Chitwan, in the southern plains of Nepal, is a region full of natural beauty and rich culture. Here, thick jungles hide ancient stories, elephants & rhinos wander through the morning mist, and the sounds of birds fill the air at sunrise. Located in the southern plains, Chitwan is famous for its rich wildlife, beautiful forests, and Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This region gives filmmakers the chance to capture raw nature, traditional village life, and the unique Tharu culture. 

Popular filming locations include Chitwan National Park, Sauraha, Bharatpur, and Devghat. You can also explore the peaceful Bishazari Tal (Twenty Thousand Lakes), hike to the scenic Siraichuli viewpoint, or visit the Elephant Breeding Center for rare close-ups of these majestic animals. Cultural gems like the Tharu Cultural House and natural spots like Jalbire Waterfall add even more depth to your story. If you’re looking to film something beyond the mountains, something full of warmth, wild beauty, and local color, Chitwan is the perfect place.

Filming Locations in Chitwan

Chitwan offers a wide range of diverse filming locations that are ideal for capturing not only the stunning natural beauty of the region but also its rich cultural depth. From dense jungles and vibrant wildlife to traditional villages and local festivals, Chitwan provides filmmakers with endless opportunities to showcase the unique harmony between nature and culture.

Here are some of the most popular and visually striking spots for filming in the region:

1. Chitwan National Park
   This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the crown jewel of Chitwan. It's home to rare wildlife like Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceroses, elephants, leopards, crocodiles, and over 500 bird species. The park’s lush jungles, grasslands, and rivers offer dramatic and wild backdrops for nature documentaries, adventure scenes, or eco-focused films.
2. Sauraha
   Located near the park entrance, Sauraha is a lively town that blends tourism with local life. It’s a great place for filming cultural scenes, jungle safaris, canoe rides, elephant bathing, and interactions between locals and nature. The sunsets along the Rapti River are especially cinematic.
3. Bharatpur
   Bharatpur is the largest city in Chitwan and serves as a commercial and transportation hub. It’s ideal for urban and transitional scenes where rural meets modern. The Narayani River, city markets, and surrounding farmlands offer diverse shooting possibilities.
4. Devghat
   One of Nepal’s most sacred Hindu pilgrimage sites, Devghat sits at the confluence of the Trishuli and Kali Gandaki rivers. It is perfect for spiritual or religious-themed scenes. The area features temples, caves, and peaceful riverbanks, adding a mystical feel to any production.
5. Bishazari Tal (Twenty Thousand Lakes)
   This wetland area is known for its scenic beauty and is rich in birdlife and aquatic animals. It offers tranquil water views, floating vegetation, and peaceful natural settings, ideal for serene or wildlife-focused scenes.
6. Siraichuli Viewpoint
   The highest hill in the Chitwan region, Siraichuli, offers panoramic views of the Himalayas, green hills, and the plains below. This location is great for aerial shots, sunrise or sunset scenes, and any footage requiring breathtaking natural beauty.
7. Elephant Breeding Center
   Located near Sauraha, this center offers a rare opportunity to film baby elephants and learn about elephant conservation efforts. It's a unique location for educational, wildlife, or family-oriented content.
8. Tharu Cultural House and Villages
   To showcase the culture of the Tharu people, you can film traditional houses, dances, costumes, and daily life in Tharu villages. The Tharu Cultural House in Sauraha also hosts performances and exhibits that bring the local heritage to life on screen.
9. Jalbire Waterfall
   Tucked away in a lush forest, Jalbire Waterfall is a hidden gem. The waterfall and surrounding landscape make it a beautiful setting for nature, adventure, or romantic scenes. Canyoning activities here also offer action-packed footage.

Each of these filming locations in Chitwan brings a different mood and visual style. If you're filming a documentary, feature film, travel show, or commercial, Chitwan has the variety and beauty to enhance your story.

Also Read: Discover Kathmandu

Why Film in Chitwan?

At Wilderness Film Productions, we highly recommend Chitwan as a top filming destination in Nepal. Chitwan is home to Nepal’s first national park, the UNESCO-listed Chitwan National Park, known for its rich wildlife such as tigers, rhinos, elephants, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species. It is perfect for capturing scenes of untouched nature, jungle landscapes, and wildlife in their natural habitat. The area also offers exciting adventures like jungle safaris, canoe rides, bird watching, and waterfall canyoning, which add action and variety to your footage.

Chitwan is not just wild but also well-developed and easy to access. Towns like Sauraha and Bharatpur provide good facilities, transport, and lodging, making your shoot more convenient. You will also find authentic Tharu culture, traditional villages, and vibrant local life that add cultural depth to your story. As your trusted film coordinator and fixer, Wilderness Film Productions takes care of everything, including permits, logistics, crew, and local support, so you can focus on creating great content.

To Conclude

Chitwan offers exceptional natural beauty, wildlife, cultural richness, and adventure, making it an ideal filming destination in Nepal. From the dense jungles and rare animals of Chitwan National Park to the vibrant local life and traditions of the Tharu people, this region provides diverse and captivating settings for any type of production. With well-developed infrastructure and convenient access through towns like Sauraha and Bharatpur, filmmakers can easily combine remote wilderness with comfortable facilities. Supported by experienced local coordinators like Wilderness Film Productions, your filming experience in Chitwan will be smooth, safe, and creatively rewarding.