Royal Chitwan National Park (RCNP) has long been one of the country’s treasures of natural wonders. The park is situated in south central Nepal, covering 932 sq. km. in the subtropical lowlands of the inner Terai. 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.Elephant Safari, Royal Chitwan National Park
Situated in the south of central Nepal, the Royal Chitwan National Park is one of the countries natural treasures. The park covers an area of 932 sq. km and is home to a variety of animals and plants. The first section of the park was set aside for animals in 1959 by King Mahendra in 1959. Later, in 1963, more land was added for a rhinoceros sanctuary. The entire park was first recognized as a United national park in 1973 when it was gazetted as being Nepal’s first national park. It now covers the area of the Tikauli forest from the hills of Mhabharat, the Rapti River and quite a sizable area on the rivers southern bank. The park has received much attention in more recent years as a result of it being declared a World Heritage site in 1984. The National Park is seen as preserving a unique eco system which is significantly valuable to the world. Much of the area is made up of subtropical lowlands, forest and hills. In order to preserve the area as best as possible, only a small portion of the park is used for tourism. 1996 also saw the establishment of a bugger zone around the park which consists of forest and private lands. The park and local communities join together in their efforts to manage natural resources in these zones. Birds and animals are very much undisturbed and it is felt that there are a large number of undiscovered animals inhabiting the region.
The Royal Chitwan National Park is a beautiful place with incredible diversity in both plant and animal species. It is well worth a visit if you are in the region. You may find yourself delighted by the beautiful creatures and plants that have made the park their home.
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.
FACILITIES
The park offers interesting sites and activities. The display at the Visitor Center at Sauraha provides fascinating information on wildlife and conservation programs. The Women’s User Group souvenir shop offers a variety of handicrafts and other local products for gifts and souvenirs.
Elephant safari provides an 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 domesticated elephant and the baby elephants 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 (1 km.) from the park HQ will take you to the Gharial Breeding Center, which is also home to the Marsh mugger and a number of 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 situated outside the park also offer a variety of services.
HOW TO GET THERE
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Kasara via Jagatpur
Ghatgain via Patihani
Bhimle via Meghauli
Khagendramalli via Bhandara
Sunachuri via Sunachuri
Sauraha via Tandi (Ratna Nagar)
Laukhani via Pragatinagar
Amaltari via Danda
