CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK

Nepal’s first national park is situated 90 km south west of Kathmandu. Chitwan National Park covers an area of 932 sq.km. This national park is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984 and was established in 1973 to preserve such a precious and unique ecosystem. Wildlife abounds here because of the protected status and supporting ecosystem.
Silent Facts
•    Location: South-West of Kathmandu
•    Ecology: Subtropical inner Terai, lowlands of South Central Nepal
•    Geographic coordinates: 28 00 N, 84 00 E
•    Total Area: 932 sq. km
•    Map references: Nepal
•    Elevation: 150 m above sea level
•    Climate: varies from warm and wet summers to mild winters
•    Vegetation: Sal (Shorea robusta) forest (70%), Grassland (20%), Riverine forest (7%), Chir pine (3%)
•    Mammals: More than 43 species
•    Birds: More than 450 species

Because of its wilderness, Chitwan National Park provides the visitor many opportunities to see and experience a myriad of wildlife. The landscape is a patchwork of riverine forests interspersed with large tracts of grassland. It is a perfect place for wildlife to abound. To get deep into the heart of the jungle and to view this diverse ecosystem, you can take a tour atop an elephant. No other tour will afford you this one-of-a-kind experience. However, there are many other exciting ways to take on the adventure like; jungle walks with a licensed guide, or by jeep. There are many tours which focus on specific aspects of the parks bio-diversity.  Bird watching is premier in the national park, and a boat ride gliding along the river gives you the perfect vantage to view rare and exotic species. You may also see Gharial crocodiles as you stop to observe wildlife from one of the watchtowers along the way.

What to bring?
In the sub-tropical lowlands of Nepal, Chitwan days are predominantly warm, requiring only light clothing. From November to February in the winter months, mornings and evenings can be quite cool requiring a sweater or a warm jacket. We highly recommend a sun hat and glasses because of the suns intensity during the middle of the day.  You may have the chance to swim, so we also suggest a bathing suit. Binoculars are a must for wildlife viewing, and a flashlight is more than needed at night. Please remember sunscreen and insect repellent which will come in handy for outdoor activities. We also recommend neutral colored clothing, and comfortable, well broken in walking shoes are essential.

Diversity of Species
The grasslands of Chitwan themselves boast an impressive amount grass species as well as provide the perfect habitat for many faunae. Elephant grass, or the Saccharum species, often reach 8 meter in height. The shorter grasses such as Imperata are commonly used for thatching rooves. Almost all the visitors come here however for the more than 43 mammal species. The endangered one-horned rhinoceros, whose estimated population is 400 as of recent counts, is one of the main attractions. The park also contains many more endangered species such as tigers, gaurs (largest of all bovines), wild elephants, four-horned antelopes, striped hyenas, pangolins(anteater family), Gangetic dolphins, Gharial crocodiles, monitor lizards, and pythons. A favorite among visitors is the multiple types of deer that pervade the park. Sambar, Chital (spotted deer), Hog and the Barking deer are four distinct types of deer to be seen here.  Sloth bears, common leopards, rattles (honey badger), palm civets, linsang, jackals, Langur and rhesus monkeys also inhabit the park. Chitwan National Park is also actively engaged in the scientific study of several species of wild flora and fauna. And for the bird-watchers, there are over 450 species of birds in the park, among which the endangered birds are; the Bengal florican, giant hornbill, lesser florican, black stork and white stork. A few of the commonly seen birds are peafowl, red jungle fowl, parakeets and different species of egrets, herons, kingfisher, flycatchers, and woodpeckers. The best time for bird watching in March and December. In addition, over 45 different species of reptiles and amphibian including marsh muggers, crocodiles, cobras and various species of frogs and tortoises can be found in the park.

How to get there?
By road
A pleasant five hours drive by car or bus on the Kathmandu - Narayanghat highway follows the Trishuli River offering you a continually changing landscape from the mountains of the Himalayas to the plains of the Terai.

By raft
One of the most exciting ways to travel to the park is to raft down the Trishuli River. For two or more days you can float down the river experiencing its numerous rapid and seeing a variety of village life, flora, and fauna along its banks.

By air
20 minute the flight will bring you from Kathmandu to Bharatpur where you will be met by our staff and be transferred to the resort.

Currently we provide three Jungle Safari Packages. One focuses on the inside of the national park, while the other spends most of the time outside. Each has its own flavor and activities centered on different aspects of this incredible region.