Published
Ask anyone who visited Chitwan years ago about their trip, and there's a good chance elephant bathing will come up. It was a much-loved part of the old programme: a splash in the Rapti River on a hot day, with an elephant doing most of the splashing. Things have moved on since then, so here's what you need to know now. For our current information on the activity, see the elephant bathing page.
What the old programme involved
Elephant bathing was a seasonal activity, offered in the warmer months from about March to July. In winter it was simply too cold for the elephants. Visitors would wade into the river and help with the bath, usually getting thoroughly soaked in the process.
What to check today
Current programmes and rules may differ from the archived ones, so please don't plan your trip around elephant bathing without asking us first. Questions worth asking: - Is it running at all on your dates? - Is any hands-on participation allowed, or is it watching only? - What animal-care practices are followed? - What are the visitor guidelines on the riverbank?
If it isn't available, there's no need to be disappointed. Chitwan's hot season has plenty of other ways to fill an afternoon.
Other ways to cool off
From March to June, daytime temperatures can climb as high as 43°C, so a slow afternoon is no bad thing. - Take the canoe ride on the Rapti River. You'll be on the water, and it's one of the best ways to look for crocodiles and river birds. - Have a swim. Our longer itineraries include free time for exactly this. - Head down to the river for sunset with a cold drink once the heat breaks. - Choose early outings, while the air is still cool.
Hot-season packing
- A reusable water bottle. Drink more than you think you need. - A wide-brimmed hat and plenty of sunscreen. - Swimwear and quick-drying clothes. - Sandals for the riverbank, as well as closed shoes for walks. - Insect repellent, especially towards dusk.
A note on the monsoon
Pre-monsoon storms usually arrive towards the end of May, and the monsoon proper tends to begin around the middle of June. Rivers can rise quickly then, so any river activity depends on the conditions and your guide's judgement on the day.
If you're travelling in the warmer months, a 2 nights / 3 days stay gives you time for the river and the forest without cramming everything into the hottest part of the day.