Nepal’s tourism sector has received a vibrant and hopeful boost with the recent arrival of Siddhartha Hospitality Group in Chitwan. With the grand opening of Siddhartha Palms Central Hotel Chitwan in Narayangadh and Siddhartha Sarang Wildlife and Retreat in Meghauli, the country’s largest hospitality chain has once again proven its commitment to excellence, community growth, and national pride. These new destinations are more than just luxurious getaways; they are symbols of progress, opportunity, and the evolving face of Nepali tourism.
From its modest roots in Tikapur back in 2054 B.S. (1997 A.D.), Siddhartha Hospitality has grown steadily under the visionary leadership of Founder and Chairman Mr. Laxman Neupane (Chintamani) and the dynamic CEO Mr. Krishna Neupane. What began as a local dream has now transformed into a household name in Nepali hospitality, with over 30 hotels, cafés, and restaurants spread across the country.
The official inauguration of the new hotels took place on April 14, 2025, coinciding with Nepali New Year 2082, a perfect day to mark a fresh chapter in Chitwan’s tourism journey. The former Central Palm Hotel on New Road, Narayangadh, has been rebranded as ‘Siddhartha Hotel, Chitwan’ and now operates under the group’s Vaibhav (four-star) standard. This transformation was made possible through a long-term lease agreement and reflects Siddhartha’s focus on revitalizing quality destinations.
Siddhartha Hotel Chitwan, set on 25 ropanis of green space near Pulchowk and the serene Narayani River, features 44 elegantly designed rooms, including deluxe, super deluxe, and suite categories. Guests can enjoy modern comforts like a swimming pool, gym, spa, boardroom, 400-seat conference hall, and Maya Dining Restaurant, all nestled in gardens full of mango, lychee, coconut, and supari trees that create a peaceful, resort-like atmosphere in the heart of the city.
In contrast, Siddhartha Sarang Wildlife and Retreat in Meghauli offers a completely different yet equally compelling experience. Located near the edge of Chitwan National Park, this eco-luxury retreat blends adventure with wellness. With luxury tents, suite rooms, yoga spaces, spa services, and a Tharu-inspired restaurant, it invites travelers to explore nature while embracing the warmth of local culture. Jungle safaris, tiger tracking, village tours, and nature hikes are just a few of the immersive activities on offer.
These two new additions complete Siddhartha’s three-tier hotel presence in Chitwan: Siddhartha Batika in Chumlingtar (three-star), Siddhartha Hotel Chitwan in Narayangadh (four-star), and Siddhartha Vilasa Banbas in Kumroj (five-star). The group has now positioned itself as a full-spectrum provider of hospitality experiences in one of Nepal’s most important tourism districts.
Yet, Siddhartha’s journey is not just about expanding hotels, it’s about empowering people. With over 2,500 employees across Nepal, the group continues to uplift lives, create jobs, and inspire communities. It also leads initiatives in agriculture, education, and IT, embodying a holistic development approach.
Chairman Laxman Neupane often says, “We grow because our customers trust us, and our team gives their best every day.” That spirit of trust and teamwork is evident in every Siddhartha property, and nowhere more than in this new Chitwan chapter. The group’s ambition doesn’t stop here. Feasibility studies are already underway for expansion in India, Bangladesh, and Dubai, showing that a Nepali brand can dream big and deliver globally.
At the same time, Siddhartha is embracing Nepal’s potential in health and wellness tourism by integrating yoga, mindfulness, and spa offerings into its services paving the way for a future where healing and hospitality go hand in hand.
As we welcome Siddhartha Hospitality to Chitwan, we also celebrate the strength of Nepali entrepreneurship and the bright path ahead for tourism. This isn’t just the launch of two hotels, it’s the beginning of new stories, new jobs, and new hopes. Nepal is proud, Chitwan is ready, and the world is watching.
Written By: Som Nath Sapkota (Tourism Promoter for the Wales Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal)
