Wildlife Resort in Chitwan National Park

  Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge
  Gaida Wildlife Camp
  Machan Wildlife Resort
  Temple Tiger
  Chitwan Jungle Lodge
  Island Jungle Resort
  Safari Narayani Lodge
  Tiger Tops Tharu Safari
  The Rhino Residency
  Safari Adventure Lodge
  Rhino Lodge
  Jungle Safari Resort
  Jungle Lagoon Safari Lodge
  Unique Wild Resort
  Gorkha Hamlet Resort
  Baghmara Wildlife Resort
  Hotel Hermitage
  Rainbow Safari Resort
  Tiger Camp, Chitwan
  Royal Park Hotel, Chitwan
  Jungle Safari Park
  Maruni Sanctuary Lodge
  Jungle Tourist Camp
  Chitwan National Park


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Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge
Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge, situated 75 miles south west of Kathmandu, at an elevation of 450 feet above sea level, is in the heart of Royal Chitwan National Park, a 500 square miles area of tall grassland and magnificent forests and wetlands.All the double rooms, many in tree-houses or private bungalows, are attractively furnished with solar shower, fan and lighting.The Gol Ghar (Round House) forms the centre of the lodge and contains the ... more
Gaida Wildlife Camp
Gaida Wildlife Camp borders the Rhino (our namesake) Zone in the central area of Royal Chitwan National Park. Guests on elephant-back safari quite often see as many as 10 to 15 rhinos. Gaida Lodge overlooks the river that serves as the parks natural boundary. Views from your bungalow window can include any of the mammals and birds that make their home in the park. Reputed as one of the best managed Jungle Safari Resorts of Nepal ... more
Machan Wildlife Resort
Where the Sal forest of the Chitwan jungle meets the wide and beautiful valley of the Rapti river, the world is wild and splendid. Broad grassland sweeps north to the Mahabharata range and virgin jungle extends south to the Churia hills. For centuries the dense jungle bordering on the foothills of the Himalayas formed an impenetrable barrier, keeping Nepal a hidden and mysterious kingdom. The last three decades have seen ... more
Temple Tiger
Welcome to your exclusive rendezvous in the jungle. Where the hustle of the outside world ceases to exist, and you begin a journey into the interiors of your soul. Where the calm breeze strums your very being. Welcome to Temple Tiger! Temple Tiger Jungle Lodges, one of the finest in Asia, are situated in the lush green forest of Royal Chitwan National Park in the mysterious kingdom of Nepal. The sight of the serenely flowing Narayani River ... more
Chitwan Jungle Lodge
Chitwan Jungle Lodge, Royal Chitwan National ParkThe Royal Chitwan National Park, one of Asia's richest and most spectacular wildlife sanctuaries, is situated 75 air miles southwest of 'Kathmandu'. In this panoramic jungle setting we operate a unique vacation facility. Of all the world's remaining jungles, one of the most enchanting is Royal Chitwan National Park in the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal. Here, at Chitwan Jungle Lodge, you will discover a lost world of towering trees and twisting vines, of ... more
Island Jungle Resort
As the crow flies ninety kilometers southwest of Kathmandu, is the Royal Chitwan National Park. Widely acknowledged as one of the best national parks in Asia, covering a pristine area of 932 sq. km. This is the first national park in Nepal, established in 1973 to preserve a unique ecosystem of significant value to the entire world. The park is situated in the sub-tropical inner 'Terai' lowlands of south-central Nepal. In the northwest section of the park ... more
Safari Narayani Lodge
Located on a bluff overlooking the Rapti River and the National Park beyond, Safari Narayani Lodge is an ideal getaway for those seeking solace from the humdrum of 21st century. 10 Elephants to take you through Asia's premier National Park in search of Tigers, Leopards, Rhinos, Sloth Bears and other denizens of the jungle.  Naturalists, guides and 160 other staff to make your stay an experience of a lifetime!  Ethnically inspired "Tharu Ghar' ... more
Tiger Tops Tharu Safari
Tiger Tops Tharu Safari Lodge, just 13 km downriver from Tiger Tops Jungle Lodge, was inspired by the lifestyle and rich culture of the indigenous Tharu people. The lodge is constructed in the traditional style of the Tharu with two longhouses built from local materials. The spacious and comfortable double rooms have en-suite bathrooms with solar-heated water. Tharu Safari Lodge offers both wildlife, cultural plus resort activities, including birdwatching ... more
