Written January 18, 2007

Alphons
Reviews: 1751

4 out of 5 stars User Rating

4.5 out of 5 stars Helpfulness

Very good hotel in Chitwan.: Hotel Rhino Lodge.

A very good hotel with friendley crwe, the food was good, the drinks too, and they have 2 house elephants. It is just a few min walk to nice teracces at the border of the Rapti river. All rooms have verandah. The accommodation is surrounded by green trees and garden.

Its convenient location, personalized services, and Nepalese hospitality will make your Jungle Safari in Royal Chitwan National Park very enjoyable. You will feel comfortable and adventurous.

Opinion of Price: about average
Written December 9, 2004

Hotel Rhino Lodge.

illa
Reviews: 225

4 out of 5 stars User Rating

2.5 out of 5 stars Helpfulness

Island Jungle Resort: Luxury Jungle Lodge

I was contacting Chitwan Jungle Lodge all the time before I arrived in Kathmandu, however, by the time I arrived, Chitwan Jungle Lodge was closed because of the nationwide Bandh called by Maoist, so were a lot others...

Staying in a trevel agency office for more than two hours in Kathmandu, in waiting for the updated news of road and resorts every minute, finally we were told it was still possible to go to Chitwan NP on our designated dates, but the only place we could stay was this Island Jungle Resort.

At least it made what they put in their brochure true "Open all the year round..."

The resort is situated in Bandarihola Island inside the western section of the park. Reaching and leaving there you have to take a boat trip, it's a beautiful tranquil place by the Narayani River. You feel being very remoted to anything, including the uncertain political situation outside and the Maoist. Being into the jungle, you see nothing else but wild animals, birds, and forests.

As other lodges in Chitwan NP, the resort offers all organized programs of different days. It's a combination of Elephant safari, jungle walk, bird watching walk, and elephant bath. In different seasons the programs are different, but there are always elephant ridings I believe, as we had it 3 times during our 3day 2nights stay. Mind you, riding elephant is not as romantic as it seems. In fact, I felt painful on my muscles afterwards.

Tranquility, river view, good food, very friendly and helpful staff

Opinion of Price: more expensive than average
Written August 28, 2004

Island Jungle Lodge

Saagar
Reviews: 2166

5 out of 5 stars User Rating

2.5 out of 5 stars Helpfulness

Island Jungle Resort: A jungle camp on Bhandarjhola Island

I stayed at Island Jungle Resort twice, and with equally good memories of my time there. Once with fellow students, which was quite a riot, and once with my mom, which was more of a subdued affair.
The accommodation is fine, but the place is a bit over the top expensive. The food is like most Nepalese resort food, bland copycat European buffet food, and good Nepalese dishes inbetween.
A particularily enjoyable daytime bar made as a porch overhanging the river bank - you can see crocs from the bar.
The evening fireplace area is a very nice one for consuming a beer and snacks and hear jungle stories. The guards and guides were a really good bunch.
The regular program involves educational introductions to the ecology and wildlife, wildlife hikes, elephant rides (they have 5-6 elephants), elephant care, canoe trips, crocodile watch trips, birding tours and short and general jungle walks. The place is positively teeming with wildlife and it's dangerous to venture outside the scantily demarcated perimeter during nights.
Joint staff tip box provides for comfort in the tipping procedure. But check always if the staff benefits from tips put here.

Island Jungle Resort is situated on an island in the Naryani river near the confluence with the rapt. You have to travel from Naryanghat toward Butwal at the western side of Chitwan National Park to find the take-off for the canoe ferry place that gives you access to the island.
The resort is located inside the national park, and on the island of Bhandarjhola (Monkey Island), The island is plenty big enough to offer the same wildlife as other resorts in Chitwan, but perhaps even a bit wilder. Compared with Tiger Tops where I once stayed, too, Island Jungle is much smaller and remote from local settlements, and it has an air of inpermanence as the area gets flooded. Thus, only a few main buildings are permanent, the other stuff, such as accommodation may be somewhat simple in style, and some are in fact tents.

Opinion of Price: more expensive than average
Related to: Jungle and Rain Forest, Photography, National/State Park
Written July 7, 2004

Island Jungle Resort

2 more images

Saagar
Reviews: 2166

3 out of 5 stars User Rating

2.5 out of 5 stars Helpfulness

Fewa Wildlife Resort: Pleasant - just outside Sauraha

Fewa Wildlife Resort is located a couple of kilometres downriver of Sauraha, the Chitwan backpackers' dens. Right on the river bank and national park border, and within walking distance from the services and facilities of Sauraha, Fewa benefits from both worlds. The staff enjoys taking you to a sunset drink at Rapti river restaruants/bars ar Sauraha. Something will trickle to them, too if you are a good tourist. Moreover, this is a very nice place rom where you can see the sunset. Most sunset+river photos on VT's Chitwan pages are taken from here.
The accommodation is good enough, no problem with water or toilet or whatever else that may happen to facilities of a middle of the tree type resort - modest, but fine.
Very friendly and helpful staff, good facilities overall, and with the rate i was given I could not at all complain. Ended up asking for the same food as the staff ate, as a good daal bhat is much better than a bland copy of European food.
When I was there I was requested to join the staff chasing wild elephants with burning grass torches, the alarm was sounded and people were really scared. We did chase the elephants away.

Neigbouring Sauraha may provide some shopping and entertainment options.
Sauraha has also restaurants if you want to eat out rather than at the resort. Don't forget to organize transport back in the evening, as this is tiger/rhino country even if there are scattered human settlements along the river bank.
Good guiding.
Visits to nearby Tharu villages to see their daily work in fields and homes. Low-intrusion-style which was good.
Walking distance to the elephant rearing and training centre at Kasauraha.
Good birding opportunities in walking distance from the resort.
Makhan and tented shelter may provide you with tiger views in early morning.
Rhinos very near the resort, elephant rides organised to see rhinos.
Wild elephants sometimes running through the compound...
Canoe trips combined with jungle walks.

Opinion of Price: about average
Related to: Photography, Jungle and Rain Forest, National/State Park
Written July 7, 2004

Entrance to Fewa Wildlife Resort

Write a Review

Sort by: Most recent | Most helpful

1 - 10 of 13

Explore the World

Questions and Answers

Q: CHITWAN MOSQUITOS "I'm planning to visit Royal Chitwan in late Feb/early March. Will I have to worry about mosquitoes or any other insects? Any other..."

A: "Mosquitoes, Malaria and Dengue Fever. This is a question that appears quite a lot here on VT. You will hear from people who never take any kind of medication. You..."

Read 3 Replies »