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One-Horned Rhino |
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Nepal's first and most famous national park is situated in
the Chitwan Doon or the lowlands of the Inner Terai. Covering an
area of 932 sq km. the park includes hilly areas of the Siwalik
Range covered by deciduous sal forest. One fifth of the park is made
up of the floodplains of the Narayani, Rapti, and the Reu Rivers and
is covered by dense tall elephant grass interspersed with riverine
forests of silk cotton (kapok), acacia and sisam trees. This
ecologically diverse area is the last remaining home in Nepal for
more than 300 of the endangered Asian one-horned rhinoceros and
harbours one of the largest populations of the elusive and rare
Royal Bengal tiger. Besides rhino and tiger, Chitwan also supports a
great variety of flora and fauna. There are four species of deer,
including the spotted chittal, leopard, sloth bear, wild boar,
rhesus monkey, grey langur monkey, wild dog, small wild cats, the
white stockinged gaur (the world's largest wild cattle) and many
other smaller animals. The swampy areas and numerous oxbow lakes of
Chitwan provide a home for marsh crocodiles. In a stretch of the
Narayani river is found one of the few remaining populations of the
rare and endangered fish-only eating gharial, or Genetic crocodile.
Here also is found one of the world's four species of freshwater
dolphins. For the ornithologist and the amateur bird-watcher the
park offers excellent possibilities with more than 450 species
recorded. Some of the resident specialities are several species of
woodpeckers, hornbills, Bengal florican, and red-headed trogons.
Winter birds such as waterfowl, Brahminy duck, pintails and
bareheaded geese, amongst many other cold weather visitors are drawn
by the sanctuary of the park's rivers. In the summer the forest is
alive with nesting migrants such as the fabulous paradise
flycatcher, the Indian pitta and parakeets.
Game rides in Chitwan
Game rides in Chitwan are conducted in Jeeps and on Elephant back.
Visiting Chitwan
While the Park is open through out the year, the best time to visit
Chitwan is from October to March.
Getting to Chitwan
Chitwan is located about 175 kms / 6 hours drive away from
Kathmandu. Also, there are flights operating from Kathmandu to
Bharatpur and Meghauli, both of which are about 2 hours drive away.
