Launched in 1998 (BS 2055), the Chitwan Elephant and Tourism Festival has grown into a major attraction for both domestic and international visitors. The annual Elephant and Tourism Festival, a major attraction aimed at promoting tourism in the popular destination of Sauraha, is set to take place from Poush 11 to 13 this year. The event is being organized by the Regional Hotel Association Nepal, Chitwan, in collaboration with the United Elephant Management Cooperative.
A Tradition Since 2055 B.S.
Launched in 2055 B.S., the Chitwan Elephant and Tourism Festival has become one of the region’s most anticipated tourism events. This year’s edition will feature a variety of programs, including elephant decoration competitions, elephant picnic activities, elephant health camps, and demonstrations showcasing the daily routines and care of elephants, according to the organizers.
Competitions and Safari Experiences for Visitors
Festival coordinator Gunaraj Thapaliya shared that this year’s festival will host a wide range of interactive and competitive events. These include a municipality-level boat race, elephant-friendly competitions, and special safari experiences designed to promote safari tourism.
Visitors will be offered elephant safari, jeep safari, and boat safari experiences, and approximately 80 elephants are expected to participate in various events.
Focus on Tourism, Conservation, and Coexistence
Thapaliya informed that the festival will also include discussions on Chitwan’s tourism potential and challenges, alongside several competitions. The event will feature:
- Art competitions
- School-level oratory competitions on human–wildlife coexistence, eco-tourism, and the role of elephants in conservation
- Exhibits and awareness materials presented by conservationists, environmental experts, and former wildlife officials highlighting the significance of elephants in eco-tourism
These programs aim to promote conservation awareness and responsible tourism practices among locals and visitors.
Tourist Inflow Expected to Rise by Up to 30%
Organizers estimate that the festival could boost tourist arrivals by 25% to 30%. To encourage participation, hotels and restaurants affiliated with the Regional Hotel Association and REBAN Sauraha have agreed to offer a 10% discount on accommodation and dining during the festival period.
According to Association President Om Prakash Pandey, the festival grounds will feature 25 stalls, showcasing various products, foods, and tourism-related displays. He expects around 20,000 spectators to attend the event. Pandey emphasized that Chitwan, known as a hub of biodiversity and wildlife tourism, relies heavily on elephants for safari tourism. “Safari tourism in Chitwan is unimaginable without elephants,” he said.
Sauraha: The Gateway to Chitwan National Park
Sauraha serves as the main entry point to Chitwan National Park, one of Nepal’s most iconic and globally renowned safari destinations. Tourists visiting the park and buffer-zone community forests often stay in local hotels, contributing significantly to the regional economy.
The festival is strategically organized during the low-tourist season to help boost tourism activities and create additional employment opportunities. Organizers believe the event will not only enhance tourism promotion but also generate livelihood opportunities for local communities.