The Rhino Residency
With 25 years of experience in trekking, mountaineering, rafting and wildlife adventure Lama Excursions is one of the leading and the oldest trekking companies of Nepal. Our services & professionalism catering to the needs of our guest have earned us a good reputation along the years among our agents all over the world. Now at the turn of the century, we proud to present a new venture The Rhino Residency Resort, an excititng combination of luxury and ... more
Safari Adventure Lodge
Safari Adventures at the National Parks and Wildlife Reserves in Nepal. It is said that some of the world's most exciting Safari destinations are also in Nepal. The country provides one of the world's major habitats for endangered species like the one-horned Rhino, Royal Bengal Tiger, Snow Leopard, Sloth Bear etc...Nepal has almost 10% of the World's bird species with a variety of wetland, migratory and resident birds. It is believed that over 800 species of ... more
Rhino Lodge
Rhino Lodge is located within the park periphery and is along beach of Rapti river. The hotel has several buildings and each building has four standard double rooms. All rooms have verandah. The accommodation is surrounded by green trees and garden. Its convenient location, personalized services, and Nepalese hospitality will make your Jungle Safari in Royal Chitwan National Park very enjoyable. You will feel comfortable and adventurous ... more
Jungle Safari Resort
With 16 years of experience in wildlife adventure Jungle Safari Resort is one of the wildlife adventure companies of Nepal. Our services & professionalism catering to the needs of our guest have earned us a good reputation along the years among our agents all over the world. The Jungle Safai Resort, an exciting combination of luxury and wildlife adventure in Royal Chitwan National Park. The Jungle Safari Resort with its ideal location at Sauraha, a minute's walk away ... more
Jungle Lagoon Safari Lodge
Jungle Lagoon Safari Lodge, Chitwan, NepalJungle Lagoon Safati Lodge situated at the bank of Rapti river in the world famous Royal Chitwan National Park. The lodge welcomes you to conceive the ultimate wildlife experience. You will find that the Jungle Lagoon has a very special environment and master location. The Jungle Lagoon Safari Lodge was established at 1993 A.D. t has 15 deluxe style room, all are attached bath, hot and cold water running 24 hours a day and 7 days in a week. The lodge ... more
Unique Wild Resort
Unique Wild Resort, Chitwan, NepalAbout Unique Wild Resort, Worried about malaria? No, Chitwan was  declared malaria-free in 1960.You will see another visage of Nepal in this unique wild world. Excitement rises high in its wilderness. Who knows, may be you are only the fortunate generation to see the last surviving Great Asian One Horned Rhinoceros, elusive Royal Bengal Tiger, sloth bears, leopards, Gaur, Sambar, Spotted dee, the endangered Ghariala and Marsh Magar and rich bird ... more
Gorkha Hamlet Resort
Gorlha Hamlet ResortSituated in the Terai belt of Nepal, This well know National Park Covers 975 sq. km . it is a famous national park for its flora and fauna. It is home for most endangered Royal Bengal tiger ,great one horned rhinoceros , leopard , gaurs as well as sloth bear ,monkeys , varieties of deer's crocodiles,butterflies and over 500 different species of colorful rear birds. This hamlet lodge is run by well-trained, experienced local guides and has the experience of ... more
Baghmara Wildlife Resort
Baghmara Wildlife Resort, BuildBaghmara Wildlife Resort is situated at 165 km South of Kathmandu and 15 km South East from Mahendra East-West high way (Tadi Bazzar) at the bank of Budi Rapti river is an isolated northern area of National Park and a border of the famous Baghmara forest(Tiger Hunted forest) of Royal Chitwan National Park. Late King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev had hunted Royal Bengal Tiger in this forest since then this forest is well known as Baghmara forest. Nepal's ... more
Hotel Hermitage
