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Sapana Elephant Care is located in Sauraha-7, Sapana Village Lodge, Chitwan, Nepal. We are dedicated to the rescue, protection, and lifelong care of elephants in a natural and compassionate environment.
Our mission focuses on Rescue & Protection for elephants who have suffered from abuse, neglect, or exploitation. We provide a safe haven where elephants can heal both physically and emotionally.
We offer Lifelong Care to ensure rescued elephants live with dignity, respect, and freedom. Through Education & Awareness, we work to inspire responsible tourism and promote elephant welfare.
Sapana Elephant Care also supports Sustainable Tourism, allowing visitors to experience ethical elephant interactions while helping protect wildlife and support local communities in Chitwan.
Learn More About Us
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If you love and respect elephants, join our ethical experiences
Jungle Walks
With Breakfast
Ethical Elephant Experience
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Namaste! I am Dhurba Giri, a social entrepreneur from Sauraha, Chitwan, Nepal, driven by a passion for hospitality, community development, and turning dreams into reality. My journey began at 14 as a waiter, where I learned English through conversations with guests. Despite challenges, my dedication never wavered, and I dreamed of building a business that could uplift my community.
A turning point came when I met Judit Hummel from the Netherlands. Her family’s generous support allowed me to rent a small hotel, marking the start of my entrepreneurial path. In 2001, I purchased land to establish Sapana Village Lodge (www.sapanalodge.com), named after the Nepali word for "dream." The lodge became a hub for sustainable tourism, local employment, and social impact.
Dhurba Giri
Founder, Sapana Lodge
Founder | Chairperson, SVSI – Sapana Village Social Impact
Founder, Sapana School
Nepal is home to a small but precious population of wild Asian elephants. They roam the lowland Terai region, moving between forests, grasslands, and rivers along the southern border. Protecting them means protecting the habitats and communities they share.
Asian elephants are listed as Endangered by the IUCN
Wild herds live in Nepal's southern Terai plains
Chitwan, Bardia, Parsa, Shuklaphanta & Koshi Tappu
Led by a matriarch, family groups stay closely bonded
Wild elephants in Nepal depend on a mix of landscapes: tall elephant grass, riverine forests, sal forests, and wetlands. Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site just beside Sauraha, is one of the most important strongholds for wildlife in the country.
Habitat loss, fragmented corridors, and conflict with farming communities are the main pressures on Nepal's wild elephants. Government agencies, national park teams, conservation groups, and local communities are working together to protect them.
We give abused and neglected elephants a safe, chain-free life with lifelong care.
We teach visitors and local communities why elephant welfare and wild habitats matter.
Ethical, observation-based experiences that respect elephants and support local livelihoods.
“Sapana Village Lodge offers a truly ethical and meaningful experience. Seeing elephants roam freely without chains and observing their natural behaviour was deeply moving. The lodge combines comfort, conservation, and genuine care.”
— Himal Shahi Thakuri, Nepal