The Postcard Hotel is set to enter the Nepalese hospitality market with the opening of The Postcard on the Rapti River, Chitwan, in November 2026. The 22-room-and-suite luxury property will be located along the Rapti River, adjacent to the buffer zone of Chitwan National Park, marking the brand’s expansion into its fourth country after India, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.
Founded in 2018, The Postcard Hotel currently operates 13 luxury properties across India, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. The Nepal property will further expand the brand’s portfolio into the country’s growing luxury wildlife and nature tourism segment. The announcement follows a strong year for the brand, which received 12 awards at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony in the Maldives, including the title of Asia’s Leading Boutique Hotel Brand for another consecutive year.
Focus on Nature, Wildlife and Conservation
According to Kapil Chopra, founder and chief executive officer of The Postcard Hotel, the brand has focused on developing properties in destinations that remain beyond conventional tourism routes. “We have always believed that some of the world’s most remarkable destinations are those that remain beyond the usual travel map. Our ambition is to bring these places to life through hotels that are deeply rooted in their surroundings, while allowing the destination itself to take centre stage,” Chopra said.
He said the company was attracted to the Chitwan project by the vision of Savanna Vaidya Basnyat and her father, Suraj, who aim to showcase Nepal beyond its mountains while developing a property that respects the landscape, wildlife and local communities. Savanna Vaidya Basnyat, owner of The Postcard on the Rapti River, said the project has been developed with the objective of highlighting Nepal’s forests, rivers, wildlife and local communities alongside its mountain destinations.
“My father, Suraj, and I have spent years bringing The Postcard on the Rapti River to life. From the moment we discovered this beautiful bend in the river, overlooking the forest and the hills beyond, we knew we had found something truly special,” she said. She added that conservation tourism is at the centre of the project, with the property intended to promote greater harmony between tourism development and the natural environment.
Riverfront Location Overlooking Chitwan National Park
The property will be situated along the Rapti River with views towards Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity and wildlife. The national park is home to several iconic and endangered species, including the greater one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, leopard, sloth bear and gharial. Nepal’s 2021 national rhino census recorded 694 rhinoceroses in and around Chitwan, making the region the country’s most important habitat for the species. The location is expected to position the hotel as a luxury base for travellers seeking wildlife experiences while also providing access to the river, forest and surrounding communities.
Spacious Suites and Luxury Facilities
The Postcard on the Rapti River will feature 22 rooms and suites, with accommodation starting at 1,300 square feet. Each room will include a private sit-out overlooking either the Rapti River or the surrounding forest. The property’s largest accommodation, the two-bedroom Presidential Suite, will cover approximately 5,000 square feet and feature a private swimming pool. The resort will also include an indoor-outdoor restaurant and bar, a swimming pool, spa treatment rooms, a steam room and sauna. The property is designed to combine luxury accommodation with immersive nature experiences, allowing guests to explore Chitwan beyond the hotel premises.
Safari, River and Community Experiences
Guests will have access to a range of nature- and culture-based experiences, including jeep safaris, guided forest walks, canoe excursions along the Rapti River, and birdwatching. The hotel will also organise visits to nearby Tharu villages, offering visitors opportunities to experience the culture and communities of the Chitwan region. The property will join The Postcard Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in the brand’s wildlife-focused portfolio. The company also has future wildlife properties planned in Jawai, Kanha and Pench.
Accessible from Kathmandu via Bharatpur
Despite its location in a nature-focused destination, the property is expected to offer relatively convenient access for international and domestic travellers. Guests can fly from Kathmandu to Bharatpur Airport, with the flight taking around 25 minutes, followed by approximately a 40-minute drive to the property.
The hotel has announced introductory rates starting at Rs. 136,000 per suite, inclusive of its Anytime Breakfast and Anytime Check-In and Check-Out services. The arrival of The Postcard Hotel in Chitwan is expected to add a new luxury hospitality offering to Nepal’s wildlife tourism sector while strengthening the destination’s appeal among high-end travellers seeking nature, conservation and experiential tourism.
