Chitwan National Park is
a national park that lies in the district, chitwan of Nepal. Sauraha , Chitwan
is the entrance gate for the Chitwan National Park. Tourists all over the world
come to visit here . It has many features that attracts to the foreigner
as well as local tourists. Nepal and the government of Nepal is promoting
the tourism area to give the identity to this world.
It has the following
main features:
- one horn rhino can be
seen.
-elephants
-jungle safari
-Different types of
Hotels, Resort and Lodges.
the following
photographies show the features of Chitwan National Park.
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Chitwan National Park has
long been one the country' 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 Mrigakunja 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.
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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 bufferzone. The
Government has made provision of plowing back 30-50 percent of the park
revenue for community development in the bufferzone.
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Features:
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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 150m. to more than 800m. The western portion of the park is comprised
of the lower but more ruged “Someshwor hills”. The park shares its western
boundary with the “Parsa Wildlife Reserve”.
The Chitwan valley consists
tropical and subtropical forests. Sal forests cover 70 percent of the park.
Sal leaves are used locally for plates in festivals and religious offering.
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Grassland covers 20% of the park
area. There are more that 50 different types of grasses, including the
elephant grass (Saccharum spp.), renowned for its immense height. It can grow
up to 8meter. The shorter grasses (Imperata spp.) are used for roof
thatching, and mats, rope and paper making purpose. The park is home for more
that 50 mammal species, over 525 birds, and 55 amphibians and reptiles. The
endangered fauna found in the park area.
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Climate:
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The park has a range of climatic
seasons, each offering a unique experience. October through February with an
average temperature of 25°C offer an enjoyable climates. From March to June
temperatures can reach as high as 43°C. The hot humid days gives way to the
monsoon season that typically lasts from late June until September. Rivers
become flooded sometime during the season the scenery looks most amazing with
unexpected water level.
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In late January, local villagers
are allowed to cut thatch grasses to meet their needs, which offer a better
and easy viewing of wildlife to visitors. Also, between September and
November, and February and April, migratory birds and create spectacular bird
watching opportunity. While the monsoon rains brings lush vegetation, most
trees flower in late winter. The “Palash tree” known as the “flame of the
forest” and slick cotton tree have spectacular crimson flowers that can be
seen from a distance.
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Facilities:
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The park offers interesting sites
and activities. The display at the “Visitor Centre at Sauraha” provides
fascinating information on wildlife and conservation programs. The women's
user groups' souvenir shop offers a variety of handifrafts and other local
products for gifts and souvenirs.
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Elephant safari provides
oppourtunity 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 Centre at Khorshor”, sauraha gives you information on domesticated
elephant and the baby elephants born there. The museum at Kasara (Parks
headquarters) has informative display. Near the HQ visitors can see Bikram
baba (Hindu religious site) archival value. A short walk (1km) from the park
HQ will take you to the “Gharial Breeding Centre” which is also home to the
“Marsh Mugger” and number of turtiles. Inside the park there are seven
resorts run by park concessionaries that can provide lodging, fooding and
access to wildlife activities by providing many facilities. Various resorts and
lodges situated outside the
park also offer a variety of
services.
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Best
Time To Visit Chitwan:
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Chitwan National Park - October to
May, Bird Watching - December to March. Maximum temperature can reach up to
95 Fahrenheit (35 C) in April through September. November through February
are cooler months with average temperature around 67 Fahrenheit.
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