Dawn birding walk with a naturalist
Chitwan's mix of sal forest, riverine woodland, tall grassland, oxbow lakes and broad rivers draws an unusually wide range of birds into a small area. Winter, from November to March, adds ducks, waders and raptors from Central Asia and Siberia to the resident species. We start at dawn, when birds are most active and the air is cool, with an experienced naturalist who knows the calls and the best spots near the lodge.
Typical sightings include great and oriental pied hornbills in the tall trees, several kinds of kingfisher and bee-eater along the rivers, parakeets and barbets in the forest, and serpent eagles and fishing eagles overhead. In the grasslands, with luck, you may see the Bengal florican, one of the world's rarest bustards. Our naturalist carries a telescope and a field guide, and helps with identification and photography without hurrying the pace.
Walks inside the park are led by licensed guides and follow strict rules, since rhinos, sloth bears and occasionally tigers share the forest. Groups stay small and close, keep quiet and follow the guide's instructions. Wear neutral colours, closed shoes and long trousers, and bring binoculars. The walk lasts about 3 hours, ending with breakfast at the lodge. Keen birders can combine it with an afternoon canoe trip or a full day in the grasslands of western Chitwan.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
Is walking inside Chitwan National Park safe?
Walking with licensed, experienced naturalists is generally safe, but it carries real risk, because rhinos, sloth bears and occasionally tigers are present. Guides choose routes with good visibility, keep groups small and brief everyone on what to do if animals approach. Follow every instruction, stay together and keep quiet. Children under about 12 are best on jeep and canoe safaris instead.
When is the best time for birding in Chitwan?
November to March is best, when resident species are joined by winter migrants and the weather is cool and dry. Early morning, from sunrise for about three hours, gives the most activity. February and March are also good for grassland species after the grass is cut. Spring adds breeding plumage and calls but brings rising heat.
Do we need binoculars and a field guide?
Bring your own binoculars if you can; 8x42 or 10x42 suits most people. Our naturalists carry a telescope and a field guide, and most lodges have spare binoculars, though numbers are limited. A bird list app helps you keep a record. Photographers should bring a lens of at least 300 mm for birds.
Also in Chitwan
More hours to plan around
