What we say

Sapana means “dream” in Nepali, and Dhruba Giri has been building his since childhood. What started as a small lodge in Sauraha has become something genuinely rare in Chitwan: a place where every night you stay directly funds education, healthcare, and livelihoods for the surrounding community. You can feel it in the staff, the food, the guiding, and the quiet pride that runs through everything here.

The lodge itself is comfortable rather than fancy, rooms designed in traditional Tharu style with handcrafted decor and private balconies overlooking lush gardens. The restaurant serves authentic Nepali and Tharu cuisine alongside international options. But the experiences set Sapana apart: expert-guided safaris into Chitwan for rhino and tiger, canoe rides on the Rapti, and Tharu cultural evenings that feel participatory rather than performative. The elephant welfare sanctuary is a thoughtful addition.

Chitwan has no shortage of lodges. What it lacks are lodges where the founder grew up in the community he now employs, educates, and supports. That distinction matters.

Our three words:

Community | Wildlife | Purpose

Philippa…

Hotel Story

Boutique | Wildlife Lodge | Traditional

Founded by visionary social entrepreneur Dhruba Giri, Sapana Village Lodge represents a childhood dream realized through dedication to community service. A passionate tourism entrepreneur and conservation advocate from Chitwan, Dhruba envisioned creating meaningful connections between travelers, nature, and local communities. His lifelong commitment to social entrepreneurship drives the lodge’s authentic approach to hospitality.

The lodge’s philosophy centers on creating a tourism model that seamlessly blends cultural authenticity, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment. This approach ensures that both guests and locals benefit equally from tourism activities, fostering sustainable development while preserving traditional Tharu culture and protecting Chitwan’s precious ecosystems.

Located in Sauraha’s heart, this eco-retreat combines traditional Tharu architecture with modern sustainable practices. Guests experience authentic cultural performances, hands-on community interactions, and thrilling wildlife safaris in Chitwan National Park. The lodge’s name “Sapana” (meaning “dream” in Nepali) reflects its vision of harmonious spaces where travelers connect with nature, culture, and themselves. Surrounded by lush gardens near the park’s wildlife, visitors can watch elephants bathing in rivers, explore jungle trails, and participate in conservation activities. The lodge actively supports local education, community development, and wildlife conservation, creating a perfect blend of adventure, tranquility, and meaningful impact.

SUSTAINABLE SCORE : 60/70

  • Land reclamation/rewilding:  7.5
  • Food from a 50-mile radius: 9
  • Organic food used: 8
  • Wastewater is recycling: 7
  • Natural construction materials: 9.5
  • Single use plastic bottles. 9.5
  • Percentage of staff are locals? 9.5

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

  • Education Support: Benefiting 6,000+ students across 40 schools through lunch programs, scholarships, and building construction.
  • Healthcare Services: Providing medical camps and health post construction, serving 5,100+ individuals across 763 households.
  • Income Generation: Supporting 150+ individuals and 130 families with skill training and SME loans.
  • WASH Program: Constructing latrines and drinking water facilities for 144 families across 10 communities.
  • Women’s Empowerment: Enabling 700+ women in 17+ groups through education, financial aid, and training.
  • Environment al Conservation: Supporting 1,300+ families through nurseries, organic farming, and smokeless kitchens.
  • Annual Tree Plantation: Planting thousands of seedlings yearly for environmental protection.

SUSTAINABLE SCORE : 60/70

  • Land reclamation/rewilding:  7.5
  • Food from a 50-mile radius: 9
  • Organic food used: 8
  • Wastewater is recycling: 7
  • Natural construction materials: 9.5
  • Single use plastic bottles. 9.5
  • Percentage of staff are locals? 9.5

SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES

  • Education Support: Benefiting 6,000+ students across 40 schools through lunch programs, scholarships, and building construction.
  • Healthcare Services: Providing medical camps and health post construction, serving 5,100+ individuals across 763 households.
  • Income Generation: Supporting 150+ individuals and 130 families with skill training and SME loans.
  • WASH Program: Constructing latrines and drinking water facilities for 144 families across 10 communities.
  • Women’s Empowerment: Enabling 700+ women in 17+ groups through education, financial aid, and training.
  • Environment al Conservation: Supporting 1,300+ families through nurseries, organic farming, and smokeless kitchens.
  • Annual Tree Plantation: Planting thousands of seedlings yearly for environmental protection.

EXPERIENCES

HOW TO REACH HERE

BY AIR: The nearest airport is Bharatpur Airport (Chitwan), approximately 30 minutes drive from Sapana Village Lodge. Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) is about 4-5 hours by road, while Gautam Buddha Airport (Lumbini) is approximately 3 hours away.

DESTINATIONS DISTANCE (KM) TIME (HR)
Bharatpur Airport 20 Km 30 Minutes
Kathmandu 180 Km 4-5 Hours
Pokhara 120 Km 3-4 Hours 
Lumbini 140 Km 3 Hours 
Chitwan National Park 2 Km 5 Minutes