Introduction
The park is situated in south central Nepal, covering 932
km2in 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 km2 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,In 1996 an
area of 750 km2 surrounding the park was declared a buffer zone, which consists
of forests and private lands including cultivated lands. The park and the local
people jointly initiate community development activities and manage natural
resources in the buffer zone. Government of Nepal has made provision of to
provide 30-50 percent of the park revenue for community development and natural
resource management in the buffer zone.
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.
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 offers a better viewing of wildlife to visitors. September
,November , 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.
Flora & 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, Fourhorned
antelope, Pangolin, Golden monitor lizard, Python, etc. Bengal florican. Lesser
florican, Giant hornbill, Black stork, While stork, etc.
Facilities
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 home to the Marsh mugger and 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 variety of services.
How to get the
Public buses, tourist coaches, and airlines service link
Chitwan. There are nine entrance gates to the park 1, Kasara via Jagatpur , 2.
Ghatgain via Patihani , 3. Bhimle via Maghauli, 4. Khagendra mali via Bhandara
, 5. Sunachuri via Sunachuri , 6. Sauraha via Tandi (Ratna Nagar)7. Laukhani
via Pragatinaggr , 8. Amaltari via Danda , 9. Kujauli via
