Discover Chitwan
For a country known for its beautiful mountains, the Gangetic flat lands of the Terai that stretches through out the southern part of Nepal provide a wholly different experience. A visit to Nepal remains incomplete without seeing the beauty of the Terai. And Chitwan is the best place to do so. The Royal Chitwan National Park, established in 1973, provides a great wildlife experience with its rich flora and fauna . The wildlife and the landscape are not as breathtaking as those found in Africa but still, the experience will stand out.
Chitwan is only 150m above the sea level. The place gets steamy from March-June, with peak temperatures reaching 43°C in the shade. Short grass makes Feb-May the best game-viewing season, but the autumn months are gorgeous, with Himalayan views, and in winter (December-January), Chitwan is pleasantly warmed compared to Kathmandu. The monsoon season (July-August) is intense, with pounding rain, swollen rivers, and luxuriant vegetation. While the rain isn’t constant, the humidity is all pervasive.
Places Of Interest
Though one can visit neighboring Tharu villages in Chitwan, the major interesting focus of Chitwan is still the exploration of the Chitwan National Park.
Flora and Fauna
The flora and fauna of Chitwan makes it a great place for nature lovers. Chitwan has over 50 different species of mammals, 400 different species of birds, and 65 different types of butterflies in its hardwood Sal forests, riverine vegetation, and “elephant grass” savannah. More than 70 different species of grass grow here.
The most famous wildlife in Chitwan is perhaps the single-horned Asian rhinoceros. A few decades ago, their number had fallen to less than 100, but recent count puts them at 400. These animals have thick armor like hide that is hard to penetrate even with a bullet.
A fully grown animal can be as tall as 180cm. In spite of army protection for these animals and severe punishment for harming them, rhino poaching is still a problem as every organ of the animal carries some (probably superstitious) value. The horn fetches about US$10,000 per kilo and is believed to be an aphrodisiac. The dung can be a laxative, the urine cures tuberculosis and asthma. The blood can help cure menstrual problems. The hide keeps away evil spirits. And so on.
Chitwan has about 150 Bengal tigers left of the one time 3000 or so. Though poaching is a serious threat, the real threat for these majestic animals is the gradual loss of its habitat. A male tiger requires almost 60km space, and a female one requires a third of it. Chitwan is simply not big enough to handle many tigers. It is rare for one to actually see a tiger, though looking for one is an interesting part of the trip.
Other wild mammals one may see are leopards, various types of deer, monkeys, sloth bear, and antelope.
Chitwan National Park
It lies 120km. of south-west of kathmandu with an area of 932 square kilometers. It was established in 1973 and was later declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984. Tropicle deciduous riverine forests, wooded hillsand grasslands contain one-fourth of the world’s endangered great one horned rhinos as well as the Royal Bengal tiger, leopards, monkeys, and splendid gaur bison. More than 440 speciesof birds are found in this ornithologist’s heaven,including the giant hornbill, the rare Bengal florican and the paradise flycatcher. There are many Parks inside the Chitwan National park and Island Jungle resort is one of them which is really Island best location.
Day 01: Arrive meet and transfer via Boat across the Narayani River to Island Jungle resort. On reaching resort guest relation officer will brief guests. Evening Elephant safari or Jungle walk or Nature walk with boat Ride.
Day 02: Full day in Jungle programme
5.30 am wakeup call followed by tea/Coffee
6.00am Bird watching or Elephant safari or Jungle walk.
8.00am breakfast. 9.30am Crocodile walk.a 45minute walk through grassalnd and forest upstream of Narayani River.Board boats to oberve crocodiles along the bank to the Camp
1.00pm Lunch.
3.30pm. Elephant Safri or Jungle walk or visit obervation tower, or nature walk with Boat Ride.
8.00pm. Dinner
Day 03:
Wakeup call folowed by Tea/Coffee
6.00am Bird watching or Elephant Safari or Jungle walk.
8.00am breakfast.
9.00am. departure.
After breakfast drive to Kathmandu or Pokhara after above programme,O/N in Hotel in bb basis.
Cost Included
- All ground transportation by tourist bus
- Meal on full board basis in Chitwan
- Accommodation at hotel park land OR similar category
- All jungle and tour activities
- All entry permits, Jungle guide, etc
Cost Excluded
- Foods and accommodation in Kathmandu/Pokhara
- Ground transportation other than tourist bus
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Items of a personal nature
- Tips for jungle guide