| |
CHITWAN
NATIONAL PARK
As the crow flies ninety kilometres southwest of Kathmandu, is
the Royal Chitwan National Park. Widely acknowledged as one of
the best national parks in Asia, covering a pristine area of 932
sq. km. This is the first national park in Nepal, established in
1973 to preserve a unique ecosystem of significant value to the
entire world. The park is situated in the sub-tropical inner 'Terai'
lowlands of south central
Nepal.
The Chitwan valley feature sub-tropical forest. Roughly 70% of
the park is covered b sal forest (shorca rebusta), a moist
deciduous vegetation type of terai region. The remaining types
include grassland (20%), riverine forest (7%), and sal with
chirpiness (30%) forest which occurs on the churea range south
border of the park.
The grassland form a diverse and complex community with over 50
plant species. The saccharin species, often called Elephant
grass, can reach 8m. in height. The shorter grasses such as
imperata are useful for roof thatching.
There are more than 43 species of mammal in Chitwan National
Park. The park is especially famous for its protection of the
endangered one-horned rhinoceros. The estimated population of
rhinos is 460. The park also secures populations of endangered
species such as tiger Gaur (Largest of all bovine ) wild
Elephant, four horned antelope , striped hyena, pangolin,
gangetic dolphin, gharial crocodile, gangetic dolphins, monitor
lizard and python. Other animals found in the park include 4
different types of deer: Sambar, Chital, hog deer, barking deer,
sloth bear, common leopard, ratel, palsm civet, Tiger civet
(Linsang), wild dog, langur and rhesus monkeys.
There are over 450 species of birds in the park, among the
endangered birds are the
Bengal floucan, giant hornbell, lesser floucan,
black stork and white stork. A few of the common birds seen are
peafowl, red jungle fowl, parakeets and different species of
egrets, herons, kingfisher, flycatchers and woodpeckers. The
best time for bird watching is March and December.
More than 45 different species of reptiles and amphibian occurs
including Marsh mugger, crocodile, cobra, green pit viper and
various species of frogs and tortoises.
Royal
Chitwan National Park is actively engaged in the scientific
study of several species of wild flora and fauna.
Activities
One of the best ways to view the flora and fauna of Chitwan is
from elephant back enabling you to penetrate deep into the
jungle through tall grasslands but there are many other exciting
ways too. Our experienced naturalists and nature guides will
take you on jungle walks, jungle drive, bird watching, for boat
rides to seek out both the marsh mugger and gharial crocodiles
and to observe wildlife from one of our watch towers
What to Bring
Chitwan is located in the sub-tropical lowlands of
Nepal and days are generally warm, requiring only light
clothing. During winter (early November to February), mornings
and evenings are cool, requiring a woollen sweater or a warm
jacket. You may bring a sun hat and glasses, swim-wear,
binoculars, flashlight, protective skin cream and insect
repellent which will come in handy for your out-door activities.
We recommend neutral colored clothing. Comfortable walking shoes
are essential.
Package
1 night/2 days Jungle activities
2 nights/3 days Jungle activities
3 nights/4 days Jungle activities
KOSHI TAPPU WILD LIFE
Nepal
is a land of diverse topography, climate, ethnicity and
biodiversity. Within an average breadth of about 150 km, the
altitude varies from 60 meter above sea level to the world's
highest peak Mount Sagarmatha scaling 8848 meter. And within a
length of 800 km it has three large river basins namely Koshi in
the east, Narayani in the central and Karnali in the west.
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve was established in 1976, and covers
an area of 175 sq.km. the reserve is named after the biggest
river of Nepal, the Koshi. It is a major residing, staging and
wintering site for waterfowls and waders in the sub-continent.
Due to its international importance for the conservation of
waders and waterfowls, it has been accorded the Ramsar Site by
the Wetlands convention in 1987.
The water body supports more than 100 species of fish including
the human size catfish known as Gonch, famous sporting fish the
Mahasheer and delicious species the Jalkpoor.
The large reptiles inhabiting this reserve includes the longest
snake species of the sub continent the rar Indian Rock Python,
globally threatened fish eating Gharial Crocodile and number of
lizards and turtle species.
The reserve and the adjacent area supports more than 350 bird
species. During October to April one could be able to spot more
than 100 species in a single day birding. Massive flocks lf
ducks numbering more than 50,000 chiefly of Northern Pintails,
Mallard and Northern Shoveler is a common sight during fall and
winter. Globally threatened species occurring in this area
includes Black-necked Stork, Greater Adjutant Stork, Lesser
Adjutant Stork, Baer's Pochard, Red-necked Falcon, Bengal
Florican, Great Stone Plover, Black-bellied Tern, Dusky Eagle
Owl, Swamp Francolin, Marsh Warbler, etc.
Koshi Tappu supports large ungulates such as wild water Buffalo,
Blue Bull Antelope, Hog Deer etc. it is the last refuge for the
globally threatened wild water Buffalo (Anran in Nepali) in
Nepal. Currently their population is about one hundred only.
These bovine possesses the longest horn (about two meters in
length) among any surviving mammals in the world and are
aggressive in nature. The small wetland carnivore includes the
rare Fishing Cant Smooth-coated Otters. There are few rare
Gangetic Dolphins found in the Koshi River.
Package for KOSHI TAPPU WILDLIFE
Day 01 Fly or Drive to Biratnagar. Met and transferred to Koshi
Tapu
wildlife.
Day 02 Wildlife activities
Day 03 Wildlife activities
Day 04 Departure to
Kathmandu
by flight or Drive
ROYAL BARDIA NATIONAL PARK
Accessible by flight from
Kathmandu
to Nepalgunj, a trip which offers breath-taking views of the
Himalaya. Followed by a 11/2 hour scenic drive along the East
West Highway through the lowlands of
Nepal
passing manu fascinating Tharu villages.
Package for
BARDIA
NATIONAL PARK
Day 01 Fly or Drive to Nepalgunj. Met and transferred to Bardia
National park.
Day 02 Wildlife activities
Day 03 Wildlife activities
Day 04 Depature to
Kathmandu
by flight or Drive |
