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CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK
The
beautiful World Natural Heritage
site, Chitwan National Park, located
166km southwest of Kathmandu and
nearly 204km southeast of Pokhara,
is the main attraction of Chitwan
and is home to variety of flora and
fauna. Covering an area of 932 sq.
kilometers the park extends over
deciduous forest foothills and river
floodplains, being one of Nepal's
largest forest area with wide range
of wildlife like the elusive Royal
Bengal Tiger, rare one horned
rhinoceros, several species of deer,
sloth bear, leopard, wild boar,
gaur, wild elephant, four horned
antelope, striped hyena, pangolin,
Gangetic dolphin, monitor lizard,
python. The swampy areas of Chitwan
provide home for numerous species of
crocodiles and Dolphins. Rare and
endangered fish eating Gharial,
Gangetic crocodiles and four species
of fresh water dolphins. Bird
watching is another attraction as it
is habitat of 815 species of birds
with possibilities of watching more
than 450 species. Some of the
resident species are Peacocks,
Woodpecker’s Hornbills, Bengal
Florican and Giant Hornbill, Lesser
Florican, Black Stork, White Stork
and Redheaded Trogons. Winter birds
such as Waterfowl, Brahminy Duck,
Pintails and Bar headed Geese are
some of the cold weather visitors.
In the summer the forest is alive
with migrants such as the
Flycatcher, the Indian Pitta and
Parakeets. The park is actively
engaged in the scientific study of
several species of wild flora and
fauna.
Your
choice of Resorts and lodges are
located in the region. Most include
elephant safaris, jungle walks,
canoeing and cultural activities
including a tribal culture and
traditions of native Tharu people.
There are several exciting options
for daylong and weekend trips from
Chitwan National Park. The Gharial
Breeding Centre is an important step
towards the conservation and
research on Gharial, one of the most
endangered species. Lamital and
Devital are two lakes flocked by
migratory birds during winters.
Bikram Baba is a Hindu religious
site while Sauraha is the major
commercial hub in the park region.
The Elephant Breeding Centre is a
response from the park authorities
to increase the number of pachyderms
who felicitate visitor
transportation inside the park.
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