Chitwan National Park the oldest national park in Nepal, is situated in the subtropical inner Terai lowlands of South Central Nepal. The park has an area of 932 square kilometers. The park was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1984. The park is just a short detour off the Prithvi Highway. The name Chitwan means heart of the jungle. In recent years has park has risen meteorically on the lists of the Things to do in Nepal. 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. The Sal forests dominate the vegetation of the park. The grasslands form a diverse and complex community with over 50 species, the Sacchurun species, often called elephant grass, can reach 8m in height. The park boasts of more than 43 species of mammals, 45 species of amphibians and reptiles and 450 species of birds in the park. The park is renowned for endangered animals along with many other common species.THE WILDLIFEHere where the famous elusive Royal Bengal Tiger prowls and the endangered Great One- Horned Rhinoceros you will also fine leopards, sloth bear bison, wild boar, dear monkey, crocodiles, pythons, freshwater dolphins and many other smaller animals and reptiles. For the bird watcher, it is a paradise island with over 450 species of exotic birds, many of which are migratory making Chitwan their winter home.Wildlife ActivitiesAt Chitwan are a major attraction for all tourists. The elephant back safari through the park to see the animals is a special attraction. A canoe ride on the Rapti river with crocodiles passing by is unmistakably the greatest jungle experience. Visits to the elephant breeding farm, Tiger Tracing, Elephant Tracing, Jungle/Nature Walk, Bird Watching, Jeep Safari, Camping, Fishing, Study Tour, Cultural Tour, Hiking, Visit to Crocodile Breeding Center, Village Tour, Cultural Programme, the Tharu village and early morning bird watching And More... would leave you with memories to last forever.Other places to visit around Chitwan are: Ghatgain, Jagatpur, Twenty Thousand Lakes (Bis Hazar Taal) and Meghauli.AccessibilitiesGetting to the Park The many ways from Kathmandu to the Royal chitwan National Park are great thrills in themselves.By Road:The Six hour drive on the Kathmandu-Narayanghat Highway follows the Trisuli River or six hour drive on the Pokhara - Narayanghat Highway both offering you a continually changing landscape from the mountains of Himalayas to the plains of Terai through colorful Tharu Villages.By Raft:One of the most exciting ways to travel to the Park is to raft down the Trisuli River (from Kathmandu ) or Seti River (from Pokhara). For two or more days you can float down the river experiencing its numerous rapids and seeing a variety of village life, flora and funa along its banks.By Air:A 20 minute flight will bring you From Kathmandu to Bharatpur or Megauli where you will be meet by our naturalist and will be taken to the Park. If you are in a group there are charter flight from Pokhara, Biratnagar (Koshi Tappu), Bhairawa (Lumbini), Nepalgunj (Bardia).What to bring with you?1. Binoculars2. Sun Hat and Sun Cream3. Swim Wear4. Light Clothes; Color should blend with natural surroundings5. Light sweater or jacket for mornings and evenings during the winter season (Dec to Feb)6. Shoes for easy movement7. Flashlight8. Swiss knife9. Reading booksAccommodationSeveral, well managed, jungle camps are available which offer tourists comfortable accommodations, elephant rides to view wildlife, canoeing and nature walks with highly trained naturalists. It is easy to fly, drive, bus or even raft to most of them and all you need is three days to sample the excitement of being in a true jungle wilderness. Excellent package tours, which include air/ground transportation, accommodation, safaris, and other jungle activities, are available.The following package programme are suggested for Royal Chitwan National Park.
