Postcard Hotel Launches Luxury Wildlife Retreat in Chitwan

The Postcard Hotel is expanding into Nepal with a new luxury retreat, The Postcard on the Rapti River, set to open on November 10, 2026. Located in Chitwan, this property marks the brand’s entry into its fourth country, following India, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka.

The 22-room-and-suite retreat sits along the Rapti River, adjacent to the Chitwan National Park buffer zone. Designed to offer an immersive wildlife experience, the property highlights Nepal’s Terai region and its natural and cultural heritage.

A Wildlife Haven in Chitwan

Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984, is known for its grasslands, sal forests, and riverine ecosystems. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including greater one-horned rhinoceroses, Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and endangered gharials. According to Nepal’s 2021 national rhino census, the region supports 694 rhinoceroses and over 525 bird species.

The retreat’s design incorporates elements of its surroundings, with guests entering through a Temple Court built around a stupa. Rooms and suites, starting at 1,300 sq ft, feature private sit-outs overlooking the river or forest. A 5,000 sq ft Presidential Suite includes a private swimming pool.

Dining and Amenities

Dining options include Tree Tops, an raised indoor-outdoor restaurant and bar with forest views, and Tribal Circle, offering open-air barbecues inspired by the indigenous Tharu community’s culinary traditions. The property also features The Postcard’s signature anytime breakfast concept.

Amenities include a swimming pool, spa treatment rooms, steam room, sauna, and an raised viewing deck. Guests can participate in naturalist-led jeep safaris, guided forest walks, canoe excursions, and birdwatching activities. Visits to nearby Tharu villages provide insights into the region’s cultural traditions.

A Vision for Conservation Tourism

The property is accessible via Bharatpur Airport, a 25-minute flight from Kathmandu, followed by a 40-minute drive. Kapil Chopra, Founder and CEO of The Postcard Hotel, emphasized the brand’s focus on off-the-beaten-path destinations and its commitment to letting the destination take center stage.

He highlighted the project’s alignment with the vision of Savanna Vaidya Basnyat, Owner of The Postcard on the Rapti River, and her father, Suraj. Their goal was to showcase Nepal’s Terai region while respecting its environment, wildlife, and communities.

Basnyat described the project as a personal endeavor rooted in her love for Nepal and its natural heritage. She stressed the importance of conservation tourism, aiming for tourism and nature to coexist harmoniously. She said, “I hope it inspires people to discover the beauty of the Terai, experience the magic of Chitwan, and recognise that the true value of these environments lies not in how many people visit them, but in how well we protect them for generations to come.”