Wildlife Adventure
You can combine your rafting trip with a short safari for the ultimate
in sub-tropical adventure. Or you may simply choose to focus on wildlife
and spend a longer time in one of Nepal’s many lowland jungle
national parks. Endangered species such as one-horned rhinos, Bengal
tigers, and gharial crocodiles abound on the ground, while uncountable
species of birds and butterflies dominate the air. The indigenous Tharu
ethnic group lives in the lowland Terai areas around the parks areas,
and provide a surprising cultural contrast to the mountain peoples of
the north. All of Nepal’s parks and reserves offer incredible
wildlife viewing opportunities—just choose the best one to suit
your interests and we will make the arrangements.
Chitwan National Park
Previously a hunting preserve for Nepal’s royalty, Chitwan was
designated a national park in 1973 and is widely respected as one of
the best wildlife parks anywhere in Asia. Easily accessible from both
Kathmandu and Pokhara, it has been developed for tourists and is perfect
for a short trip—in as little as two days it is possible to enjoy
the highlights of the park. Take an elephant ride through the jungle
to view rhinos, crocodiles, deer, and wild boars, or walk on your own
two feet accompanied by a qualified nature guide to observe plant and
bird life. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the rare Bengal
tiger! It is a once in a lifetime chance to encounter all of these unusual
animals up close. Return to your private bungalow inside the camp at
night for delicious food and Tharu cultural programs.
Royal Bardia National Park
Situated in mid-Western Nepal, Royal Bardia National Park provides a
more remote environment in which to commune with wildlife. Compared
to Chitwan, Bardia sees far fewer visitors, yet its wildlife is just
as rich if not richer due to the lack of development. Here you can view
over 250 species of birds, in addition to Bengal tigers and thirty-one
other unusual species of mammals. Bardia is home to successful programs
for breeding both rhinos and gharial crocodiles. The grand Karnali river
flows through the park, which is comprised of riverine terrace at the
foot of the forested Siwalik hills. A visit to Bardia is a true safari
adventure which few tourists experience.
Royal Suklaphanta National Park
Even further west lies Suklaphanta National Park, the most remote of
Nepal’s Terai wildlife preserves. Nestled against the Indian border
on the Mahakali river plain, Suklaphanta was initially established as
a grassland reserve for a huge herd of endangered swamp deer. It is
a spectacular sight to see hundreds, or even thousands of them traveling
together across Suklaphanta’s expansive grasslands. You can also
find tigers, rhinos, and elephants here. Royal Suklaphanta offers an
indisputably unique wildlife viewing experience.
Koshi Tappu Reserve
Located in the flood plain of the eastern Terai, Koshi Tappu is a bird
watcher’s paradise. It is an important transit point for many
of Asia’s migratory birds, which travel from here up the Arun
River to Central Asia and Europe. Koshi Tappu is also home to a rare
herd of wild buffaloes, as well as the Indo-Gangetic dolphin and the
amphibious gharial. For bird watching, this is the ideal destination.
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