Among the two national parks listed in the UNESCO World Heritage list from Nepal. The Chitwan National Park is a protected area for conservation of the natural habitat, flora and fauna of the subtropical scape of Nepal. The park is home to 68 species of mammals, 544 species of birds, 56 species of herpetofauna(amphibians) and 126 species of fish. The park is home to the One Horned Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger and Gharial Crocodiles. Through in-situ conservation methods, translocation programs, patrol guarding and monitoring the park has reduced the illegial activities such as poaching, unauthorized deforestation and also increased the social wellbeing of the individuals surrounding the buffer zone. The national park has grown into a prime tourism hub for enthusiasts of wildlife, photography, bird watching and sight seeing. Through private and governmental efforts the park has seen numerous progressions.
For anyone visiting Nepal for the first time, there are a multitude of things to do and see. The possibilities of being wowed by the breathtaking sceneries, and the diverse and warm welcomes of the array of cultural identities is very high. There is so much to experience in this little landlocked country than one could ever imagine. Some of the most popular destinations in Nepal are away from the capital city of Kathmandu, be it the beautiful haven of Pokhara or the lush green tranquillity of Chitwan, there is so much to take in, that maybe even your heart would want more.
Among the most popular destinations is Chitwan which in turn gives you the pleasure and thrill of indulging in a jungle safari through the lush forests of Sauraha within the heart of the Chitwan National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed reserve protects more than 932 sq. km of forests, marshland and grassland that is home to sizeable animal populations, making it one of the best national wildlife parks in Asia. The park gives you an excellent chance of spotting one-horned rhinos, deer, monkeys, and some among more than 500 species of birds. Though it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to spot a majestic Bengal tiger, it remains the premier attraction among the wildlife present. Going through the park can give you a few choices between elephant safari and jeep safari but providing the same thrill that the park promises.
The main transportation hub for the Chitwan area is the city of Narayangarh in Bharatpur, from where you can go to Sauraha in the east or Meghauli village to the west. There are regular bus services as well as an airport in Bharatpur with flights operating from Kathmandu and Pokhara. There are direct buses to and from Kathmandu as well. All “tourist” buses going from Kathmandu or Pokhara with the main destination “Chitwan National Park” go to the town of Sauraha and will leave passengers in a bus station 7 km far from town, from where they need to take a taxi, bicycle rickshaw or ox cart. There is a variety of activities that you can take part in once at Chitwan National Park. Each of the activities will fill your adventurous cravings and treat you to a wonderful time. While wildlife spotting is the premier activity, these are the various activities that will provide you the extra thrill such as:
Elephant Back Safari Jeep Safari A Visit to the Elephant Breeding Centre and Gharial Breeding Centre Jungle Walks Canoe Ride