Hotel Hermitage, ChitwanThe Hotel Hermitage is a resort hotel of an international Standard in Sauraha, on the bank of Rapti River, boarding the Royal Chitwan National Park with attractive landscape with big open playgrounds, excellent river side location and largest territory (8 bigha) forest land. The hotel has Nepal’s only one designed as the boat- house. The others structure has cottages, pond, boating canal, houses etc. The hotel resort has cottages of traditional style but with ... more
Rainbow Safari Resort
Rainbow Safari ResortNepal's first and most famous national park is situated in the Chitwan Doon or the lowlands of the inner Terai. Covering an area of 932 sq.km. The park includes hilly areas of the siwalik range covered by deciduous sal forest. A fifth of the park is made up of the floodplains of the Narayani, Rapti and the Rue rivers and is covered by dense tall elephant grass interspersed reverine forests of silk Colton (kapok), acacia and sisam trees. This ecologically diverse area is ... more
Tiger Camp, Chitwan
Tiger Camp, ChitwanTiger Camp for perfect holiday, adventure and cultural tours It is not only the best place for wildlife viewing, but also the perfect resort with a temperate climate and holiday atmosphere for relaxation, entertainment and honeymoon. It is at the very entrance point of the park, surrounded by the river and vast flood plains of the National Park, just outside the village-safe and comfortable. It is an interesting place for ecologically conscious tourists. Most ... more
Royal Park Hotel, Chitwan
Royal Park HotelThe magic of Nepal awaiting every traveller lies in its full glory of lush jungles, between the rugged snow peaks of the majestic Himalayas and the endless variety of colourful wildlife and mighty rivers.Those visiting Nepal look for this kaleidoscope of living colour and find the Rapti River in Southern Nepal , on whose banks you find the Royal Park Hotel. Beyond the river every hotel guest can view a brilliant display of nature on parade, crowned by unforgettable ... more
Jungle Safari Park
Jungle Safari Park, Royal Chitwan National ParkReckoned by many wildlife enthusiasts as one of Asia's best nature reserve, the Chitwan national Park is not only one of the last bastion for the Great Asian One horned Rhinoceros and the Royal Bengal Tiger but since November 1984, it has also been inscribed by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. And for the visitor to Nepal in quest of exciting adventures, a visit Chitwan is a must.Jungle Safari park, located right besides the entrance of the national park ... more
Maruni Sanctuary Lodge
Maruni Sanctuary Lodge, Royal Chitwan National Park, Chitwan Maruni Sanctuary Lodge is managed by the famous Kathmandu Guest House, the Asia's leading budget hotel with 35 years of experience in travel trade industry in Nepal.Royal Chitwan National Park, the oldest National Park in Nepal, is situated in the sub-tropical inner Terai lowlands of South-Central Nepal. The Park was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1984. MARUNI SANCTUARY LODGE is located in one of the least disturbed areas of Sauraha, Chitwan and ... more
Jungle Tourist Camp
Jungle Tourist Camp, Royal Chitwan National Park, ChitanLocated at the heart of the Sauraha, the main gateway to the Chitwan National Park, Jungle Tourist Camp is established at 1978 AD and is dedicated to fulfill all the expectations of its valued guests during their visit to the Park. Combining unique settings of traditional huts with attached bathrooms & hot showers, a beautiful garden and well furnished dinning hall, with buffet or a la carte menus, Jungle Tourist Camp offers you all you need as a base for you to ... more
Chitwan National Park
This very popular wildlife park is 120km southwest of Kathmandu, in the center of Nepal. This is one of the best wildlife parks to visit in Asia. It is a great experience going on an elephant safari in this first-class park. It is relatively easy to get to and can be visited cheaply. It is a popular park to visit so can get crowded. If you want seclusion you may want to visit Bardia National Park or Sukla Phanta, which are much less crowded. There are many wild animals in this park, which include one-horned rhinoceros, tigers, leopards, wild boars, sloth bears, wild buffalo and crocodiles. These animals can all be seen on the back of an elephant. It is unlikely to see a tiger, but you can be almost certain to see a rhino, monkeys, different species of deer, and many species of birds.

