CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK

Owing to its rich adornment of nature, Chitwan National Park was declared UNESCO Natural Heritage Site in 1984 which covers 932 sq km. The park that includes in its area a part of the Shivalik Hills, is coveredwith deciduous forests overlooking the flood plains of Narayani, Rapti and Reu rivers and offering a wilderness of rich ecosystem that includes mammals, birds, reptiles and water animals of several kinds. There are around 600 plant species, 56 mammals, 539 birds and 49 amphibians and reptiles found in the park. The highlight are the 408 Asian one-horned rhinoceros and some 65 Royal Bengal tigers that live in the dense forest of the park. Sharing home with these are other animals like rhesus monkey, langur, deer, leopards, guar, wild boar, wild dogs and wild cats. Among reptiles are different kinds of snakes including the python, while the river areas breed reptiles like the endangered long snouted gharial popularly known as Gangetic crocodile and marsh crocodiles.
The forest is alive during summer with the arrival of migrant birds like paradise flycatcher, Indian pitta and parakeets, while winter birds include waterfowl, Brahminy ducks, pintails, bar-headed geese, cormorants and migratory birds from Siberia. Other bird varieties is the world's fresh-water dolphin sometimes seen in the River Narayani. Another factor adding a distinct touch to the Chitwan experience is the colorful Tharu culture. There are also sites of religious and historical importance at Devghat, Pandavnagar, Balmiki, Ashram and Kabilaspur.

ACTIVITIES:
Jungle safari on elephant-back, jungle walk, canoe ride, jeep drive, experience of Tharu culture.

ACCOMMODATION:
Resort hotels and lodges.

ACCESS:
The park headquarters at Kasara is a 2.1 km drive from Bharatpur which is 20 minutes by air or 146 km by road from Kathmandu.

BEST SEASON:
Oct-Feb ( average temperature 25 degrees Celsius); Mar-Jun ( hot, up to 43 degrees), Jul- Sep ( rainy)

PARK HEADQUARTER:
Kasara