Chitwan National Park, Nepal
Chitwan National Park blazes with 952.6 km² of supreme biodiversity. The most exciting national park in Nepal, it is home to 68 species of mammal including the threatened one-horned rhinoceros and royal bengal tiger, 544 species of birds, 56 species of frogs and lizards including the endemic gharial crocodile, and 126 species of fish. I was blown over by this place.
5 great reasons to visit Chitwan
1. The wildlife (of course)
The wildlife at Chitwan National Park is prolific. Monkey-wise, you will definitely see the elegant grey langur and hopefully the stocky rhesus macaque. Cute spotted deer are often seen following the langurs around, taking advantage of their feeding habits. They also cooperate to alert each other when predators are in the area including the tiger which we did see, although only his/her backside going up a track.
We did not see the sloth bear, though you might. They are more feared among local people than tigers, as they have long claws and teeth. These shaggy black bear-like creatures are mostly arboreal, eating termites and ants.
2. Bird watching
You can arrange special bird watching tours and see the amazing array of bird life Chitwan houses, including bulbuls, mynahs, egrets, parakeets, jungle fowl, peacocks, kingfishers, orioles and various species of drongos. Keen birders should keep an eye out for rare species, such as ruby-cheeked sunbirds, emerald doves, jungle owlets and crested hornbills.
3. The beauty
There's no denying Chitwan National Park has a range of beautiful landscapes, ranging from extensive grasslands, woodlands and riverine environments, all available for viewing on foot or in a jeep. Breathe the air, enjoy the green scent and just relax.
4. Supporting local communities
Chitwan National Park support communities that have few means of earning a living. Local people are trained as administrators, rangers and accommodation agents so villagers can support their families and understand the importance of keeping the national park alive.
5. The experience
In our ever changing world, it's difficult to know whether you can stay in the national park or even visit it. I can't advise you on that. Before COVID-19, you were not allowed to stay in the national park due to the impact of tourism on the environment but you could visit it. When I visited in 2008, you were allowed to stay in the park. A cherished memory is sitting outside my tent and watching white rhino and spotted deer forage in the grasslands.
I saw a tiger, white rhino mating, a jackal (not photographed) and heaps of other animals and birds. As the first Nepalese sanctuary, established in 1973, it's an amazing place and I recommend visiting as soon as you can.
