Location: Chitean District Map
Area: 932 km²
Official site
Chitwan National Park is a nature reserve situated in a Chitean District of Nepal. It covers a total area of 932 sq km of sal forests, wetlands and stretches of savannah. Chitwan National Park contains numerous species of large mammals including tigers, leopards and one- horned Indian Rhinos. The safest way to explore the reserve is by renting a ride on a back of an elephant or taking a jeep. Rivers here are inhabited by many species of fishes and rare freshwater Gangetic dolphins. Chitwan Park offers several lodges inside its territory. Additionally you can find simple hotels in the small towns around a park. Don't expect much from local lodging. It is fairly basic and doesn't offer many services.
Geography
Located 200 km from the capital Kathmandu.
The park area is 932 square meters. km, mostly covered in the
jungle. It is partially located in the ecoregion of the Himalayan
subtropical broad-leaved forests. The park has a large number of
picturesque rivers and small lakes. The climate is flat, softer and
warmer.
History
Until 1973, the park was a favorite hunting ground for Nepalese
kings. In 1973, it was proclaimed a protected area, the first of
Nepal's national parks. The park is one of the few places in the
world where wild animals can be observed in their natural habitat.
In 1984, the park was listed as a UNESCO site.
Tours
The park is open for tourists. Visitors usually live here in small
bungalows, huts or houses. Tours of the park are carried out on
elephants or in jeeps. The main tourist center in the vicinity of
the park is the village of Sauraha.
Elephant festival
At the end of each year, an elephant festival takes place. The most
interesting events of the festival are elephant racing and the match
of elephant football teams.