Chitwan is famous for the Chitwan National Park, an UNESCO World Heritage Site

Chitwan National Park is rich in flora and fauna, including one of the last populations of single-horned Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) and the Bengal tiger Panthera tigris tigris. The area was known as a hunting reserve for big game hunting until 1951.

The park is now a popular destination for ecotourists and includes canoeing, elephant rides, and guided jungle walks. Adjacent to the National Park in the east is the Parsa Wildlife Reserve (49.900 ha) and further east the Bara Hunting Reserve (25.900 ha). In the south the Chitwan is contiguous with the Indian Valmiki Tiger Reserve.

The vegetation consits mainly of moist deciduous forests, with the sal as dominating tree species. In the Churia Hills pine trees predominate. On the floodplains of the large Rivers, by name the Rapti, the Reu and the Narayani there are large areas covered with Elephant grass alternating with riverine Forests mainly composed of Simal, Khair and Sisau trees.

The Chitwan National Park is home to at least 43 species of mammals, 450 species of birds, and 45 species of amphibians and reptiles. Elephants and Indian rhinos are the largest species found in the park, but a lot of other large herbivores are found in the park, gaur, sambar deer, Indian muntjac, chital, hog deer, mainland serow, chousingha and wild boar. Three large predator species, tigers, leopards, dholes prey on them and carrion eaters like striped hyenas are also found. Sloth bears are among the main attractions of the Park. Smaller carivore species are golden jackal, yellow-throated marten, ratel, smooth coated otter, small Indian civet, large Indian civet, spotted linsang, common palm civet, binturong, small Indian mongoose, Indian grey mongoose, crab-eating mongose, leopard cat, marbled cat and fishing cat. Further mammal species found in the park are rhesus monkeys, hanuman langurs, Indian pangolin, northern palm squirrel, red giant flying squirrel, particoloured flying squirrel, Indian porcupine, hispid hare, Indian hare and ganges dolphin.

Among the reptiles marsh crocoiles, gharials and Indian python are the largest.

The park’s unique rhino herd was featured on The Jeff Corwin Experience in season 2, episode 11. This national park is just 10 km far from nearby city Bharatpur, Nepal and the Bharatpur Airport.

Travel Information

• Climate : The finest weather in the Terai runs from October until the end of April. During autumn, days are mild and temperatures are warm. Although it can get quite cold at night during the height of the winter months (December and January), days are crisp and sunny.During this time, the temperature typically ranges from a high of 30°C to an overnight low, at times, of 2-3°C. Spring is similar to autumn with mild days and warm temperatures.
• Language : There are many distinct languages and dialects in Nepal. However, in the Terai Region, Tharu and Nepali are widely spoken. Road signs and directions, however, are posted in English.
• Currency : The national currency is the rupee. It is divided into 100 paisas. Traveller’s cheques are easy to cash and some banks in larger cities have ATMs.
• Immigration requirements : Visas are required. There are three tourist visas available – a 15-day single/double entry transit visa, a 90-day visa or longer three-month multiple re-entry visa. Enquiries should be directed to the nearest Nepali embassy or consulate.
• Health : Reasonable precautions should be taken against hepatitis-A, malaria, cholera and typhoid. Drinking boiled or bottled water is often an adequate precaution against water-borne illnesses. Guests should consult their doctor and arrange travel insurance prior to departure.
• Travel Tips : Electricity is 230 volts/ 50 cycles. Nepal is plus five hours and fourty-five minutes Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). During the winter months of December and January, warm clothes will be required, particularly in the morning and evening. Winter temperatures can range from a high of 25°C to an overnight low of 8°C. During autumn and spring guests should pack light woollens for early morning and evenings with lighter clothing for the rest of the day. During the hot summer months it is recommended that guests wear light, yet conservative attire. Guests should at all times travel with comfortable walking shoes and a wide brimmed hat. On safari in the park, subdued natural colours such as khaki, brown and beige are appropriate.