Bishazari Tal lies in community-managed forest in the buffer zone, south of the Mahendra Highway near Tikauli, about 15 km from Sauraha and a similar distance from Bharatpur. The name means twenty thousand lakes, and while the real number is much smaller, the wetland is a maze of oxbow lakes, marshes and channels spread over about 32 km² of sal forest. Nepal listed it under the Ramsar Convention in August 2003 for its importance to water birds and wildlife.
The lakes are a corridor between Chitwan National Park and the forests of the Mahabharat range to the north, used by rhinos, wild elephants, leopards and occasionally tigers moving between them. For visitors, though, the main attraction is birds: storks, herons, egrets, kingfishers, cormorants and, in winter, migrant ducks on the water, with woodpeckers, hornbills and flycatchers in the forest around. Mugger crocodiles bask on the banks and in the shallows.
A trip to Bishazari Tal is quieter than a safari in the park. You walk the embankment and forest paths with a guide, climb a watchtower, and watch the water. Fees are lower, and the forest is managed by the local buffer-zone community. It suits birders, photographers and anyone wanting a half day away from Sauraha's jeeps. Go early, and bring binoculars.
What to see and do
- Ramsar-listed oxbow wetland
Listed in 2003, Bishazari Tal is a network of oxbow lakes and marshes left by old river channels. Its water and forest support birds, crocodiles and mammals, and link Chitwan National Park with the hill forests to the north.
- Winter water birds
From November to March the lakes fill with wintering ducks, storks and herons. Lesser adjutant, woolly-necked and black storks, purple herons, darters and several kingfishers are regular, along with forest birds around the shore.
- Mugger crocodiles on the banks
Mugger crocodiles bask on mud banks and lie half-submerged in the shallows, especially on sunny winter mornings. Watching from the embankment or a tower is safe; keep a respectful distance from the water's edge.
- Quiet forest walks
Paths lead through sal forest between the lakes, where spotted deer, monkeys and peafowl are common. It feels far from the jeeps of the park, and you may have the trail to yourself.
- Cycling route from Sauraha
A flat ride of about 15 km through Tharu villages and fields brings you from Sauraha to the lakes. It is a good half-day outing for active travellers, with a guide to show the way and the best viewpoints.
Experiences in Bishazari Tal
How to reach Bishazari Tal
Road
From Sauraha, drive ≈ 15 km · 30–40 min west via Tandi and Tikauli, or cycle in about 1.5 h. From Bharatpur, it is ≈ 15 km · 30 min east via Tikauli. The last section is a dirt track into the community forest; a jeep is easiest in the wet season.
On foot
Within the wetland, you walk the embankments and forest paths with a guide. A typical loop is 4–6 km and takes 2–3 hours with stops for birds and the watchtower.
Where to stay
There is no accommodation at the lakes. Stay in Sauraha, about 30–40 minutes away, where hotels such as Green Park Chitwan can arrange a guide and transport, or in Patihani or Bharatpur, which are also close. Birders on our Chitwan birding tour start the trip with a night in Sauraha so they can be at the lakes at dawn the next morning.
Tips from our trip managers
- Arrive at first light; birds are most active and crocodiles bask in the early sun.
- Hire a local guide at the community forest office; it supports the buffer-zone community and improves sightings.
- Stay well back from the water's edge, where mugger crocodiles can lie unseen in the shallows.
- Wear neutral colours, long trousers and closed shoes, and carry repellent for leeches after rain.
- A small entry fee applies for the community forest; carry Nepali rupees.
