Chitwana National Park

Facts
Introduction
The park situated in south central Nepal, covering 932 km in the subtropical lowlands of the inner Terai was declared Mahendra Mriga Kunj (Mahendra Deer Park) by the late King Mahendra in 1959. The area comprises the Tikauli forest-from Rapti river to the foothills of the Mahabharat-extending over an area of 175 km. The area south of Rapti river was demarcated as Rhinoceros sanctuary in 1963 and gazetted as Country’s first National Park in 1973. It was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1984. The buffer zone i.e the area of 750 Kms surrounding the park consists of forests and private land which includes cultivated land.

Conservation of natural resources and development activities are undertaken jointly by the Park and the local people in the buffer zone. Provision has been made by His Majesty's Government to provide 30-50 percent of the park revenue for community development and natural resource management in the buffer zone.

Features

The park consists of diverse ecosystems-the flood plains of Rapti, reu and narayani rivers, Ox bow lakes and the Churia hills which rise slowly towards the east from 150 m. to more than 800 m. Someshwar hill comprises the western portion of the park which is lower and more rugged. The eastern boundary of the Park is shared by Parsa wildlife reserve.

Climate
The park enjoys a range of climatic seasons which in itself is a unique experience. The weather is quite enjoyable from October through February with average temperatures of 25oc . From March to June temperatures can reach as high as 43oC. The monsoon season lasts from late June until September. Rivers become flooded and roads are Non communicable. The months of September ,November , February and April provide spectacular bird watching opportunities as migratory birds join the residential birds. Most trees here flower in Winter but the monsoon rains bring lush vegetation. The beautiful crimson flowers of The palash tree, known as the "flame of the forest' and silk cotton tree can be seen from a distance.

Flora & Fauna

70 percent of the park is covered by Sal forests- the leaves of which are used for religious pfferings The Chitwan valley consists of tropical and subtropical forests. Grasslands cover 20 percent of the park. One can see the elephant grass known for its height which can grow upto 8m in height. The park is home to endangered species like One-horned rhinoceros, Gaur. Royal Bengal tiger. Wild elephant, Fourhorned antelope, Pangolin, Golden monitor lizard, Python, etc. Also found are more than 50 mammal species, over 525 birds, and 55 amphibians and reptiles.

Facilities
For information on wildlife and conservation program Sauraha provides display at the visitor centre .Local products and variety of handicrafts can be collected as souvenirs at the souvenir shop One gets the opportunity to get a closer view of the endangered one-horned rhinoceros on an elephant safari. If lucky ,One may also get a glimpse of the elusive Bengal tiger Bikram Baba, a Hindu religious site of archival value is located near HQ headquarters. There is a Gharial Breeding Center a short walk (1km) from the park HQ, which is also home to the Marsh mugger and number of turtles. There are 7 resorts inside the park for providing lodging and access to wildlife activities. Resorts and lodges situated outside the park also offer various services.

How to get there
Public buses, tourist coaches, and airlines service link Chitwan. There are nine entrance gates to the park
1, Kasara via Jagatpur , 2. Ghatgain via Patihani , 3. Bhimle via Maghauli, 4. Khagendra mali via Bhandara , 5. Sunachuri via Sunachuri , 6. Sauraha via Tandi (Ratna Nagar)7. Laukhani via Pragatinaggr , 8. Amaltari via Danda , 9. Kujauli via Rajahar