The park is the last surviving example of the natural ecosystems of the Terai region and covers subtropical lowland, wedged between two east-west river valleys at the base of the Siwalik range of the outer Himalayas. The core area lies between the Narayani (Gandak) and Rapti rivers to the north and the Reu River and Nepal-India international border in the south, over the Sumeswar and Churia hills, and from the Dawney hills west of the Narayani, and borders with Parsa Wildlife Reserve to the east. In 1996, an area of 75,000 hectares consisting of forests and private lands and surrounding the park was declared as a buffer zone. In 2003, Beeshazar and associated lakes within the buffer zone were designated as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention.
Wildlife and vegetation:
There are more than 43 species of mammals in the park. The park is specially renowned for the protection of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, tiger, gharial crocodile along with many other common species of wild animals. The estimated population of endangered species of animals such as gaur, wild elephant, four horned antelope, striped hyena, pangolin, gangetic dolphin, monitor lizard and python, etc.
Some of the other animals found in the park are samber, chital, hog deer, barking deer, sloth bear, common leopard, ratel, palm civet, wild dog, langur, rhesus monkey, etc.
There are over 450 species of birds in the park. Among the endangered birds found in the park are Bengal florican, giant hornbill, lesser florican, black stork and white stork, Few of the common birds seen are peafowl, red jungle fowl, and different species of egrets, herons, kingfishers, flycatchers and woodpeckers. The best time for bird watching is March and December.
More than 45 species of amphibians and reptiles occur in the park and some of which are marsh mugger crocodile, cobra, green pit viper and various species of frogs and tortoises.
The park is actively engaged in the scientific studies of several species of wild flora and fauna.
Some of the other animals found in the park are samber, chital, hog deer, barking deer, sloth bear, common leopard, ratel, palm civet, wild dog, langur, rhesus monkey, etc.
There are over 450 species of birds in the park. Among the endangered birds found in the park are Bengal florican, giant hornbill, lesser florican, black stork and white stork, Few of the common birds seen are peafowl, red jungle fowl, and different species of egrets, herons, kingfishers, flycatchers and woodpeckers. The best time for bird watching is March and December.
More than 45 species of amphibians and reptiles occur in the park and some of which are marsh mugger crocodile, cobra, green pit viper and various species of frogs and tortoises.
The park is actively engaged in the scientific studies of several species of wild flora and fauna.
"Chitwan National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Nepal. "
What Tourists love to do in Chitwan National Park:
1.Jungle walks/trekking:
Choose between half day, full day, two/three day, one week or private jungle treks. You can go in a group or alone. Costs may or may not include meals. In many cases a guesthouse will provide a packed lunch/dinner.
Prices start from around 1 400 rupees for a half day tour to 1800 for a full day tour based on 4 people. Overnight walks usually include accommodation. Is traveling alone prices double - but do shop around as you will get cheaper rates.
Half day tours usually only end up seeing jungle, Rhesus monkeys and a few birds. If lucky maybe a Rhino too! Full day tours will have a greater chance at seeing a Rhino, birds and other wildlife. Overnight tours that go deeper into the jungle have very good chances at seeing Rhino and a fair chance at seeing a tiger.
Prices start from around 1 400 rupees for a half day tour to 1800 for a full day tour based on 4 people. Overnight walks usually include accommodation. Is traveling alone prices double - but do shop around as you will get cheaper rates.
Half day tours usually only end up seeing jungle, Rhesus monkeys and a few birds. If lucky maybe a Rhino too! Full day tours will have a greater chance at seeing a Rhino, birds and other wildlife. Overnight tours that go deeper into the jungle have very good chances at seeing Rhino and a fair chance at seeing a tiger.
2.Jeep Jungle tours:
Jeep tours are offered for those wanting to go deep into the jungle quickly. They are often mixed with day excursions and packages. Prices are generally around USD $170 per day inclusive of accommodation and food.
2/3 day package tours are often better value but only if you book in person in Chitwan rather than online where the prices are slightly crazy.
2/3 day package tours are often better value but only if you book in person in Chitwan rather than online where the prices are slightly crazy.
3.Elephant ride jungle treks:
Elephant treks in Chitwan are offered by all lodges and tour agencies . They generally last between 1 and 1.5 hours. Elephant jungle tours usually have three times. Early morning, mid morning and late afternoon.
4. Visit Elephant breeding center:
Located in Sauraha the Elephant breeding center was set up to protect the endangered elephants in the region. There are often many baby elephants there, and a small museum. The center is walkable from Sauraha but it will take 1 hour depending on the heat and road conditions. Tours or rickshaw transport are available part of the way.Opening hours are 6am to 6pm though generally it starts to close around 5pm.
5.Elephant washing:
You can buy a ticket to wash an elephant in the Rapti river from many guesthouses or travel agencies. Mahout (Elephant riders) come to bathe their elephants after a long day's work. They'll often do some showing off and accept tips. Then sit back and enjoy the sunset over the river!
6.River boating and canoeing:
Many agencies either rent out canoes or offer half day canoe rides in the Rapti river. Package tours often include 1-2 hours canoeing and then a half day trek back through the jungle as part of the full day jungle trek.River dolphins are rarely seen anymore.
Local canoes are quite thin and feel unstable, though accidents rarely occur. River boating often highlights the many crocodiles that inhabit the river. There are a wide range of birds also found along the river.
Local canoes are quite thin and feel unstable, though accidents rarely occur. River boating often highlights the many crocodiles that inhabit the river. There are a wide range of birds also found along the river.
Best time to visit Chitwan National Park:
Chitwan National Park is open year round with most wildlife visible. However during the end of the dry season in October to December there is a greater chance of seeing tigers and other wildlife as they come out to the waterholes. Local guides also mention November and December as being good times though it's not that hot.
From June - to September it is both Nepal's Hot season and Monsoon season. It can get very hot and humid in Chitwan at this time of year making trekking uncomfortable for many.Chitwan National Park stands today as a successful testimony of nature conservation in South Asia.
Chitwan National Park is open year round with most wildlife visible. However during the end of the dry season in October to December there is a greater chance of seeing tigers and other wildlife as they come out to the waterholes. Local guides also mention November and December as being good times though it's not that hot.
From June - to September it is both Nepal's Hot season and Monsoon season. It can get very hot and humid in Chitwan at this time of year making trekking uncomfortable for many.Chitwan National Park stands today as a successful testimony of nature conservation in South Asia.
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