CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK is a preserved area in south-central Nepal’s Terai Lowlands, famous for its biodiversity. Its dense forests and grassy plains house rare mammals such as one-horned rhinos and tigers of Bengal. The park shelters many species of birds including the giant hornbill. Dugout canoes cross the northern Rapti River which is home to crocodiles. There is Balmiki Ashram within the park, a Hindu pilgrimage site. Chitwan National Park, the oldest national park in Nepal, covers the areas of Chitwan, Nawalparasi, and some parts of Parsa and Makawanpur district with a total area of 932 km2 (360 sq mi). The park was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1984.
It provides elephant safaris, nature walks and Jeep and Boat tours. The park is home to many animal species such as the sloth bear, leopards, crocodiles, monkeys, many different butterfly species and over 450 colorful and endangered bird species. In the summer months, the forest is alive with nesting migrant birds, such as the paradise flycatcher, the Indian pitta, and parakeets.
Highlights About Chitwan National park safari
- Elephant jungle safari spotting various species of wildlife, mammals & bird spices.
- Safari jeep, bird watching, canoeing on traditional canoe dugout.
- Visit the Village of Tharu to witness local culture and tradition.
- Follow tiger trails with your trained naturalist guide through the jungle
- Visit the largest breeding center of Elephants in Nepal
- Canoe on Chitwan Lakes and Rivers
How do I get to national park Chitwan?
You can get to Chitwan national park either by Bus or Flight.
There are daily 5 flights from Kathmandu to Chitwan and 2 flights from Pokhara to Chitwan. After getting at Bharatpur Domestic airport you can catch a bus or jeep to travel towards National park.
The other way to get to Chitwan is from Kathmandu by tourist bus / AC bus (Rs 500 / Rs 650, five to seven hours). Buses leave Kantipath at the Thamel end in Kathmandu at approximately 7 am. Tourist busses from Pokhara (Rs 400 to Rs 450, 5-7 hours) depart from the tourist bus stand at 7.30 am.
For which reason is Chitwan National Park famous?
Chitwan National Park is famous for the best wildlife-viewing national parks in Asia, where you’ll have a great chance to spot endangered one-horned Rhinos, Royal Bengal Tiger, Deer, Monkeys, Wild Boar and up to 544 bird species.
Some Interesting Facts about Chitwan National Park
- Chitwan National Park is oldest National park of Nepal and formally it is known as Royal Chitwan National Park.
- The word “Chitwan” means “Jungle heart.”
- Chitwan National Park is considered to be one of the best wildlife viewing National Parks in Asia.
- Chitwan National Park exists within a region of high humidity which is experiencing a tropical monsoon climate. The monsoon season runs from mid-June through to the end of September.
- Approximately two-thirds of the globally threatened species of birds found in Nepal are found in Chitwan National Park.
- There are at least 113 fish species in the waters of Chitwan, along with mugger crocodiles. There are also monitor lizards, rock pythons, king cobras, and tortoises.
Outlines ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival In Chitwan
You may choose road travel or flight to get chitwan and find the best hotels/lodge/resorts for the rest and prepare yourself to explore the beauty with the adventure of the next day.
Day 2: Full day exploring National Park
Get up early forget everything, grab breakfast and tightens your shoelaces and start exploring.
After breakfast, you get full day safari activities:
- Elephant back safari
- Canoe trip
- Elephant bathing
- Visit to the elephant breeding center
- Jungle walk in Chitwan National Park
If you’re fortunate, you’ll see most of the magnificent animals you ‘re spending time looking for; rhinoceros and Royal Bengal tigers from Chitwan. Common sights include also leopards, monkeys, numerous types of deer and reptiles. Bring your camera & gear-preferably with a telephoto lens and these amazing shots won’t be missed!
Day 3: Travel to your next Destination or Spend another day exploring
Find your next Destination Read >> 10 Best Places to visit in Nepal
Featured photo was taken from Here