About Chitwan National Park
 The
name ‘Chitwan’ has several possible meanings,
but the most literal translation of the two NEPALI words
that make it up: chit or chita (heart) and wan or ban
(jungle). Chitwan is thus ‘the heart of the jungle’.
At the beginning of the
nineteenth century, cultivation in the valley was deliberately
prohibited by the government of Nepal in order to maintain
a barrier of disease-ridden forests as a defense against
the invasion of diseases from the south. Then for the
century between 1846 and 1950, when the Rana prime ministers
were de facto rulers of Nepal, Chitwan was declared
a private hunting reserve, maintained exclusively for
the privileged classes. Penalties for poaching were
severe - capital punishment for killing rhino - and
the wildlife in the area thus received a measure of
protection.
From time to time great
hunts for rhino were held during the cool, mosquito-free
winter months from December to February. The Ranas invited
royalty from Europe and the Princely States of India,
as well as other foreign dignitaries, to take part in
these grand maneuvers, which were organized on a magnificent
scale, often with several hundred leopards.
CLIMATE
The Park has a range of climatic seasons each offering
a unique experience. October through February with average
temperatures of 25oc offer an enjoyable climate. From
March to June temperatures can reach as high as 43oC.
The hot humid days give way to the monsoon season that
typically lasts from late June until September, rivers
become flooded and roads are impossible.
In late January, local
villagers are allowed to cut thatch grasses to meet
their needs, which offer a better viewing of wildlife
for visitors. Also, between September and November and
February and April, migratory birds join the residential
birds and create spectacular bird watching opportunities.
While the monsoon rains bring lush vegetation, most
trees flower in late winter. The palash tree, known
as the "flame of the forest' and silk cotton tree
have spectacular crimson flowers that can be seen from
a distance.
FEATURES
The Park consists of a diversity of ecosystems-including
the Churia hills, Ox-bow lakes, and the flood plains
of the Rapti, Reu and Narayani Rivers. The Churia hills
rise slowly towards the East from 150 m. to more than
800 m. The western portion of the Park is comprised
of the lower but more rugged, Someshwor hill. The Park
shares its eastern boundary with the Parsa Wildlife
Reserve.
FLORA AND FAUNA
The Chitwan valley consists of tropical and subtropical
forests. Sal forests cover 70 percent of the park. Sal
leaves are used locally for plates in festivals and
religious offerings.
Grasslands cover 20 percent
of the Park. There are more than 50 different types
of grasses, including the elephant grass (Saccharum
spp), renowned for its immense height. It can grow up
to 8m in height. The park is home to more than 50 mammal
species, over 525 birds, and 55 amphibians and reptiles.
The endangered fauna found in the Park are: One-horned
rhinoceros, Gaur. Royal Bengal tiger. Wild elephant,
Four horned antelope, Pangolin, Golden monitor lizard,
Python, etc. Bengal florican. Lesser florican, Giant
hornbill, Black stork, White stork, etc.
FACILITIES
The Park offers interesting sites and activities. The
display at the visitor centre at Sauraha provides fascinating
information on wildlife and conservation program. The
women's user groups' souvenir shop offers a variety
of handicrafts and other local products for gifts and
souvenirs.
Elephant safari provides
opportunity to get a closer view of the endangered one-horned
rhinoceros. One may also get a glimpse of the elusive
Bengal tiger. The Elephant Breeding Center at Khorsor,
Sauraha gives you information on captive elephant and
the calves born there.
The museum at Kasara,
the Park headquarters, has informative displays- near
the HQ visitors can see Bikram Baba, a Hindu religious
site of archival value. A short walk (1km) from the
Park HQ will take you to the Gharial Breeding Center,
which is also a home to the Marsh mugger, gharial crocodiles
and other turtles.
Inside the Park, there
are 7 resorts run by Park concessionaires that can provide
lodging and access to wildlife activities. Various resorts
and Lodges are situated outside the park also offer
variety of services.
HOW TO GET THERE
Chitwan is linked by public buses, tourist coaches,
and air service. There are eight entrance gates to the
park
- Kasara via Jagatpur
- Ghatgain via Patihani
- Bhimle via Maghauli
- Khagendra mali via Bhandara
- Sunachuri via Sunachuri
- Sauraha via Tandi (Ratna Nagar)
- Laukhani via Pragatinaggr
- Amaltari via Danda
- Kujauli via Rajahar
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