Chitwan National Park is the first national park in Nepal. Formerly called Royal Chitwan National Park it was established in 1973 and granted the status of a World Heritage Site in 1984. It covers an area of 932 km2 and is located in the subtropical Inner Terai lowlands of south-central Nepal in the Chitwan district. In altitude it ranges from about 100 metres (330 ft) in the river valleys to 815 metres (2,674 ft) in the Churia Hills.
In the north and west of the protected area the Narayani-Rapti river system forms a natural boundary to human settlements. Adjacent to the east of Chitwan National Park is Parsa Wildlife Reserve, contiguous in the south is the Indian Tiger Reserve Valmiki National Park. The coherent protected area of 2,075 km2 represents the Tiger Conservation Unit (TCU) Chitwan-Parsa-Valmiki, which covers a 3.549 km2 huge block of alluvial grasslands and subtropical moist deciduous forests.

During their visit in 1911, King George V and his son the Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII), during their hunting expedition 39 tigers and 18 rhinos were killed. In 1973, when Chitwan became a national park, the amount of rhinos was down to 100 and the tigers were just 20. At the present time the park has around 460 rhinos, 80 tigers, over 50 other species of animals, and over 450 species of birds.

From Kathmandu it takes a day to get to Chitwan and a day to get back to Kathmandu, so you need at least three days for this trip. For most people two full days at the park is enough. As it is a pleasant place many people will want to stay longer. You can also do a river raft trip there, spending three days on the river Trisuli or Seti Khola. The best time to visit the park is from October to May. There is a wide assortment of birds in the park. The best time to view migratory species is from December to March. The park can easily be visited from either Kathmandu or Pokhara. If you are traveling between Kathmandu and Sunauli, it is a short trip of the route to the park. If you are going between Kathmandu and Pokhara and the Indian border town of Birganj, you pass Chitwan.

History
Since the end of the 19th century Chitwan - Heart of the Jungle – used to be a favorite hunting ground for Nepal’s ruling class during the winter seasons. Until the 1950s the journey from Kathmandu to Nepal’s South was arduous as the area could only be reached by foot. Thus, in an area known as Four Mile Forest comfortable camps were set up for the feudal big game hunters and their entourage, where they stayed for a couple of months shooting hundreds of tigers, rhinocerosses, leopards and sloth bears.

In 1950 Chitwan’s forest and grasslands extended over more than 2,600 km2 and was home to about 800 rhinos. When poor farmers from the mid-hills moved to the Chitwan Valley in search of arable land, the area was subsequently opened for settlement, and poaching of wildlife became rampant. In 1957 the country's first conservation law inured to the protection of rhinos and their habitat. In 1959 Edward Pritchard Gee undertook a survey of the area, recommended creation of a protected area north of the Rapti river and of a wildlife sanctuary south of the river for a trial period of ten years. After his subsequent survey of Chitwan in 1963, this time for both the Fauna Preservation Society and the International Union for Conservation of Nature, he recommended extension of the sanctuary to the south

However, by the end of the 1960s 70% of Chitwan’s jungles were cleared using DDT, thousands of people had settled there, and only 95 rhinos remained. The dramatic decline of the rhino population and the extent of poaching prompted the government to institute the Gaida Gasti – a rhino reconnaissance patrol of 130 armed men and a network of guard posts all over Chitwan. To prevent the extinction of rhinos the Chitwan National Park was gazetted in December 1970 with borders delineated the following year and established in 1973, initially encompassing an area of 544 km2.

In 1977 the park was enlarged to its present area of 932 km2. In 1997 a bufferzone of 766.1 km2 was added to the north and west of the Narayani-Rapti river system, and between the south-eastern boundary of the park and the international border to India. The park’s headquarter is located in Kasara. Close-by the Gharial and Turtle Conservation Breeding Centres have been established. In 2008 a Vulture breeding centre was inaugurated aiming at holding up to 25 pairs of each of the two Gyps vultures species now critically endangered in Nepal - the Oriental white-backed vulture and the slender-billed vulture.

Climate
The area is located in the central climatic zone of the Himalayas, where monsoon starts in mid June and eases off in late September. During these 14-15 weeks most of the 2,500 mm yearly precipitation falls – it is pouring with rain. After mid-October the monsoon clouds have retreated, humidity drops off, and the top daily temperature gradually subsides from ±36°C / 96.8 °F to ±18°C / 64.4 °F. Nights are cooling down to 5°C / 41.0 °F until late December, when it usually rains softly for a few days. Then temperatures are rising gradually.

Vegetation
The typical vegetation of the Inner Terai is Himalayan subtropical broadleaf forests with predominantly Sal trees covering about 70% of the national park area. Purest stands of sal occur on well drained lowland ground in the centre. Along the southern face of the Churia Hills sal is interspersed with chir pine (Pinus roxburghii). On northern slopes sal associates with smaller flowering tree and shrub species such as Beleric (Terminalia bellirica), Indian Rosewood (Dalbergia sissoo), Axlewood (Anogeissus latifolia), Elephant Apple (Dillenia indica), Grey Downy Balsam (Garuga pinnata) and creepers such as Bauhinia vahlii and Spatholobus parviflorus.

