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With its massive build, huge head, rivetted (and mythically bullet-proof) amour-plate like skin, the Indian Rhino (Rhinoceros unicornis) appears like a battle tank. Aweof their sheer size and the thrill of seeing their legendary ill-temper (they often do charge, but rather than their horns (a mass of hair), use their razor sharp tusks to do damage), inspires many a nature lover to see them first hand.

Chitwan simply means ‘Heart of the Jungle’ – and it could not be more aptly described. With its tropical creeper-clad forests, great winding rivers, rolling seas of lush elephant grass and the stunning backdrop of the Himalayas, Chitwan is almost a romantic jungle! Royal Chitwan National Park is the oldest National park in Nepal and for its 960sq km, has a richness and variety of wildlife matched by few other parks. The relatively pristine state of the modern park and its unique ecosystems prompted UNESCO to declare the park a World Heritage site in 1984, a status it richly deserves.

They burn them every year after the thatching harvest...as they have for centuries. The sal trees remain standing and alive, but the grassland ‘opens up’, undergrowth vanishes and you can see without the dense veils of underbrush. Soon new growth starts, soft, green, succulent, and the herbivores return to graze - the rhinos, the deer and the wild boar. The predators follow - the Bengal tiger, the leopard, the sloth bear and python. The animals display themselves, and all you can do is stop and stare. The jungle, as usual, amazes.
The Royal Chitwan National Park is also a birdwatcher's paradise. It's easily possible to see over a 100 different birds in a single day. Over 440 different bird species have been recorded at Chitwan, including the rare Indian peafowl, the tuneful black-headed Oriole, the golden backed woodpecker, and fact is that nearly half the birds are year-round residents. The Chitwan floodplain is dotted with several swamps and lakes - Tamartal, Lamital and the majestic Devital are the bigger lakes. It is at the lakes that life really gets into action. It is the preferred habitat of the rhino, as well as many different marsh birds. Pythons can mostly be found near here too, so when the deer come to drink, its party time for them!

The Narayani and Rapti rivers in the park also thrive in wildlife. Narayani has the World’s single largest concentration of wild Gharial crocodiles, and is also home to highly endangered Gangetic Dolphin (though it’s fairly easy to see one here). Endearing and playful smooth-coated otters and a host of bird-life further spice up the rivers.

Other animals in Chitwan National Park

Quick Tips Park Entry Fee For Nepali citizen: Rs. 20 For SAARC nationals: Rs. 200 For Foreign nationals Rs 500 Children under 10 years Free Elephant ride for about 2 hrs:  Rs. 550 - (Nepali's Rs 100) Other animals in Chitwan "Big game" unfairly gets higher billing over the parks’ other mammals. It is the other, easily spotted animals that actually make an impression. Foremost would be mighty and magnificent Gaur, which come down to the grasslands after the burns. With a Rhino population of more than 450 of these huge beasts, Chitwan harbours a quarter of the World’s total. What’s more, 4 different deer live in the park - the barking deer, the hog deer, the sambar deer, and the spotted deer - which are a treat to watch. You'll probably see the large gray Langur but be really lucky to see the shy Chitwan rhesus macaque; but you might. You may go to Chitwan simply to see the Rhino or even the Tiger and the easier to spot leopard. But you'll return with an appreciation for the parks' sheer sub-tropical richness - the sounds of the forest’s animals, birds and yes, insects, the powerful girth of the hardwood trees, the rampant vines and the rich fresh smell of a true forest. The Royal Chitwan National Park headquarters are at Kasara Durbar, where an old hunting lodge houses the offices and a small but rich museum. Near Kasara is the Gharial Project.

Getting around in Chitwan

The point of going to both Chitwan is to see wildlife. The best thing to do at Chitwan is to take an elephant ride, something that makes the park accessible to families as well as the trekker. There are 7 stables operated by the park authorities for the purpose. Even though riding an elephant is a must do, you'll have a more intimate experience of nature if you hike. You'll want to hire a guide, at least for you're first excursion, both to be safe (rhinos do charge - and not don't mean money!) and to increase your chances of seeing more interesting things. A different view of the park is to be had in a trip by boat, down the Narayani or Rapti rivers - unique in itself; it’s also a good way to see water birds and animals. Best time to go to the Royal Chitwan National Park The most likely time to see wildlife in Chitwan is late February – March; after the burns in spring and before the monsoons start up again in May. The park shuts in May, and reopens at the end of September. October can be hot, November less so, December and January are cooler. Places to stay at the Royal Chitwan National Park At Chitwan, you can stay inside the park at a variety lodges, from multi-starred to basic but comfortable. Budget travelers stay at Sauraha, a nearby village that has some higher-end accommodations as well. Meals are provided either by the lodges, or at their restaurants. Check Hotels in Chitwan

Reaching Chitwan National Park

By Air: There are daily flights from Kathmandu to Bharatpur the airport nearest to Chitwan. By Road: Chitwan is easily accessible from Kathmandu being well connected by national highway to Bharatpur and Sauraha. The park is accessible by car or bus on the Kathmandu – Mugling - Narayanghat Highway or via the Mahendra Rajmarg Highway from Hetauda. One can either get to Narayanghat (6 hrs form Kathmandu) or Tadi Bazaar (5 hrs from Kathmandu) – and then proceed to the Park HQ at Kasara or the Sauraha village.

About Chitwan National Park: Chitwan National Park Information

Altitude  150-815 meters Temp Summer 38 (Max) & 20(Min) Degrees Celsius Winter 22 (Max) & 3 (Min) Degrees Celsius Best time to Go October – February Monsoon July – September Summer April - June Winter December – February Clothes Cottons in summer and light woolens in winter Nearest Airport Bharatpur – In turn has direct flights from Kathmandu Nearest Railway Station There are no Rail-roads in Nepal. Indian Railways Gorakhpur Station is the closest to Nepal Bus Station Bharatpur - Regular bus service from Kathmandu Hospital & Doctor Kathmandu (160 km) is the nearest city well equipped to handle medical emergencies Places to see Narayangarh, Bharatpur, Ratnanagar besides the National Park…