Chitwan National Park

Pristine Chitwan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Nepal’s largest wilderness areas. Classified in 1973 as Nepal’s first National Park, Chitwan means ‘the heart of the jungle’ and was once the favourite hunting ground of the rulers of Nepal. Located in the subtropical lowlands known as Terai, Chitwan lies just north of the Indian border and has a diverse ecosystem that combines riverine forests with open grasslands and the rugged Churia and Someshwor hills.

Chitwan National Park is a sanctuary for many endangered animals, including the greater Asiatic one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tiger, gharial crocodile, freshwater Gangetic dolphin and many others. This park’s tropical Sal forests also support deer, sloth bear, wild boar, elephant, leopard and around 50 mammal species. Chitwan National Park is also hugely popular amongst ornithologists, as the park is home to over 600 species of birds, including the most endangered Bengal florican, great pied hornbill and many reptiles, amphibians and fish. At Chitwan National Park, visitors can combine jeep and walking safaris with boat rides to give themselves the best chance to spot the elusive big cats as well as the one-horned rhino.