Seasonal bushfires, flooding and erosion evoke an ever-changing mosaic of riverine forest and grasslands along the river banks. On recently deposited alluvium and in lowland areas groups of Catechu (Acacia catechu) with Indian Rosewood (Dalbergia sissoo) predominate, followed by groups of Kapok (Bombax ceiba) with Rhino Apple trees (Trewia nudiflora), the fruits of which rhinos savour so much. Understorey shrubs of Velvety beautyberry (Callicarpa macrophylla), Hill Glory Bower (Clerodendrum viscosum) and Indian gooseberry (Phyllanthus emblica) offer shelter and lair to a wide variety of species. Terai-Duar savanna and grasslands cover about 20% of the park’s area. More than 50 species are found here including some of the world’s tallest grasses like the elephant grass called Saccharum ravennae, Giant cane (Arundo donax), Khagra reed (Phragmites karka) and several species of true grasses. Kans grass (Saccharum spontaneum) is one of the first grasses to colonise new sandbanks and to be washed away by the yearly monsoon floods

Chitwan is in Chitwan in an area known as the Inner Terai. It is surrounded by the Someshwar Hills. The north park of the park is a narrow strip of flat land running along the Rapti and Narayani rivers. It is the most visited part of the park. The east part of the park is connected to Parsa Wildlife Reserve, which is not usually visited, but this is valuable land for the wildlife. The Someshwar Hill going up to 735m are in the south section of the park. Visitors do not usually come here. There are several lakes in the park, which are good for bird watching. A lake is known as a “tal.” The best lakes are Devi Tal near Tiger Tops, Bis Hajaar Tal (20,000 lakes), and Lami Tal near Kasara.

Flora
The Terai area, where Chitwan is located is subtropical. The park is made up of grassland (20%), hardwood forest (73%) and riverine forest (7%). The hardwood forest is mainly sal trees (Shorea ribusta), and there are also kapok, pipal, palash, strangler fir and shisham. In the grassland over 50 species can be found. Elephant grasses (the saccharun family) grow up to 8m high. The small species such as khar are useful for thatching. Sal, which is the main tree in Chitwan, is a valued hardwood, which is used for building and woodcarving. It is known for its strength and durability and this can be seen because many of the ancient buildings in Nepal were constructed by it. It grows in well-drained soil to an average height of 30m. In wetter area there are shisham (Dalbergia sissoo), Simal trees (Bombax ceiba) and khair (Acacia catechu). Simals have large red flowers in the spring.

Wildlife
There are over 50 species of mammals, 450 species of birds, and 65 species of butterflies. The most interesting animals to see are the tigers (rarely seen) and the rhinos (usually seen).

Tiger
It is unlikely to see a wild tiger in the park. Tigers usually travel and hunt at night, which makes them hard to spot during the day. Tigers need a large area for hunting. A male used about 60 sq km and a female around 16 sq km. The male have their own area, but they may overlap with some females. There has to be at least 50 breeding adults to prevent interbreeding.

Rhinoceros
Rhinos (gaida) are often seen in the park. There are two species of rhinos in Africa and three types in Asian. The one-horn rhino found at Chitwan is smaller than the African white, but is larger than the African black rhinos. It weights up to two tonnes (tons) and can grown up to 180cm at the shoulders. Rhino are normally solitary animals, but several may stay in the same area.

They have poor eyesight, but their hearing and sense of smell. The poor sight of the rhinoceros is why they are known to be dangerous. Because they can not see very well, when they see sometime they assume it may be dangerous and then charge it. They are amazing quick. If you catch one by surprise, especially a mother with a child, they can immediately charge. Many of the parts of a rhino are considered to be valuable and therefore they are subject to poaching. To mark their territory rhinos drop their excreta in mounds. They are easy prey for a poacher because they approach their mounds backwards. Their horns are used as Arab dagger and are believed to be sexual stimulant. Rhinoceros are found in the grasslands in Chitwan National Park and Royal Bardia National Park.

Other Mammals
Leopards (chituwa) and night prowling sloth bears (bhalu) are found in the park, but they are rarely seen. There are jackals, civets, wild dogs and various types of mongoose. T he black-faced gray langur monkeys and the brownish-red rhesus monkeys are the most common animals to see. The smaller macaque monkeys are often seen at temples. The Nepali name for monkey is “bandar.”

There are four species of deer in the park. There are spotted deer (chital), big sambar deer (jarayo), hot deer (laghuna) and small barking deer (mirga). You can often get a quick view of them. Gaur, which are wild cattle, are in the park. You may also see the blue cow (nilgai), which are the large antelope in Asia, but they are not usually seen. There are wild boars, hares, squirrels, porcupines and bats. Freshwater or Gangetic dolphins can sometimes be seen in the rivers in the park, but they are rarely seen.

Reptiles
There two types of crocodiles. The gharial crocodile grows up to 7m, is found in rivers, and eats fish. It was in fear of extinction and is very rare. They are harmless. There is a successful gharial breeding center near Kasara, near the park’s headquarters. Marsh crocodiles are found in lakes, marshes and sometimes in rivers. There are snakes (sarpa) in the park including some interesting pythons. There are also turtles. Some poisonous snakes found in the park are cobra, viper and krait.

