The Postcard Hotel to enter Nepal with Chitwan riverfront retreat

• The 22-suite luxury property near Chitwan National Park scheduled to open in November 2026, marking the brand's expansion into its fourth country after India, Bhutan and Sri Lanka

KATHMANDU: The Postcard Hotel is set to enter the Nepal market with the opening of The Postcard on the Rapti River, Chitwan, in November 2026. The 22-room-and-suite luxury property, located along the Rapti River adjacent to the buffer zone of Chitwan National Park, will mark the brand's expansion into its fourth country after India, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.

The opening follows a year in which The Postcard Hotel received 12 awards at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony in the Maldives, including Asia's Leading Boutique Hotel Brand for another consecutive year, according to the company. Founded in 2018, The Postcard Hotel currently operates 13 luxury properties across India, Bhutan and Sri Lanka. Nepal will become the fourth country in its international portfolio.

"We have always believed that some of the world's most remarkable destinations are those that remain beyond the usual travel map. Our ambition is to bring these places to life through hotels that are deeply rooted in their surroundings, while allowing the destination itself to take centre stage," said Kapil Chopra, founder and chief executive officer of The Postcard Hotel.

He said the company was attracted to the project by the vision of Savanna Vaidya Basnyat and her father, Suraj, to showcase Nepal beyond its mountains and create a property that respects the landscape, wildlife and local communities.

Savanna Vaidya Basnyat, owner of The Postcard on the Rapti River, said the project aims to highlight Nepal's forests, rivers, wildlife and people alongside its mountains.

"My father, Suraj, and I have spent years bringing The Postcard on the Rapti River to life. From the moment we discovered this beautiful bend in the river, overlooking the forest and the hills beyond, we knew we had found something truly special," she said.

She added that the project is centred on conservation tourism and promoting harmony between tourism and nature.

The riverfront retreat will overlook Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognised for its rich biodiversity and wildlife, including the greater one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tiger, leopard, sloth bear and endangered gharial. According to Nepal's 2021 national rhino census, 694 rhinoceroses were recorded in and around Chitwan, making the area the country's most important habitat for the species.

The hotel will feature 22 rooms and suites starting at 1,300 square feet, each with private sit-outs overlooking the river or forest. The two-bedroom Presidential Suite will span 5,000 square feet and include a private pool.

The property will include an indoor-outdoor restaurant and bar, a swimming pool, spa treatment rooms, a steam room and sauna. Guests will also have access to jeep safaris, guided forest walks, canoe excursions along the Rapti River, birdwatching activities and visits to nearby Tharu villages.

The Postcard on the Rapti River will join The Postcard Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in the brand's wildlife portfolio. Future properties are planned in Jawai, Kanha and Pench.

Despite its location near one of Nepal's premier wildlife destinations, the hotel will be accessible via Bharatpur Airport, about 25 minutes by air from Kathmandu, followed by a 40-minute drive.

The hotel said introductory rates will start from Rs 136,000 per suite, including its Anytime Breakfast and Anytime Check-In and Check-Out services.