Chitwan National Park

Overview

Chitwan National Park was Nepal's first national park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the most important habitat of the Asian one-horned rhinoceros, with about 600 animals, and also home to Bengal tigers, wild elephants, crocodiles and more than 400 species of birds. Elephant rides through the grassland and jungle, canoe trips on the Narayani River to watch rhinos and crocodiles, and jungle walks with overnight stays in eco-camps are the most popular wildlife experiences here.

History

The area was protected as a wildlife reserve in 1973 and became Nepal's first national park in 1984, then a World Heritage Site in 1984. The rhinoceros population was once down to fewer than 100 animals because of poaching, and sustained anti-poaching work has since brought numbers back to around 600. The park also pioneered community-based conservation in Nepal, sharing tourism revenue with buffer-zone villages.

Highlights

• •Close views of one-horned rhinoceroses
• •Elephant rides through the jungle
• •Canoeing on the river

Practical tips

• •Choose an ethical operator for elephant activities
• •Morning and late afternoon are best for wildlife

Practical information

Best time

October to March

Tickets

About USD 25 per day

Opening hours

Open all day

Local food

Dal bhat, grilled fish and milk tea

Getting around

Inside the national park, travel is by jeep or canoe with an organised group

Visa

A visa on arrival is available with a passport valid for at least six months. Trekking routes require a separate TIMS card and conservation area permit.

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