Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is the first national park in Nepal. It was established in 1973 with an area of 932sp km. Later in 1977, the park was extended to its present area of 952.63 sq km. Due to its wide biodiversity, it was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1984. Moreover, in 1997 an area of 729.37 sq km was added as a buffer zone. Before the 1950s, the forest of Chitwan spread over more than 2600 sq km was the hunting grounds for the ruling class.
This dense forest was home to about 800 one-horned rhinos. Gradually the people from the mid-hills started migrating to Chitwan in search of cultivable lands. Subsequently, the area was opened for settlement and increased human activities resulted in wildlife poaching. Furthermore, after the eradication of malaria human settlement started increasing and by the end 1960s, more than 70% of the forest was cleared. While the human population was increasing in the area rhino and other wildlife kept decreasing. To conserve the wildlife of Chitwan, the borders were marked out in December 1970. The Chitwan National Park is therefore developed with an initial area of 544 sq km.
Facts Sheet
National Park declared the year | 1973 AD |
National park area | 952.63 km² |
Location | Central Nepal (Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Makwanpur & Parsa districts) |
World Heritage site listed | 1984 (Natural Site) |
Ramsar site declaration | 2003 (Bishajari and associated lakes) |
Bioclimatic zone | Sub-tropical |
Elevation | 140-800m from the sea level |
Major geophysical characteristics | Churia, Bhabar, Chitwan Valley |
Major Lakes | Tamor Tal, Lami Tal, and Devi Tal |
Major Rivers | Narayani, Rapti, and Reu |
Main mammals | Grater One-horned Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger, Gaur Bison, Sloth Bear, Asian Wild Elephant |
Main birds | Bengal Florican, Lesser Florican, Giant Hornbill |
Main reptiles | Asian Rock Python, Gharial Crocodile, Golden Monitor Lizard |
Buffer zone declared | 1996 AD |
Buffer zone area | 729.39km² |
Major tourist destinations |
Sauraha, Madi Valley, Kasara, Laukhani, Khagendramalli, Padampur, Amaltari, Balmaki, Ashram, Sanachuri, Meghauli |
Districts | Chitwan, Bardaghat/ Susta Purb Nawalparasi, Makwanpur & Parsa (Privince 2,3 & 4) |
Metropolitan | 1 (Bharatpur) |
Municipalities | 8 (Rapti, Khairhani, Ratnanagar, Madi, Gaindakot, Devichuli, Kawasoti & Madhyabindu |
Rural Municipalities | Nirmal-Thori, Binaya-Triveni and Manahari |
Economy | Tourism, Agriculture, animal husbandry, business & Mountaineering |
Population | 223,260 |
Major caste groups | Tharu, Brahmin, Chhetri, Kumal, Gurung, Bhote, Tamang |
Major Attractions:
- World heritage site (Natural site).
- The second-largest population of Greater One-horned Rhinoceros in the world.
- One of the National Parks in the world has more than 128 adults tigers in the same habitat.
- Home to Gaur Bison, Gharial Crocodile, more than 6% of the world’s bird species.
- Ramsar site (Bishajari Lake), Wetlands of international importance.
- Elephant, Gharial Crocodile, and Vulture Breeding Center.
- Churia Hillas and Madi Valley
- Tharu culture.
Location
Chitwan National Park is located in the inner lowland plains of south-central Nepal. It is connected with Parsa, Nawalpur, Chitwan, and Makwanpur districts. The park lies in an altitude range of 100 m to 815 m in the Sivalik Hills. It is detached from the human settlement with the kindness of Narayani and Rapti Rivers in the north and west. Likewise, it shares borders with Parsa National Park to the east and Valmiki National park to the south.
In India, Valmiki National Park and Chitwan and Parsa National Park represent the Tiger Conservation Unit (TCU). This combined has a total of 3,549 sq km area with huge alluvial grasslands and dense subtropical forest.
Climate
The park lays in the subtropical climatic zone with various ranges of climatic seasons each offering a unique experience. From October to February, the temperature is average at 25°C which is a pleasant temperature. From March to June temperatures can reach as high as 43°C. The hot humid days give way to the monsoon season that typically lasts from late June until September.
Getting There
Chitwan National Park is almost 170 km away from Kathmandu. It is easily accessible from most of the cities of Nepal. The recently constructed road at the landslide occurring Mugling-Naranghad section of East-west highway has made Chitwan more accessible than before.
Every morning many tourist buses leave from Kathmandu to Sauraha which is near the park entrance. Similarly, a flight to Bharatpur from Kathmandu and a 45 minute drive to Sauraha is also an option. From Pokhara and Lumbini, the protected area is within a driving distance of 4 to 5 hours.
There are 12 entrance gates to the park.
- Ghatgain via Patihani
- Bhimle Via Meghauli
- Khagendramalli via Bhandara
- Sauraha via Tandi (Ratna Nagar)
- Laukhani via Pragatinagar
- Amaltari via Danda
- Sanachuri
- Bankatta via Madi
- Kasara via Jagatpur
- Kujauli via Rajahar
- Nandabhauju
- Bagai
Wildlife and Vegetation in Chitwan National Park
The Chitwan Valley consists of tropical and subtropical forests with Sal trees covering 80% of the area. The 12% area is covered by grasslands with more than 68 species of grasses. The elephant grass is called Saccharum Ravenna, giant cane (Arundo donax) Khagra reed (Phragmites Karka), and many species of true grass are also found here. The monsoon rains bring lush vegetation, and most trees flower in late winter. The Palash tree, known as the “flame of the forest”, and silk cotton tree have spectacular crimson flowers that can be seen from a distance.