Birds
Every year dedicated bird watchers and conservationists survey bird species occurring all over the country. In 2006 they recorded 543 species in the Chitwan National Park, much more than in any other protected area in Nepal and about two-thirds of Nepal's globally threatened species. Additionally, 20 black-chinned yuhina, a pair of Gould's sunbird, a pair of blossom-headed parakeet and one slaty-breasted rail, an uncommon winter visitor, were sighted in spring 2008. Especially the park’s alluvial grasslands are important habitats for the critically endangered Bengal florican, the vulnerable lesser adjutant, grey-crowned prinia, swamp francolin and several species of grass warblers. In 2005 more than 200 slender-billed babblers were sighted in 3 different grassland types. The near threatened Oriental darter is a resident breeder around the many lakes, where also egrets, bitterns, storks and kingfisher abound.The park is one of the few known breeding sites of the globally threatened Indian spotted eagle. Peafowl and jungle fowl scratch their living on the forest floor.

Apart from the resident birds about 160 migrating and vagrant species arrive in Chitwan in autumn from northern latitudes to spend the winter here, among them the Greater Spotted Eagle, Eastern Imperial Eagle and Pallas's Fish-eagle. Common sightings include Brahminy ducks and goosanders. Large flocks of bar-headed geese just rest for a few days in February on their way north. As soon as the winter visitors have left in spring, the summer visitors arrive from southern latitudes. The calls of Indian cuckoos herald the start of spring. The colourful Bengal Pittas and several sunbird species are common breeding visitors during monsoon. Among the many flycatcher species the Paradise flycatcher with his long undulating tail in flight is a spectacular sight. More than 450 local and migratory species have been sighted in the park. There are storks, eagles, cranes, owls, herons, parakeets, hawks, kingfishers, falcons, cormorants, osprey, ducks, woodpeckers, flycatchers, sandpipers, ibis, kites orioles, swallows, gulls and many more.

Package Tours
Package tours are usually three days and two nights. A standard tour usually includes transportation, accommodation, food, an elephant ride, and park entry. There may also be a jungle walk, a canoe trip, a Tharu folk dance and a visit to a Tharu village. If you do everything and stay in a middle class place, a tour costs around $150 if you travel by bus and $200 by car. If you stay in a luxury place the price is much higher. There are rafting and Chitwan trip, which includes three days rafting on the Trisuli River, and then you stay at Chitwan for two nights. They can begin as low as $200. These trips usually go only to Narayanghat and not all the way to the park, and from there you have to get a bus or taxi to the park. Many people do not find this long enough time as travel time to and from Kathmandu is six or seven hours each way. This leaves just one day to visit the park.

Local People Situation
Over 1000 soldiers protect the park from poaching and woodcutting. Many of the locals believe the parks takes up valuable farming and wood collecting land. Also often the animals leave the park and damage crops from the local farms. The rhinos leave the park in February and March and eat the wheat and mustards plants and in November they damage the rice crops. Each year in February, the local villagers are allowed to come into the park and harvest some of the grass. Grass is used for roof thatching and other uses. Tourism also gives many jobs for the locals.

What to Bring
Except for during the winter it is quite hot in the Terai, so you need to have clothes for the weather. There is not much shade on the back of an elephant, so a hat, sunscreen and a long sleeve shirt are a good idea. During the winter from late-November to February it can be quite cold, especially in the morning, so a warm sweater or jacket will be necessary. A swimsuit is good for swimming. It is best to have neutral color clothing because bright colors scare the animals. Yellows, reds and white in particular should be avoided. Warning Leeches (jukha) can be a problem during the monsoon. There are still some leeches one or two months after it stops raining.

Practicalities
You can combine a trip to the park with a raft ride. They do not go all the way to the park, but usually stop in Narayanghat. The closest bank is Nepal Bank in Tandi. Some hotel in Sauraha change money and there are some legal money changers that change many currencies and travelers’ cheques. Usually they give a worst rate than the book. The phone connection is not very good to Sauraha village. Hello World Communication Service in Tadi Bazaar is one of the better places to make a phone call. There are email services, but the rates are usually much higher than Kathmandu or Pokhara.

When to Go
The best time to come to Chitwan is October to February. The average daily temperature is 24ºC. It can be quite cold in the morning, so it is recommended to have a sweater or jacket. In October it can be fairly uncomfortable because of heat and humidity. From mid-January to the end of February, the villagers go into the park and cut the grass. What is left of the grass is then burnt. While the villagers are in the park, the animals are scare and they are hard to find.

