The Royal Chitwan National
Park, about 152 km southwest of Kathmandu and 146 km east of
Lumbini, comprises a strip of flood plain to the north, along
the Narayani , Rapti and Rue rivers. To the south it rises into
the Siwalik Hills, reaching a maximum height of 600 meters,
and then drop down to the plains.
Usually the Siwalik Hills continue straight into the higher
Mahabharat Range but here the Chitwan Valley forms a dividing
zone, known as the inner Terai between the two.
The topographic variation is unique grassland with tall Saal
(Shorearobusta) trees, riverine, forest of Khani (acacia catchu),
inland lakes, the churia range and hundreds of perennial clear
water streams. Truly a naturalist's delight.
The park is one of the richest and well known
game sanctuaries of Asia and so offers one of the finest wildlife
experience. In the early part of this century, the Chitwan
was a center for the hunting exploits on which British Royalty
during one hunting safari in 1911, they killed 39 tigers and
18 rhinos.
Today, the park is one of the few areas having the Tiger and
the great one horned rhinos, both endangered in abundance
since 1950 hunting has been controlled. and finally in 1973,
a total ban on hunting was enforced with the establishment
of the Royal Chitwan National Park having a total area of
976 square km.
About 46 species of mammals have been identified
hare and among them are four species of deer, rhino, wild
boar and common Langur Monkey, gaur, river otter, jungle cat,
leopard, wild dog, hyena and the tiger. In the river lurk
many aquatic life that include fierce marsh mugger and the
rare fish eating gharial crocodile.
Over 360 bird species, both resident and migrant have been
recorded here, the resident red headed tragon, the majestic
black necked stork, from the smallest bird of phey, the black
headed shrike tot he giant hornbill to name few. It certainly
is an ornithologists paradise.
From the pickup point, upon arrival at the fringe of the National
Park, the visitors are transported to the jungle lodge or
the camp site by elephant, safari jeeps or dugout -canoes
or a combination of them.
There are many jungle day activities and slide shows are organized
in the evening with local cultural programmes. Excellent places
for accommodation are available in and around the National
Park suitable to all types of budget.
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