Wildlife Safari in Nepal
Chitwan National Park is the oldest national park in Nepal. It is situated in the subtropical inner Terai lowlands of South-Central Nepal. And the park was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1984.
The Chitwan National park covers a pristine area with a unique ecosystem of significant value to the world. It contains the Churiya hills, ox-bow lakes, and flood plains of Rapti, Reu, and Narayani Rivers. So, approximately 70% of the park vegetation is sal forest. And the remaining vegetation types include grassland (20%), riverine forest (7%), and sal with Chirpine (3%). The latter occurring at the top of the Churiya range. The riverine forests consist mainly of Khair, sissoo, and simal.
The grasslands form a diverse and complex community with over 50 species. And the Saccharum species, often called elephant grass, can reach 8 m. in height. The shorter grasses such as Imperata are useful for thatch roofs.
In Chitwan National park, there are more than 43 species of mammals and over 450 species of birds. Similarly, there are more than 45 species of amphibians and reptiles in the park. And also within the park lie the Churia hills, ox-bow lakes, and the flood plains of Rapti, Reu, and Narayani Rivers. The Churia hills rise gradually towards the east from 150m to over 800m elevation. The lower but more rugged Someshwor hills occupy most of the western portion of the park.
The floodplains of Chitwan contain rich alluvial soils. And the park boundaries have been delineated by the Narayani and Rapti Rivers in the north and west and the Reu River and Someshwor hills in the south and south-west. It shares its eastern border with the Parsa Wildlife Reserve.
Wildlife Activities
Elephant safari:
One can monitor wildlife activities in the deep jungle while sitting back on an Elephant. The duration of the elephant back safari is about 1 hour. But you can hire an Elephant as long as you wish at an additional price. So, the Elephant ride is the most pleasant activity in the park. Ans also, You may not want to miss the opportunity to explore the Elephant breeding center where the number of elephants is kept for reproducing purposes only.
Bird watching:
The Chitwan National Park is the realm of more than 450 species of birds. Therefore most people consider it as a heaven of the bird world. The best way to explore and study the different bird’s activities and behave is to walk with a guide along the riverside of the Royal Chitwan National park. Himalayan Leaders’ expert bird watcher will guide you to view the colorful birds early in the morning. And simultaneously you can enjoy a sunrise tour.
Jungle Drive:
Jeep safari is the fastest way to discover the wide range of forest areas in the Chitwan National Park. You will be in the dense forest after four hour’s jeep drives which takes you about 50 kilometers inside the park, passing all sorts of vegetation and wildlife. As it goes through the deep jungle and covers a big area, the chances of discovering wildlife are high. Jeep safari is not the only fastest way to discover wild activities but also it is safe. It is a very exciting program. You will be driving towards the crocodile breeding farm while going through jungle drive.
Nature walk or jungle walks:
Jungle Walk tour allows you to explore several different habitat areas. And it is from the flood-plain grassland to the dense Sal forests, where you get the opportunity to encounter different animals’ sight at your own pace. Since it disturbs the animals, less to walk through the forest, it is usually a better chance of discovering wildlife. You may learn about different kinds of plants and herbs in the National park that might be useful sometimes. The guide can explain the wild animals, birds, trees, herbs, and even reptiles.
Dugout canoe ride:
Floating down to the Rapti River on a dugout canoe is the best way to discover the habitat of crocodiles in the river. So it is also a relaxing and better way to watch different kinds of birds and wildlife species, while they are drinking water on the bank of the river Rapti.
Tharu Cultural Dance:
A melodious ethnic dance performed by men and women with rhyme or drums. The clashing of sticks represents and performance how to keep away the rhinos and other wild animals from the human habitat and their farming land. And you can enjoy your evening after dinner and watch the Tharu Stick Dance. Himalayan Leaders will arrange dance for your enjoyment adjacent to their restaurant.
