Royal Chitwan National Park, the oldest national park in Nepal, is situated in the subtropical inner Terai, the lowland of south-central Nepal. The park was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1984.
Features:
The park covers a pristine area with a unique ecosystem of significant value to the world. It contains the Churiya hills, ox-bow lakes and flood plains of Rapti, Reu and Narayani Rivers. Approximately 70% of the park’s vegetation is Sal forest. The remaining vegetation types include grassland (20%), Riverine forest (7%). and Sal with Chirpine (3%), the latter occurring at the top the Churiya range. The Riverine forests consist mainly of Khair, Sissoo and Simal. The grassland forms a diverse and complex community with over 50 species. The Saccharun species, often called elephant grass, can reach 8 m. in height. The shorter grasses such as Imperata are useful for thatch roofs.
There are more than 43 species of mammals in the park. The park is especially renowned for the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, the tiger and the Gharial crocodile along with many other common species such as gaur, wild elephant, four-horned antelope, striped hyena, pangolin, Gangetic dolphin, monitor lizard and python. Other animals found in the park include the Sambar, chital, hog deer, barking deer, sloth bear, palm civet, Langur and rhesus monkey.
There are over 450 species of birds in the park. Among the endangered birds are the Bengal Florican, giant hornbill, lesser Florican, black stork and white stork. Common birds seen in the park include the 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, some of which are the marsh 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 fauna and flora.
Jungle safari
 While the high Himalaya makes up Nepal's northern region, the southern lowland known as the Terai is covered with dense tropical jungles teeming with diverse wildlife and exotic birds. Here you will find some of the most exciting safari destinations in the world. You will be going into deep jungle on elephant back or four-wheel drive vehicle to view wild animals in their natural habitat. Other thrills are canoe rides on the Jungle Rivers, nature walks, bird watching excursions, and village tours.
Among the 14 national parks and wildlife reserves in the country, the Royal Chitwan National Park (932 sq km) is the most popular safari destination. More than 43 species of animals are found in Chitwan. The endangered one-homed rhino, Royal Bengal tiger, Gharial crocodile, four-horned antelope, striped hyena, and the Gangetic dolphin are the main attractions here.
The best part is that it is closed to Kathmandu and easily accessible (only 165 km overland), and Bharatpur airport adjoining the park is a mere 25-minute flight away (there are daily flights from Kathmandu). Many adventurers also choose to go down by raft. However you will find that a jungle safari is an experience you will remember for a long time.
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