Royal Chitwan National Park

The Royal Chitwan National Park. Widely acknowledged as one of the best national parks in Asia, covering a pristine area of 932 sq. km. This is the first national park in Nepal, established in 1973 to preserve a unique ecosystem of significant value to the entire world. The park is situated in the sub-tropical inner 'Terai' lowlands of south-central Nepal.

The Royal Chitwan National Park has 6 premier jungle resorts scattered inside its boundaries. These secluded resorts are the perfect place to experience the true safari atmosphere of the Terai. All the jungle activities are just a step away and there's always a chance to spot wildlife. The resorts have offer individual cottages with a private bath or well-appointed luxury tent camps to stay in. You will be in the heart of the park surrounded by the soothing jungles of Nepal.

Activities

There are a wide variety of jungle activities available in the parks. One of the best ways to view the flora and fauna of Chitwan is from elephant back enabling you to penetrate deep into the jungle through tall grasslands and search for wildlife. Jeep safaris are also available for those who don't feel like riding atop an elephant. Others might enjoy a jungle walk with an experienced guide who can tell you all about the wildlife and vegetation that is unique to the Terai region. Canoeing on the Rapti or Narayani rivers is a great way to see the many different bird species of Chitwan. And there's always the rare chance that you can see the elusive freshwater Gangetic dolphins that inhabit the rivers. All of these activities are included in your jungle package.

Animals and Vegetation

The Chitwan valley features sub-tropical forest. Roughly 70% of the park is covered by sal forest (shorca rebusta), a moist deciduous vegetation type of terai region. The remaining types include grassland (20%), reverie forest (7%), and sal with chirpines (30%) forest which occurs on the churea range south border of the park.

The grassland form a diverse and complex community with over 50 plant species. The saccharum species, often called Elephant grass, can reach 8m. in height. The shorter grasses such as imperata are useful for roof thacthing.

There are more than 43 species of mammal in Chitwan National Park. The park is especially famous for its protection of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. The estimated population of rhinos is 460. The park also secures populations of endangered species such as tiger Gaur (Largest of all bovine ) wild Elephant, four horned antelope , striped hyena, pangolin, gangetic dolphin, gharial crocodile, gangetic dolphins, monitor lizard and python. Other animals found in the park include 4 different types of deer: Sambar, Chital, hog deer, barking deer, sloth bear, common leopard, ratel, palsm civet, Tiger civet (Linsang), wild dog, langur and rhesus monkeys.

There are over 450 species of birds in the park, among the endangered birds are the Bengal floucan, giant hornbell, lesser floucan, black stork and white stork. A few of the common birds seen are peafowl, red jungle fowl, parakeets and different species of egrets, herons, kingfisher, flycatchers and woodpeckers. The best time for bird watching is March and December.

More than 45 different species of reptiles and amphibian occurs including Marsh mugger, crocodile, cobra, green pit viper and various species of frogs and tortoises.

Royal Chitwan National Park is actively engaged in the scientific study of several species of wild flora and fauna.

Getting There

By air:
Just a thirty minute flight will bring you from Kathmandu to Bharatpur (outside Chitwan National Park.) Daily morning flights are available from Royal Nepal (RNAC.) At Bharatpur airport you will be met by our staff and be driven to our Resort.

By Raft:
One of the most exciting ways to travel to the park is by raft down the Trishuli river - a day float - which brings you to Narayanghat where you may be driven to our Resort. The number of days floating can be extended as per your schedule.

By Surface:
A pleasant five hour drive by Car or Tourist bus on the Kathmandu-Narayanghat highway follows the Trisuli river and offers you a continually changing landscape from the mountains of the Himalayan to the plains of the Terai.