Published
You don't need to be a serious birder to enjoy birdwatching in Chitwan. More than 500 species have been recorded here, so even a casual early-morning outing tends to turn up something colourful. This guide is for beginners and the bird-curious. If you'd like to book a guided outing, head to our bird watching page.
When to go
The best months for birdwatching are December to March. Migratory birds also join the resident species from September to November and again from February to April, which makes for some spectacular mornings. In summer, nesting migrants such as the paradise flycatcher and the Indian pitta arrive.
As for the time of day, early is everything. On our longer packages, bird watching starts at around 6.15am, before breakfast, when the birds are busiest and the air is cool.
Where to look
Chitwan's habitats each have their own birds, so it pays to try more than one. - On the river: cormorants and kingfishers, including the stork-billed kingfisher. The canoe ride on the Rapti makes a superb, slow-moving hide. - In the grasslands: the Bengal florican and the lesser florican, two of the park's most special birds. - In and around the forest: hornbills, bee-eaters, the Indian roller with its flash of blue and the tiny ruby-cheeked sunbird. - Keep looking up for grey-headed eagles and the lesser adjutant stork. - At dusk, listen out for the large-tailed nightjar.
What to bring
- Binoculars. Even a basic pair makes a huge difference. - A field guide or a bird app on your phone (set to silent). - Muted clothing and comfortable, closed shoes. - A warm layer for winter mornings, which can be cold and misty. - A notebook, if you like keeping a list. Be warned: it's surprisingly addictive.
Beginner's tips
- Listen first. You'll often hear a bird well before you see it. - Let your guide spot, then follow their directions using a landmark ("left of the dead tree"). - Don't chase a bird for a photo. Stay still and it may well come back. - Pick a few species you'd love to see and mention them to your guide at the start.
Fitting birdwatching into your trip
Our 2 and 3-night packages finish with an early bird-watching outing on the last morning, and the 4 nights / 5 days package has two, which makes it the natural choice for keen birders. Let us know your experience level and the birds you're hoping for, and we'll suggest the best times and places for your dates.