Nepal's first and most famous national park (Chitwan National Park) is situated in the Inne r Terai lowlands of Chitwan. Covering an area of 932 sq. kilometers the park includes hilly areas of the Shivalik Range covered by deciduous trees. Parts of the park are floodplains of rivers Narayani, Rapti, and the Reu, covered by dense tall elephant grass, forests of silk cotton, acacia and Sisam trees. Chitwan National Park was officially established in 1973 and included as World Heritage Site in 1984.
Chitwan National park is shelter to the last endangered Asian species like the one-horned rhinoceros and the Royal Bengal tiger. Other animals found here are the leopard, sloth bear, wild boar, rhesus monkey, grey langur monkey, wild dog, small wild cats, bison, the four species of deer and other small animals. Marsh crocodiles inhabit the swampy areas. The Gangetic crocodile that only feed on fish, are found in a stretch of the River Narayani. Also found here is one of the four species of fresh-water dolphins. Chitwan National Park is also home to 450 species of bird and hence is ideal for bird watching. Some of the resident specialties are woodpeckers, hornbills, Bengal florican, red-headed trogons, waterfowl, Brahminy duck, pintails and bareheaded geese. In summer the forest is alive with nesting migrants such as the fabulous paradise flycatcher, the Indian pitta and parakeets.
In addition to these there are number of Jungle safari excursions like Caboe ride, Chitwan Tharu Cultural Show, Chitwan Tharu Village Tour, Sunset Viewing and Bicyle Tour to Chitwan Elephant Breeding Centre. |