Chitwan National Park, Nepal – Paradise of the Himalayas

Nestled between the Himalaya Mountains and spreading for hectares across its foothills is the Chitwan National Park in Nepal. A variety of ecosystems coexist in this nature reserve that is bordered by the Narayani and Revu rivers. The rich biodiversity in this park makes it one of the best places to appreciate wildlife in the Indian subcontinent. It is considered to be one of the biggest attractions of Nepal along with Mount Everest and indeed, is one of the greatest natural treasures of the country.

This vast reserve protects 932 square kilometres of wetland, riffling meadows and the lush green forests. The park is home to the rare Indian Rhinos and many leopards, tigers and South Asian river dolphins. Tourists from all over the world visit this fascinating park annually and you can too, by taking Kathmandu flights to admire its unfettered nature.

The Forests and Plants

Seventy per cent of the Park area is covered with Sal trees, and in the south of the Churia hills, these trees are intermixed with the evergreen pine trees. Shrubs and flowering trees grace the park with an additional wonder, with vibrant blossoms opening up and welcoming the honey-making bees in early spring. About 20 per cent of the park comprises of the Terai-Duar grasslands, which contain fifty species of the world’s longest grasses like the Giant cane and Khagra reed.

The Animals

The park owns over 700 breeds of wildlife and countless insects and butterflies that play their part in keeping the ecosystems revolving. Most tourists and safari-goers do not have to tread for long to get a glimpse of the rhinos or crocodiles. Guided tours with wildlife experts can take you safely further, into the inner sanctuary of the Indian Rock Python and King Cobra. The wet and humid climate in Chitwan national Park makes it a natural nursery for reptiles that include seventeen different kinds of snakes, lizards and the Indian starred tortoise.

The Rapti and Nayarani rivers create small streams and lakes that shelter more than a hundred breeds of mugger crocodiles and fish. Chitwan National Park is also a habitat for 43 different kinds of mammals. Amongst these mammals is the Bengal Tiger, which silently prowls like the king of the jungle through the thicket. Besides the tiger, there are many other predatory jungle cats, including the Clouded Leopard and Marbled Cat. The safari-goers might even get a sight of the Golden Jackal, Bengal Fox or even a colony of Honey Badgers.

The Birds

The park also has numerous bird species. Ornithologists have been able to count more than five hundred sorts till now, but there is a promise for more. The stunning plumage and the distinct and melodious calls of these beautiful birds captivate the attention of every jungle trekker. Among these rare birds, there is the Gould’s Sunbird and Blossom-headed Parakeet. The meadows, where the birds congregate during the day, occasionally have Bengal Floricans and kingfishers as well.

Tourism and Safari Escapes

The number of tourists visiting this park has increased manifolds over the years. Just 31,000 travellers were visiting the reserve in 1989; however, last year it was approximately 77,000. Chitwan National Park has many lodges, the famous being the Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge. The accommodations come with safari vehicles and elephants for the nature explorers. Navigate the river with rafts and walk on uncharted routes deep into the jungle’s heart, with a guide to help you get back. At the edge of the national park is Sauraha village that hosts many hotels, restaurants and inns. The town is where you can also find trip organizing agencies for trekking.

Conservation Efforts

The region that is now Chitwan Park was a famous hunting ground, and the Nepalese ruling class used to hunt thousands of leopards, tigers, sloth bears and rhinoceroses. The sudden decline of the rhino population forced the government to take measures. In 1973 the park was established, and in 1984 it was declared as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Serious conservation efforts and breeding programs have stabilized the Indian rhino population in the park, all thanks to the revenues generated by tourism and trekking activities. Take a flight to Nepal from London and be a part of preserving nature in this part of the world.

 Nepal’s climate changes with altitude and geography, ranging from arctic to tropical. The best time to visit Chitwan National Park is the autumn season when the summers go away, and the weather is delightful, with a refreshing chill in the air. Many festivals are celebrated in Nepal in this season as a large number of visitors come to the country. This time plan up your vacations to Nepal and become one with nature in Chitwan National Park.