Chitwan Jungle Safari

Nepal's first and most famous national park is situated in the lowlands of inner Terai. Covering an area of 932 sq. km the park includes hilly areas covered by deciduous forest. This ecologically diverse area is the last remaining home in Nepal for more than 300 of the endangered Asian one-horned rhinoceros and harbors one of the largest population of the elusive and rare Bengal Tiger. Beside the Rhino and Tiger, Chitwan also supports a great variety of flora and fauna. There are four species of deer, including the spotted Chital, Leopard, Sloth bear, Wild boar, rhesus monkey, Grey langur monkey, wild dog, small wild cats, the white gaur (the world's largest wild cattle) and many other smaller animals. In a stretch of the Narayani River is found one of the few remaining of populations of the rare and endangered fish-only eating Gharial or Gangetic crocodile. For the ornithologist and the amateur bird watcher the park offers excellent possibilities with more than 450 species.


Chitwan National Park (RCNP) has long been one of the country's treasures of natural wonders. The area comprising the Tikauli forest - from Rapti river to the foothills of the Mahabharat - extending over an area of 175 sq. km. was declared Mahendra Mriga Kunj (Mahendra Deer Park) by the late King Mahendra in 1959. In 1963, the area south of Rapti River was demarcated as a rhinoceros sanctuary. The area was gazetted as the country's first national park in 1973. Recognizing its unique ecosystems of international significance, UNESCO declared RCNP a World Heritage Site in 1984.

In 1996, an area of 750 sq. km surrounding the park was declared a buffer zone which consists of forests and private lands. The park and the local people jointly initiate community development activities and manage natural resources in the buffer zone. His Majesty's Government has made a provision of plowing back 30-50 percent of the park revenue for community development in the buffer zone.