Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park is one of the oldest and famous national park of Asia, rich with Flora and Fauna. It encompasses an area of 360 sq. miles (932 sq kilometer) of sub-tropical forests comprising of grasslands, Sal forests and riverine forests. It is set against the backdrop of the Great Himalaya. This park is home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including several endangered species. Here, inside the park, you will discover towering trees and twisting vines thick grassland roaming Prehistoric rhino, lumbering elephants, crocodiles, python, brilliantly colored birds Insects Butterfly and if you are fortunate the superb majestic Royal Bengal Tiger (Panther a  tigris). It is the bird watcherâ€™s paradise, with over 528 species of resident and migratory birds having been identified. So far it is the well known, well managed and well protected park in Asia that blended into pristine environment.

It was declared as the Chitwan National Park in 1973. Recognizing the global significance of natural heritage of the park, UNESCO declared Royal Chitwan National Park a World Heritage Site (#284) in 1984. Chitwan meets three criteria for the World Heritage Natural properties, such as the last major surviving example of the natural ecosystems of the Terai region (Criteria ii), superlative natural features of exceptional natural beauty in terms of its scenic attractions of forested hills, grasslands, great rivers and views of the distant Himalaya (Criteria iii), and significant populations of several rare and endangered species, especially the one horned Asian rhinoceros and the Gharial crocodile (Criteria iv).

Chitwan Park is bounded by the three major different Rivers of Chitwan. Rapti on the north, Rue in the south and Narayani in the west. Chitwan National Park is the adjoining with one of the Wildlife reserve in the eastern part Parsa Wildlife Reserve. Churia hill goes parallel  along with the Mahabharat range on the north then beyond this is Great Himalayas.

Chitwan is a vivid illustration of the Terai-Dun Savannas and Grasslands, which is one of the most significant Global 200 Ecoregions. It holds a key segment of the ambitious Terai Arc Landscape approach that envisions long-term biodiversity conservation.  The park is a mosaic of land uses comprised of pristine Sal forests, grasslands covered with tall grass including the elephant grass (Saccharum species), rivers and wetlands including the Beeshazari Tal, A Ramsar Site.

Chitwan reflects a dramatic history of conservation.  Initiated with rhino conservation in the late 1960s, Chitwan has been an icon of conservation. With the introduction of the progressive policy of the Buffer Zones (750 sq km) in the surround villages, Chitwan provides a world model of community based biodiversity conservation. The community including women groups has reclaimed the degraded land by growing community forests, which turned out to be the wonderful habitats for wildlife including rhino and tigers.

Mild winter is experienced in Chitwan during October through February followed by dry and hot spring season during March through May. The hot and humid season of monsoon lasts from June through September.

Wildlife sightings are most frequent in winter and early spring. In January when the annual grass-cutting season is over, wildlife sightings are most dramatic. Migratory birds flock with the residential ones in September-November and February-April, creating spectacular views.  Unbelievably, the endangered species like greater one-horned rhinos can be closely viewed on an elephant back.  With the help of nature guides, tiger and other species can be sighted.  Equally interesting components of the park are the crocodile rehabilitation center and the elephant-breeding center where aged animals and their babies can be seen closely.  Numerous other wildlife species both animals and birds can be watched in their natural habitats.

Chitwan offers diverse experience of nature within a relatively short span of space and time. There are opportunities for all sorts of personalized activities including nature walk in the forests, elephant ride in the thick tall grasslands, jungle drive along the forest roads, canoe ride along the gentle streams, strolling around the villages, bird watching, and so on.