Wildlife safari is a rapidly growing activity in Nepal. Nepal’s protected areas, national parks and wildlife reserves are experiencing increasing number of visitors for such adventures. Watching wildlife is a great way to get back to nature. Among twelve national parks of Nepal, Chitwan National Park is more popular for wildlife safari. About 30% of the visitors visit Chitwan National Park, one of the natural World Heritage Sites in Nepal.
Bardia National Park in western Nepal that lies in the similar climatic and geographical position like Chitwan National Park but the number of visitors is lesser than in Chitwan National Park. The number of visitors to Bardia National Park is increasing every year. Jungle safari is more related to wildlife and their natural habitat. So, wildlife lovers prefer more natural surroundings where they can stay in close contact with wild animals, birds and vegetation.
It is also interesting to observe the daily life style of the people living nearby. Tharu ethnic tribe is the main residents settling near the national park area. The jungle safari tour provides a chance of researching floral diversity as well. This trip includes going into the deep forest on elephant-back or jeep in order to view wild animals in their natural habitat. Other activities include canoe ride, nature walk, bird watching and village tours.
About 57 species of mammals are found in Chitwan National Park alone. Thus, the endangered one-homed rhino, Royal Bengal tiger, Gharial crocodile, four-horned antelope, striped hyena and the Gangetic dolphin are the main attractions here. Since Chitwan is close to Kathmandu, one can reach easily by overland, air or raft. Rafting on the Trishuli River on a white water down to the tropical plains of the Terai in Chitwan gives another adventure.
Suggestion:
Don’t forget to bring your binoculars and camera with extra batteries.
Overview
- Tour of major World Heritage Sites
- Visit of main temples and religious shrines
- Rafting on the Himalayan white water
- Jungle tour and elephant safari
- Adventurous drive on the hilly road
- Small hike and activities
- Awesome mountain views along the tour
