Located in one of South Asia's most significant wildlife destinations, the hotel has been designed to make Chitwan's natural surroundings central to the guest experience. Chitwan National Park, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, protects one of Nepal's last major surviving natural landscapes in the Terai region. Its grasslands, dense sal forests and riverine ecosystems support a wide range of wildlife, including the greater one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, leopards, sloth bears and the endangered gharial.
According to Nepal's 2021 national rhino census, Chitwan and its surrounding areas were home to 694 rhinoceroses, making the region the country's most important stronghold for the species. The park has also recorded more than 525 bird species, establishing it as a significant birdwatching destination in the region.
The Postcard on the Rapti River will feature 22 spacious rooms and suites, with accommodation starting at 1,300 sq. ft. Each unit will have a private sit-out overlooking the river or forest. Guests may occasionally spot rhinoceroses and crocodiles along the riverbanks, while sightings of Bengal tigers and sloth bears are also possible. On fortunate days, visitors may have the opportunity to observe wildlife from their rooms.
The property's two-bedroom Presidential Suite will extend across 5,000 sq. ft. and include a private pool, offering additional space and privacy. Guests will enter through a Temple Court constructed around a stupa, reflecting the hotel's architectural approach to its natural and cultural setting.
Dining and leisure facilities have also been designed around the surrounding landscape. Tree Tops, the hotel's indoor-outdoor restaurant and bar, will occupy an elevated deck overlooking the forest. It will offer The Postcard's signature anytime breakfast, allowing guests to choose their preferred dining schedule.
In the evenings, Tribal Circle will bring guests together around a bonfire for an open-air barbecue inspired by the culinary traditions of the Tharu community, which is indigenous to the Terai region.
The property will also feature a swimming pool, spa treatment rooms, a steam room and a sauna. An elevated viewing deck near the pool will provide panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness and opportunities to spot wildlife.
Guests will be able to explore Chitwan through naturalist-led jeep safaris, guided forest walks, canoe excursions along the Rapti River and birdwatching experiences. Visits to nearby Tharu villages will introduce visitors to the region's cultural heritage and the communities that have lived alongside its forests and rivers for generations.
Despite its wilderness setting, the hotel is accessible from Kathmandu. Bharatpur Airport is approximately 25 minutes away by air from Kathmandu, followed by a 40-minute drive to the property.
Kapil Chopra, Founder and CEO of The Postcard Hotel, said the brand has consistently focused on destinations that remain beyond conventional travel routes. He said its ambition is to introduce such places through hotels that are closely connected to their surroundings while keeping the destination itself at the centre of the experience.
Chopra said the project was particularly appealing because of the commitment demonstrated by Savanna and her father, Suraj, to showcasing Nepal beyond its mountains. Their vision of developing a property that respects the landscape, wildlife and local communities aligned with the brand's hospitality philosophy.
He added that The Postcard on the Rapti River represents the kind of destination the brand wants to introduce to international travellers, offering not only accommodation but also a meaningful connection with a lesser-discovered part of the world.
Savanna Vaidya Basnyat, Owner of The Postcard on the Rapti River, said Nepal is often associated with its mountains, while the Terai region offers another remarkable landscape of forests, rivers, wildlife and communities. She described Chitwan as one of the most valuable parts of this natural heritage and said sharing its beauty with the world was a personal passion.
Savanna said she and her father, Suraj, had spent years bringing the project to life. From the time they discovered the location overlooking the forest and surrounding hills along a bend of the river, they wanted to create a property that belonged to its surroundings rather than simply occupied the landscape. She credited her father with playing a central role in turning their vision into reality and described the process of building the project together as a special journey.
She said the project was about more than hospitality, focusing on conservation tourism and creating opportunities for tourism and nature to coexist in harmony.
According to Savanna, The Postcard shared their belief that extraordinary destinations should be experienced in ways that preserve their character. She said the hotel reflected their love for Nepal and their desire to introduce its natural heritage to the world. She also expressed hope that the property would encourage travellers to discover the Terai, experience Chitwan and recognise the importance of protecting these landscapes for future generations.
The Nepal launch follows a significant year for The Postcard Hotel. In September 2026, the brand received 12 honours at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony in the Maldives, more than any other hotel brand in Asia that year. The recognitions included the title of Asia's Leading Boutique Hotel Brand for another consecutive year.
The Postcard on the Rapti River will join The Postcard Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in the brand's growing portfolio of wildlife-focused destinations. The company also has plans for future hotels in Jawai, Kanha and Pench, further expanding its presence across some of the Indian subcontinent's notable natural landscapes.
Rates at The Postcard on the Rapti River will start at INR 85,000 onwards per suite. The price will include the brand's signature Anytime Breakfast and Anytime Check-In & Check-Out.
Founded in December 2018 by Kapil Chopra, alongside experienced luxury hoteliers Akanksha Lamba, Anirudh Kandpal and Raman Bansal, The Postcard Hotel was established to challenge conventional luxury hospitality practices and bring greater freedom, discovery and a sense of place to travel.
The brand currently operates 13 luxury hotels across India, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Its entry into Nepal will mark the next stage of its international expansion. Its hospitality model combines spacious accommodation, personalised service, regional cuisine and local experiences, supported by signature offerings such as anytime check-in and check-out and anytime breakfast.
With some of the highest average room rates in India and consistently strong guest ratings across leading global travel platforms, The Postcard Hotel has developed a distinct position in the luxury hospitality sector. Its portfolio includes Himalayan retreats, wildlife sanctuaries, secluded beaches, riverfront properties, tea estates and restored heritage properties, each selected for its distinctive setting.
With five new hotels scheduled to open over the next six months, the brand is continuing to expand its portfolio of intimate luxury properties across India and international destinations. The opening of The Postcard on the Rapti River will add Nepal's Chitwan region to that growing collection, bringing its hospitality offering into one of the country's prominent wildlife landscapes.
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