Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is listed as a World Heritage Site (natural) and is the most popular safari destination in Nepal. It occupies 932 sq.km areas with a unique ecosystem, containing a part of the Shivalik Hills, ox-bow lakes and flood plains of Narayani, Rapti and Reu rivers.
Abundant in Sal forests (Shorea robusta), Chitwan National Park has 50 species of grasses. The 43 species of animals include the endangered one-horned rhino, Royal Bengal tiger, gharial, crocodile, gaur, wild elephant, four horned antelope, striped hyena & pangolin.Among reptiles we find in the park are different kinds of snakes including the python, while the river areas breed amphibians like the endangered snouted gharial popularly known as Gangetic Crocodile and Marsh Crocodiles. The forest is alive during summer with the arrival of migrant birds’ paradise flycatcher, Indian pitta and parakeets, while winter birds include waterfowl, Brahminy ducks, pintails, bar-headed gees, cormorants and migratory birds from Siberia. Other bird varieties are woodpeckers, hornbills, peacocks, peahens, floricans and redheaded trogons. A rare attraction of the park is the world’s fresh water dolphin variety sometimes seen in 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.