Chitwan National Park is undoubtedly one of the most popular national parks in Nepal. In the last fiscal year, from August 2017 to August 2018, more than 95,000 tourists visited the park, representing a rise in the number compared to the previous fiscal year. The reason many tourists visit the park is that there are numerous things to see and do here.
One of the most crucial features of the park is its rich fauna. Altogether, 700 species of animals are found here, which include 68 species of mammals, 17 species of reptiles, 113 species of fish, a massive number of undocumented species of insects, and so on. Similarly, 543 species of birds have been recorded in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Chitwan National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts over 95,000 tourists annually due to its rich fauna and flora.
- Visitors can enjoy activities such as elephant rides, boat rides to observe river wildlife, and cultural performances showcasing Tharu traditions.
- Key species include the Bengal Tiger and One-horned Rhinoceros among mammals, as well as various bird species.
- The best time to visit Chitwan National Park is from October to March, particularly January to March, for better wildlife viewing.
- Activities like visiting the Elephant Breeding Farm and indulging in local delicacies at resorts enhance the overall experience.
The most popular animals include the Bengal Tiger, One-horned Rhinoceros, Sloth Bears, and Yellow-throated Martens, among others. Birds include the Eastern Imperial Eagle, White-throated Kingfisher, Bengal Florican, and Oriental Darter, among others.
The park is also known for the different species of flora that are found mainly in the forest area. A few of the well-known species of trees include Chir Pine, Rosewood, and Grey Downy Balsam. And among the grasses include Giant Cane, Khagra Reed, Kans Grass, and so on.
Due to its biological and ecological significance and its outstanding global value, Chitwan National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was awarded the esteemed title in the year 1984.
Things to do in Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park offers a wide range of interesting activities to enjoy. By doing these activities, you don’t just feel entertained, but also get to know about the park, the people here, and their culture altogether. The following are the most popular things to do in Chitwan National Park.
Take the Elephant Ride
Taking the elephant ride in Chitwan National Park is the best kind of Jungle Safari in Nepal, and one of the most amazing ways to explore the park. The ride lasts for almost 2 hours, and during this time, you come across numerous wild animals. The mahout takes you through major sections of the forest area, where animals are mostly sighted. The attractions are animals like one-horned rhinoceros, wild boar, deer, different birds, and so on.
Also, getting close to the mahout will give you a special advantage, as you’ll get to hear various facts about animals, mainly the elephants. They also tell you the incidents that have occurred in the jungle and give you special tips – what you should do and what you shouldn’t, all of which are very interesting to hear.
The elephant ride offers an amazing experience, allowing you to move around the forest and enjoy nature in comfort. You’ll be surprised by the gentleness of these beasts!
Many tourists also opt for an elephant bath in conjunction with an elephant safari. Both the elephant bath and the elephant safari are wonderful activities that one must try during their visit to the park.
Go for the Boat Ride
A boat ride is another interesting way to explore the forest. However, there is a significant difference between what you’ll explore through an elephant ride and through a boat ride. Through the elephant ride, you’ll mainly explore the land-based animals, but on the other hand, through the boat ride, you’ll mainly explore amphibians and water-based animals.
The main highlights include fish, crabs, gharials, snakes (if present), tortoises, and more. You may also encounter birds and various land-based animals that come to the water sources to drink.
Quite like the mahout guiding the elephant, the boat operator is also generally friendly. They are very familiar with the area, and it’s often a great experience to talk to them. And learn about the various animals and birds in the area.
Enjoy the Cultural Performances
The hotels, resorts, and culture centers at Chitwan organize cultural performances time and again to entertain the guests visiting the place. They primarily present dance performances based on the Tharu culture and traditions, the indigenous tribe of people living in the region.
Men and women dance together to traditional music, and it’s an absolute delight to watch them do so. Apart from entertaining the guests, their objective is to spread awareness among the people about the ways of the Tharus, their culture, and traditions.
Visit Elephant Breeding Farm and Tharu Cultural Museum
Two of the most interesting places to visit in Chitwan National Park are Elephant Breeding Farm and Tharu Cultural Museum. The Elephant Breeding Farm allows visitors to get up close to the elephants and provides them with information about the breeding process. It’s both fun and informative to watch as the young elephants are bred and trained to serve their mahouts and other visitors.
The Tharu Cultural Museum, on the other hand, helps you explore the Tharus, their cultures, and traditions in greater detail. The museum is filled with items such as dresses, ornaments, tools, model houses, and a kitchen. It provides visitors with an in-depth understanding of the Tharus. They can also request that a museum representative guide them through all the displays and help them understand the details of what’s there.
Rejoice with the Hospitality of Resorts
Finally, at the end of the day, when there’s nothing much to do. The tourists can sit back and relax at sunset spots. And enjoy the hospitality offered by the hotel or the resort they’re staying in. The best thing to do is to try local delicacies with a cool beverage.
Chitwan remains hot throughout most of the year, except for November to January. So taking a dip in the pool could be yet another relaxing thing to do. Basically, the hotels and resorts are popular for their excellent services, andyou should enjoy them to the fullest.
Best Time to Visit Chitwan National Park
The park receives tourists all around the year. However, during rainy seasons, certain activities may not be available.
According to tourists, the best time to visit Chitwan National Park is from October to March. During these months, the skies are comparatively more straightforward, due to the recent rainy season.
If you are particularly interested in animals, the best time to visit is from January to March. During this time, the tall grasses, which block the visibility in other seasons, are all cut down.
