Chitwan National Park - 3 Days

The Chitwan National Park (CNP) is a world heritage property. It is a rich natural area in the Terai, the subtropical southern part of Nepal. The Park is situated 140 kms south west of the Kathmandu Valley in the fertile Chitwan valley. It covers an area of approximately 932 sq. km. Two rivers, Narayani and Rapti, drain the park. The park covers sub-tropical jungles, elephant grasslands, hilly areas and floodplains. With an average rainfall of about 2,400-mm annually, the Royal Chitwan National Park is a paradise for animals and birds. A total of 68 species of mammals, 544 species of birds, 56 species of herpeto fauna and 126 species of fish have been recorded in the park. The park is especially renowned for its protection of One Horned Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger and Gharial Crocodile. It is known as Heart of The Jungle and famous as one of the best wildlife-viewing national parks in Asia. At the time of its establishment the park covered 210 square miles. After an extension in 1980, it now covers 620 square miles, and another enlargement, now proposed, and contains a wide variety of habitats, from the grassland and riverine forests of the valleys to the Sal forest on the hills and the chir pine that grows along the ridges.

The Park offers interesting sites and activities. The display at the visitor centre at Sauraha provides fascinating information on wildlife and conservation program. Elephant safari provides an opportunity to get a closer view of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros. One may also get a glimpse of the exclusive Bengal tiger. The Elephant Breeding Center at Khorsor, Sauraha gives you information on captive elephant and the calves born there.