Chitwan National Park

The Chitwan National Park, a successful testimony of nature conservation in South Asia, offers a wilderness of rich ecosystem that includes mammals, bird’s reptiles and water animals of diverse forms. This is the first national park of Nepal established in 1973 which is situated in the subtropical inner Terai lowlands of southern central part of Nepal. Because of its peculiarity and prosperity in both natural as well as ethnic cultural world the park has gained much wider recognition in the world when UNESCO included this area on the list of World Heritage Site in 1984.

Highlights

•  This southern plain land of Nepal consists of churia hills and is characterized by tropical to subtropical. The park boundaries have been delineated by the Narayani and Rapti rivers in the north and west where there are more than 43 species of mammals. Moreover, the park is especially renowned for the protection of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros and other most sought animals like tiger, wild elephant and gharial among others. Likewise, the animals like samber, chital, hog deer, barking deer, sloth bear, common leopard, ratel, palm civet, wild dog, langur and rhesus monkey among others are its additional prosperity in animal world.
• The existence of over 450 species of birds in the park is its next highlight. The endangered birds found in the park are Bengal florican, giant hornbill, lesser florican, black stork and white stork among others. The beautiful birds like herons, kingfishers, flycatchers, dove, parrot and woodpeckers are all there to welcome its visitors where the delighted spirits dances with peacock.
• More than 45 species of amphibians and reptiles exist in Chitwan National Park. Marsh mugger crocodile, cobra and green pit viper, for instance, are the examples of endangered reptiles found here. Moreover, its visitor encounters various species of frogs and tortoises.
• Chitwan National Park, in addition, is equally reputed for its diversity in plant species. Tall trees, yellow flowered mustard field all around, grassland and reverie forest with khair, sal, sissoo and simal are the example of its rich bio diversity.

The place is equally known for its cultural prosperity. Its visitors are delighted by Cultural dance, as well as distinct life style from Tharu community, a tribe that inhabits in southern Terai of Nepal.

Activities:

Most of the visitors visit this beautiful land to enjoy nature and bio diversity. However, some of the frequent activities in this park include;

• Elephant ride
• Canoeing
• Guided jungle walk
• Terai culture show( Tharu dance and their lifestyle)
• Wildlife breeding projects
• 4WD safaris
• Elephant Bath
• and sometimes for the game called elephant polo (played only in this place)

How to Get There:

• The park is accessible by car or bus on the Kathmandu-Mugling-Narayangh Highway and or through Mahindra Highway from Hetauda. It is about 6 hour's drive from Kathmandu to Narayanghat. Local buses are available to Tandi Bazar which is about half an hour drive form Narayanghat. A 6 km walk or bullock cart ride brings the visitors to Sauraha, the park entrance. Also air services from Kathmandu to Meghauli for US$82 each way and Bharatpur US$65 each way are available. Local buses are available form Narayanghat to Park HQ-. Kasara.

Entry fees into Chitwan National Park:

• National Park entry fee per person per day:
• For Nepali Nationals Rs 20
• For SAARC Nationals Rs 200
• For Foreign Nationals Rs 500
• Children under 10 years Free
• Elephant ride for about 2 hrs. - Rs 550 - (Nepali's Rs 100)
• Fishing permit - Rs 300 - (Nepali's Rs 20)
• Camping per night per person - Rs 300 - (Nepali's Rs 20)
• Guided jungle walk - Rs 250/400 for half day/full day - (Nepali's Rs 20)
• Canoeing - Rs 230 per person
• 4WD safari - Rs 650 per person
• Gharial crocodile breeding centre - included in the park entrance fee
• Elephant breeding centre - included in the park entrance fee
• Lodges offer all-inclusive packages for 2 to 4 days for those who want everything pre- organized by the lodge guides.

Chitwan National Park, thus, is one of the most significant places for Nepal tour. To perceive it first hand is wise and best way to make the visit memorable life experience.