Sauraha Hosts the 18th Annual Elephant Festival

Significant Highlights

Location and Timing

• Held in Sauraha, Chitwan, close to Chitwan National Park.
• Coincides with both English New Year and Christmas festivities.
• The festival spans five days, ending on December 30.

Major Attractions

Elephant-Centric Events

• Elephant parades, beauty contests, and football tournaments.
• Over 80 elephants, both private and government-owned, participate.
• Famous elephants like Champakali, Basnatikali, and Ramkali take part in penalty shootouts.
• Visitors can enjoy elephant picnics, where they can feed and interact with the elephants.

Cultural Activities

• Traditional performances showcasing local costumes and music.
• A great opportunity for visitors to experience Nepal’s rich cultural heritage.

Animal Welfare Initiatives

• Elephant polo has been removed to prioritize animal rights.
• Elephants receive regular breaks, including sugarcane snacks every 5 minutes of activity.
• The event follows welfare guidelines set by the Human Rights Commission.

Impact on Tourism

• Local hotels offer discounts on rooms and meals.
• Hotel occupancy rates increased from 40% to 65% during the event.

Memorable Experiences

• A perfect blend of wildlife interactions and cultural celebrations.
• Attracts tourists looking for a unique, immersive experience in Nepal.