Chitwan National Park is a UNESCO protected World Heritage Site which was designated as a national Park in 1973. The park is world renowned for Rhino sightings in great numbers. With mixed vegetation of Savannah, Riverine and Sal forest, Chitwan is Nepal’s most visited National Park and a haven for wild life aficionados. Four of the Big Five can be seen (Rhinos, Tigers, Leopards and Asiatic Elephants) along with a rich population of 4 types of Deer, Wild Boars, Marsh Muggars and Ghariyals. Due to its closeness to Himalayan circuit the park also shelters winter and summer migrants along with its more than 500 native bird species. Chitwan is a bird watcher’s paradise - indigenous and migrant species like Great Hornbill, Ruddy Shelduck, Pied Kingfisher and Red Headed Trogon can also be found. Strict conservation policies and military patrolling have decimated poaching incidents and the park has been showing a growth in the Rhino Population.
Chitwan is a hindi word formed by two independent words Chit and Van translating to “heart of the jungle”. The shape of the park is largely dictated by the disposition of the three rivers which form much of the boundaries- the Narayani and Rapti in the north, and the Reu flowing through the National Park. The topography and variety of habitats- savannahs, riverine from valleys, sal of the hills and chir pine along the ridges contribute to the forest’s beauty and complexity.
2600 Sq. Km
Rivervine Forest with Sal Vegetation
Rhinos, Tiger, Sloth Bear, Leopard, Hog Deer, Marsh Muggar, Ghariyal, Gaur
Kalij Pheasant, Great Hornbill, Red Headed Trogon, Black Baza