Things to do in Chitwan National Park
If your adventure of scaling the mountains of Himalayas is fulfilled, then you might want to take a turn to something green and serene with equally promising adventure. Established in 1973, Chitwan National Park is the most happening place to be for witnessing exotic wildlife and vegetation.
The magnitude of Chitwan National Park has gone beyond the border of Nepal and is even in the list of World Heritage Site since 1984. The park is spread in an area of 952.63 km sq and homes wide array of endangered and rare species. Well, the park offers every bit of wildlife adventure, let just take a look at things you can do in Chitwan National Park.
JUNGLE SAFARI
Jungle Safari is one the best way to explore the wildness of Chitwan National Park. By any chance, you might spot some animals form more than 700 species of wildlife. Bengal tiger, leopard, sloth bear, one-horn rhino, mugger crocodile, and deers are some of the few animals you can pass by. And, the fun part is safari comes in options of either walking or taking a jeep.
You can just take a walk through the forest of the park, crossing rivers and keeping yourself on guard just if any animals are nearby. Your guide will help you with the tour and explain every query. Likewise, Jungle Safari lets you sit back in an open jeep while the driver will make an occasional stop to show animals and places.
BIRD WATCHING
The fact that Chitwan National Park has around 600 different species of birds is baffling. With such an impressive number of species, the park is an axis for avid bird watchers. Tourists pay a visit to the park with the sole intent of bird watching because they know it is one of the best places to observe and study birds.
There are separate zones which are identified for bird watching. There are residents and migrating birds of a different kind, so best to take a guide who can assist in your exploration. It will be better if you take an early morning walk through the bushes of Rapti river to observe exotic species like Gaint Hornbill, Paradise Flycatcher, and Lesser Florican.
ELEPHANT BACK SAFARI
Elephant back safari is one of the best and safest way for observing wildlife. You will get a close view of animals, without scaring them off because elephants can come closer to other animals without them noticing that you are sitting right in the back. Accompanied by other group members, you can come up to one-meter close in Elephant back safari.
You don’t have to worry about the elephant because they are well-trained and is guided by the experienced mahout. Sitting high on elephant’s back, exploring grassland, bushes, core jungle and spotting wildlife, the approx two hours ride will give the new feel of adventure.
ELEPHANT BREEDING CENTRE
Established in 2044 BS with 14 female and six male elephants, Elephant Breeding Centre of Chitwan National Park is an incredible place where you can witness the amazing birth process of this giant animal. There is only two elephant breeding center in the world, and one of them is right in here; definitely not an opportunity you can miss.
The center covers an area of 935 km square and opens as per the seasons; in summer from 7-10 AM and again at 3-4 PM, while in winter form 8-11 AM and again at 2-4 PM. If you are lucky enough, you can see the delivery of an elephant.
CANOE RIDE IN RAPTI RIVER
Canoeing is another fun part of visiting Chitwan National Park. Once you have been to the park, you cannot resist canoeing in Rapti river along green grasslands and tall bushes. It is very popular because you can have a close view of crocodiles and other animals who come by river banks to quench their thirst. You can imagine the excitement of looking at a bunch of calm crocodiles sunbathing while enjoying the serenity amid the river.
Canoeing down the Rapti river gives you more chance of seeing the wildlife and birds and the natural habitation of Marsha mugger and gharial crocodiles.
ELEPHANT FESTIVAL
Elephant festival is such a distinct and unique occasion that you must not miss it. Started with a theme of “People, Preservation, and Prosperity,” the festival lasts for five long days. Just like its name suggests, it is the festival of elephants where they are participants of many fun events. Local as well as an international tourist makes a large influx to witness the festival. The 15th edition of the festival was celebrated on December 27, 2018, with nearly 100 elephants participating in the festival on the very first day.
An elephant beauty contest, Elephant polo, Elephant race, Elephant bathing, Elephant calf football and Elephant picnic; these fascinating events involving elephants raise the expectation and awe of Elephant festival.
THARU CULTURAL PROGRAM
Chitwan National Park has been the home of Tharu ethnicity long before the park was discovered. Tharus, who call themselves people of forest, are quaint indigenous group whose lifestyle and culture are a matter of interest for visitors of Chitwan National Park. Tharu dance and the cultural program give an insight into their culture and tradition while supporting their day-to-day life as 50% of earning of excursions goes directly to local people.
After having the full-on adventure of touring around Chitwan National Park, getting knowledge of this unique culture eases your day. Danda Nach (Stick Dance), Mayur Nach (Peacock Dance), Ago Nach (Fire Dance) are some highlights of the cultural show. The show runs from 6 PM to 8 PM every evening and runs for 45 minutes. However, you can also ask the show on demand.
VILLAGE TOURS
Touring around the typical village of Tharu unveils the picture of life away from modern amenities. They live in houses built from materials like mud, clay, dung, and grass; they plant their food and collect wild fruits and vegetables; they for hunt and fishing; they live the most exotic life. It will fill you with wonders on the relative life they are living.
A village tour by either oxcart/jeep or walk, through the street of tiny Tharu houses and their unapologetic life is really inspiring. Their isolated life has helped preserve them and kept it intact to this day. While in village tour share a cup of tea with them, or join women in the field to plant rice, or you can learn their home-walls decorating skills which are quite striking.
CROCODILE BREEDING CENTER
Just like Elephant Breeding Center, Crocodile Breeding Center has bolstered the declining population of both mugger and gharials crocodile. The location is few hundred meters past the Chitwan National Park in Kasara, where you can have an interesting experience of wild crocodiles hatching from eggs.
20 THOUSAND LAKE
Bishazari Tal, translated as “20 Thousand Lake” is yet another place to visit in Chitwan National Park. It is an extensive oxbow lake covering an area of 7,900 acres at an altitude of 286 meters. This forested wetland homes many wildlife, which is its main attraction. One-horned rhino, sloth bear, Bengal tiger, smooth-coated otter, Palla’s fish-eagle, lesser adjutant stork, ferruginous duck, and marsh crocodile are the wildlife within 20 Thousand Lake.
VISIT LAMO JHARANA
Located in the vicinity of Chitwan National Park, Lamo Jharana is an exhilarating fall of approximately 60 meters tall. The view is nothing but spectacular as the water strikes down in earth form such a height, filling us with awe as if they are falling right form the sky. Adding more fun to this trip, there are small ponds near the fall which are equally beautiful.
Although Lamo Jharana is not on the itinerary of Chitwan National Park, you must pay a visit to have every worth.
