Jungle Safari in Nepal

Jungle safaris in Nepal are rich in wild life. The tropical jungles of the Terai preserve some of the best wildlife habitat in Asia. Out of the total geographical area of Nepal, 16% is occupied by national parks, wildlife reserves and conservation areas. Jungle safari on elephant back is one of the most thrilling experiences. Parsa Wildlife Reserve, Royal Bardia National Park, Royal Chitwan National Park and the Royal Shukla Phanta wildlife reserve, offer jungle safari on elephant back or jeep rides.

The Terai region can get rather hot during summer months and temperate during winters. It is recommended that visitors carry cool clothes, good walking shoes, shady hat and sunscreen during the summer. The rainy season brings mosquitoes and leeches in the jungles. Mosquito repellant, anti-diarrhea tablets and anti-histamines can be handy during the summer and rainy months.

 

A Chitwan National Park Tour:

The national park in Chitwan (‘Chitwan’ means "in the heart of the jungle’) covers 932 sq. km. in the flat lowland region of southern Nepal. It is one of the most important sub-tropical parks on the Indian subcontinent with populations of more than 43 species of mammals in the park. The park is especially renowned for its protection of the endangered one- horned rhinoceros, tiger, and gharial crocodile along with many other common species of wild animal. The estimated population of rhinos is around 400. The park also secures populations of endangered species such as gaur, wild elephant, four horned antelope, striped hyena, pangolin, Gangetic dolphin, monitor lizard, and python.

 

Some of the other animals found in the park are sambar, chital, hog deer, barking deer, sloth deer, common leopard, ratel, palm civet, wild dog, langur and rhesus monkeys.

There are over 450 species of birds in the park. Among the endangered birds are the Bengal florican, giant hornbill, lesser florican, black stork and white stork. A few of the common birds seen are peafowl, red jungle fowl, and different species of egrets, herons, kingfishers, flycatchers and woodpeckers. The best times for bird watching are in March and December.

More than 45 species of amphibians and reptiles are found in the park, some of which are the marsh mugger crocodile, cobra, green pit viper and various species of frogs and tortoises. The park is actively engaged in the scientific study of several species of wild flora and fauna.

 

The Chitwan region has had a long history of conservation. For many years it was the Royal hunting grounds for the Kings and dignitaries of Nepal and therefore hunting by the general public was forbidden. It did however become a favorite spot for big game safari hunters in the late nineteenth and early to mid-twentieth centuries. The long-term effect was a drastic decrease in jungle habitat and animal populations in the Chitwan valley as jungles were converted to farmland and big game were hunted and poached to dangerously low numbers. The falling rhino (less than 200) and tiger (less than 30) populations in the present park region, led to the declaration of two-thirds of the park as rhino sanctuary in 1963. Since 1963 wildlife populations and ecosystems have been rebounding. In 1973 Chitwan became Nepal’s first National Park. The relatively pristine state of the modern park and its unique ecosystems prompted UNESCO to declare the park a World Heritage site in 1984.

 

Tour Program for Chitwan National Park

With the comfortable stay in one of several Jungle Lodges and/or Tented Camps set in Nepal's famous National parks of Chitwan and Bardia, you can enjoy an elephant-back safari to observe the rare great one horned rhinoceros, elusive tigers, leopards, crocodiles, bears, many species of deer, monkeys and many other rare & exotic animals & birds. Take nature walks to experience the close encounter with the armor-plated one-horned rhinoceros and follow tiger tracks through the thick sub-tropical jungles with trained local naturalists. Our tour also includes a jungle jeep drive through the park and boat ride down the rivers are also included. Birdwatchers will be awarded with many rare species that make up the 400 plus species recorded in the parks.

 

Your Jungle Safari Itinerary:

Day 1 : Fly or drive from Kathmandu to Chitwan National Park. After lunch you can enjoy an elephant back safari or nature walk through the tall elephant grass that is the home of the rare and endangered One Horned Rhinoceros. In the evening enjoy cultural programs conducted by Tharu, one of the indigenous communities of the Terai. You stay overnight at camp or lodge.

 

Day 2 : Today you enjoy a full day of jungle activities that will include elephant back safari, nature walks, canoe or boat ride, jeep drive, elephant bathing, bird watching, etc. as time permits. All outings will be guided by trained local naturalists and guides. Animals and birds to be seen are rhinoceros, crocodiles, bear, monkeys, several species of deer, pythons, peacocks, hornbills, woodpeckers (amongst more than 400 species of birds recorded in the park). If lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the elusive tiger or leopard. One more activity includes a walk through Tharu villages. You stay overnight at camp or lodge.

 

Day 3 : After breakfast there will be another chance to go out on a safari activity. Afterwards start your drive or fly back to Kathmandu.