From the end of February through May is the best time to view the wildlife because the grasslands have been burnt away. In April and May it can be very hot and therefore uncomfortable. The worst time to come to the park is the end June to mid-September during the monsoon. During this time there are leeches, the ground is muddy, visibility is bad, and flooding of the rivers closes some of the park. Many of the hotels are closed at this time.

Park Practicalities
There is no actual park entrance. You enter the park by taking a canoe or wading across the river.
Entry permits and are good for two consecutive days. Free for children under 10. If you are staying at a hotel inside the park usually the entry fee will be added onto the cost. You get them at the Ranger’s office left of the visitor centre. Open 6 to 9 am and 2 to 4 pm. As the wait in the morning can be long, you may want to hire someone at your lodge to wait for you. You book an elephant ride when you purchase your ticket. You should book an elephant ride as early as possible. If you have someone else purchase your ticket you should check it before entering the park as sometime they give you a counterfeit one. Guides may also bring you places in the forest where a permit is not needed and still charge you for a park ticket. The visitor centre and ticket office are open daily from 6 to 9.30 am and 1.30 to 4.30 pm.

The visitors’ centre has a small museum with displays on the park (open daily 6 am to 6 pm). There are some good maps of the park on the walls. Maps sold in are not as good. The headquarters of the park is at Kasara, west of Sauraha. There is a crocodile breeding place there. There are maps of the park which can be purchased in Sauraha.

Guides
Guides are very helpful when entering the park. Everyone must have a guide with them to enter the park. When hiring a guide you should ask them how many years experience they have in the park. Often if they have fewer years in the park, they may not speak English so well. It is not a good idea to enter the park without an experience guide and it is not unusual for people to be attacked by rhinos or other wildlife in the park. For safety reasons, guide take no more than four people into the park at a time. Guides are certified as junior, senior and advanced. The more advanced guides have more years of experience and speak better English. Guides often have great knowledge about the wildlife in the park and are expert and identifying birds. If a guide is good it is a good idea to tip them, as their salaries are very low.

Each lodge has their own guides, but if you sign up to go with one you may be forced to go with a package tour at their schedule. You should check on this in advance. If you want to go on a non-standard walk you should hire a senior or advanced guide. There are several independent guide services, which usually have more experience than lodge guides. United Jungle Guide Service is a group of guides working together. Ask other travelers what guides they recommend.

WARNING People have been killed on jungle walks by rhinos. Before beginning a jungle walk guides should explain should be done in case of an animal attack. Many of the guides consider these walks risky. The main danger is from a charging rhino. Before charging a rhino will take a step back and put its head down. If a rhino charges you should climb up a tree. If you can’t do that run in a zigzag path, as rhinos run fast and throw off some of your clothing, as the rhino may stop and smell it.

Places In and Around the Park
At the Gharial Crocodile Breeding Project, the endangered gharial crocodile’s eggs are incubated under controlled condition, therefore increasing the survivor rate. It was started in 1977 when there were only 1300 gharials left on earth.
Lami Tal Lake is good places to view mugger crocodiles and birds.

The Elephant Stables, at the southeastern border of Sauraha, is where many of the Chitwan elephants live. A good time to visit is in the afternoon when the elephants are fed. At the Elephant Breeding Program, 4km west of Sauraha, elephants are breed and trained. The best time to visit is in the afternoon.

Bis Hajaar Tal is a group of marshy lakes west of the Elephant Breeding Program where deer, birds, monkeys and sometimes rhinos can be seen here. It is best to have a guide to do a day walking tour here.

Elephants Rides
An elephant ride in the park is the highlight of a visit to Chitwan. An elephant is the best way to see the wildlife, especially in the summer and autumn when the grass gets very high, up to 8m high. Riding on an elephant doesn’t scare the wildlife away, because the scent of the elephant masks your scent. Hotels inside the park have their own elephants. Elephants safaris usually begin at the hotels in Sauraha have their own elephants.

Around ten elephants go out into the park around 7.30 am and 4 pm for 1½ hours. During the high-season the demand is greater than the supply, so elephants should be booked as soon as possible. Usually people start queuing up very early in the morning, so it is most likely a good idea to pay to pay around a your lodge to arrange the elephant for you. On major Nepali holidays the elephants do not go out.

Several of the hotels in Sauraha have their own elephants. The elephants from these hotels can only go to the Baghmara Community Forest, a few kilometres west of the park. This area is used by many of the villagers for grazing animals, which has a tendency to scare away the animals. The private operators say you are just as likely to see wildlife here, as within the park, but in actually it is much better in the park. Some people have seen rhinos here.

When booking a package tour to the park, you should make sure to find out if the elephant ride is inside or outside the park. You should ask to see your park entry ticket. Sometimes people are told that the elephant ride is in the park and it is actually outside the park. Elephants do not go out on important holidays such as the eighth or ninth days of Dasain.

Jungle Walks
Jungle Walks are a good way to sight wildlife and is great for bird watching. Walks begin between 6 and 7 am. Half-day walk goes for three hours Rs 250 to Rs 450 depending on the experience of the guide. A full day walk goes for six hours and costs Rs 400 to Rs 700. Many of the hotels have their own guides and there are some independent guides.

They can be a dangerous, which is a good reason to have an experienced guide with you. A half-day walk will visit grassland and riverine forest. To get into the jungle a full day is needed. There are also longer two day jungle walks. It is best to go with a senior or advanced guide on longer walks. The best time for a jungle walk is in the spring, at which time the grass is shorter. It is possible to take a jungle walk along with a canoe ride.

Jeep Rides
Jeep rides last three to five hours and can cover a greater distant than an elephant. Jeeps depart at 7 am and 1 pm. There is a better chance of seeing wildlife in the afternoon. It is normal to see a rhino on a jeep safari. The best months to see wildlife are February to April, after the grass has been cut. Jeep rides normally go to Kasara Durbar, the park headquarters and the gharial crocodile breeding project, about 20km west of Sauraha. Jeep rides last three or fours hours and costs Rs 700 per person. Often jeeps can not get into the park until the water level of the rivers decrease after the monsoon, until November or early December. During this time shorter and not as good trip will be done outside the park. Most lodges have their own jeeps. You should book early with your lodge to guarantee a seat in a jeep.

Canoe Trip
Canoe trips usually go down the Rapti or Narayani rivers one-half hour to one hour and then from there you take a guided walk two or three hours back to Sauraha. As many people walk on this trail, it often scares the animals away. Trip usually begin near the Baghmara Community Forest and go down the Rapti River to the Elephant Breeding Project. You can also take a jeep ride back. Canoes depart at 8 am and 2 pm. You have a better chance of seeing something if you take one of the first canoes departing in the morning or afternoon. During the high-season they should be booked a day in advance. The canoe rides are peaceful. During one, you will see water birds and may see gharial crocodiles, the rarely seen Gangetic dolphin, or a mugger crocodile. The mugger crocodile like the marshy areas.

Bicycle Rides
You can also take a bicycle ride to Bis Hajjar Tal (20,000 Lake) in about 1½ hours. You may see rhinos, gharials and birds at the lake. You should get to the lake early in morning. A bike should be reserved the night before. Bicycles are not allowed in the park. Bikes can be hires for Rs 70 per day at Tadi Bazaar and Sauraha.

To get to Bis Hajjar Tal you first go to Tadi and then you turn left (go west) on Mahendra Highway. You then go 3km until you cross a bridge that goes over the Khageri Khola. You cross the bridge and take the dirt road on the left (go south). After going over another bridge you come to a fort in the road. Take the right fork for 5km and the lake will be on your right.

Tharu Villages and Tharu Stick Dance
Originally the people of this area were Tharus and there are Tharu villages in the area that can be visited. The nearest Tharu village is Bachauli, east of Sauraha. Some hotels arrange village tours. There are two-hour guided walks through the Tharu Village for Rs 75 per person.

Tharu stick dances are worth seeing and several hotels have performances nightly during the high season. During a dance, performers slap their sticks together. You lodge should know where a performance is taking place. Tharu Cultural Program Hall, north end of Sauraha, has a nightly cultural show with traditional music and dance.

Village Development Committees VDC's & Towns of Chitwan District:

Ayodhyapuri Bachhayauli Bagauda Bhandara Birendra Nagar Chainpur Chandi Bhanjyang
Dahakhani Darechok Dibyanagar Fulbari Gardi Gitanagar Gunjanagar
Jagatpur Jutpani Kabilas Kathar Kaule Khairhani Korak
Kumroj Lothar Kalyanpur Mangalpur Meghauli Narayanpur Padampur
Parbatipur Patihani Piple Pithuwa Saradanagar Shaktikhor Sibanagar
Siddi Sukranagar 1 1 1 1 1
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