The park is also home to 68 species of mammals including the Royal Bengal Tiger and greater one-horned rhinos. Similarly is housed 55 species of amphibians and reptiles. Likewise, around 546 species of resident and migratory birds are found in the forests, riversides, and lakesides around the park. Between September and November, and February and April, migratory birds join the residential birds and create spectacular bird-watching opportunities. The water bodies in the area like Narayani River, Rapti River, Bis Hazari Taal, etc reside 120 species of fish. The water bodies in the area like Narayani River, Rapti River, Bis Hazari Tal, Lamital, Devital, etc reside 120 species of fish.
Local Population at the buffer zone
The buffer zone with an area of 729.37 sq km is connected by four districts: Chitwan, Parsa, Makwanpur, and Nawalparari. There are eight municipalities, three Rular municipal, and one metropolitan city in these four districts. As per the yearly report of the government and park authorities around 273977 people reside in 59707 households in this area.
Besides Tharus, other ethnic groups such as Bote, Musahars, and Kumal have lived in Chitwan for hundreds of years. The Monogolid ethnic groups such as Gurungs, Rais, Tamangs, and Magars had also migrated from the highlands decades ago. Similarly Brahmins, Chettris, Newars, and the Terai Nepalese.
Things to do in Chitwan National Park
- Canoe Trips
Canoe trip provides good opportunities to spot several species of birds. Crocodiles are a common sight during these trips. Take a gentle float down the Rapti river as the boatman steers you past flocks of birds, crocodiles, gharial, monkeys, and, if you’re lucky, large land animals drinking from the river.
- Jungle Walks
Jungle walks are a great way to experience wildlife up close. Walk with an experienced nature guide as he leads you to the places where you can spot rhinos and other wild animals. They will not only show you around but inform you about the plants, animals and the history of the park. The jungle walk and canoeing trip can be done in a single trip.
- Jeep Safari
Those who want to see more of the park and its wildlife jeep safari are a good option. Four to eight hours of jeep ride is available from Sauraha.
- Bird Watching
Home to 546 residents and migratory birds, Chitwan National Park is one of the best places for birding. The wooded areas, grasslands, river banks and lakes of the area feels alive with the sound of birds chirping.
- Ethical Tours
As an alternative to elephant safari, some elephant-friendly activities have been initiated these days. These activities include walking with the elephants, bathing them, etc. The retired captivated elephants are treated with respect and kept unchained in these places.
- Watch Cultural Show
The cultural dance presented by the local Tharu community is another attraction. These shows are presented at the community hall in Sauraha, they also perform in some hotels upon request.
Places to Visit in Chitwan National Park
- Crocodile Breeding Centre
You can watch crocodiles and marsh muggers at the breeding center.
- Bishajari Lake
Located in the buffer zone area of the park, this wetland covers an area of 7900 acres. It was designated as Ramsar Site in August 2003. This forested wetland provides habitat and drinking water to wildlife species.
- Various lakes and Waterholes
There are various lakes and waterholes in and around the national park which are worth visiting. The lakes and waterholes are the places where birds and animals visit to quench their thirst. The lakes like Lake Lamital, Lake Devital, etc are accessible by walking or by taking local transportation.
- Valmiki Ashram
Valmiki Ashram is named after the sage Valmiki, who is said to have written the Hindu epic Ramayan. There are a small temple and a retreat just inside the national park. It is a religious site for Hindus.
- Rapti River Bank
The riverside at Sauraha is the best place to be for sunrise and sunset viewing during your stay in Chitwan. Some restaurants along the river banks are keen to serve you food and drinks while you enjoy the views.
- Tharu Village
Observe local tribal life by visiting a Tharu village, where you will be welcomed and treated as valued guests.
Park Regulations to follow or things to remember
Safety Precautions
- A first-aid kit is recommended to carry by the visitors for their own safety.
- Visitors should be alert to the wildlife inside the core area.
Stop Pollution
- Carry out what you carry in.
- Buy only what won’t pollute, or carry it out.
- Take only photographs, leave only footprints.
- Do not use polythene/ plastic materials.
Itinerary Chitwan National Park
Day 01 | Fly to Bharatpur and drive to Bardia National Park |
Day 02 | Explore National Park |
Day 03 | Explore National Park |
Day 04 | Explore Community and Culture |
Day 05 | Drive back to Nepaljung and Fly to Kathmandu |
Protected Mammals |
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S.N | Name | Scientific Name |
1 | Royal Bengal Tiger | Panthera Tigris |
2 | Pangolin | Manis Pantadactyla |
3 | Spotted Linsang | Prionodon Pardicolar |
4 | Four-Horned Antelope | Tetraceurs Quadricornis |
5 | Bison | Bos Gaurus |
6 | Asian Elephant | Elephas Maximus |
7 | Wild Water Buffalo | Bubalus Arnee |
8 | One-Horned Rhino | Rhinoceros Unicornis |
9 | Dolphin | Platanista Gangetica |
10 | Gray Wolf | tigersCanis Lupus |
11 | Swamp Deer | Cervus Duvauceli |
12 | Leopard Cat | Prinailurus Bengalensis |
Protected Birds |
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S.N | Name | Scientific Name |
1 | Black Stork | Ciconia Nigra |
2 | Giant Hornbill | Buceros Bicornis |
3 | White Stork | Ciconia Ciconia |
4 | Sarus Carne | Grus Antigone |
5 | Bengal Florican | Houbaropsis Bengalesis |
6 | Lesser Florican | Syphoetides Indica |
Protected Reptiles |
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S.N | Name | Scientific Name |
1 | Asiatic Rock Python | Python Molurus |
2 | Golden Monitor Lizard | Varanus Flavescens |
3 | Gharial Crocodile | Gavialis Gangetica |
Wildlife Special in Figures, Number and Status:
For more information: