Chitwan National Park
 This
National Park is considered to be one of the finest wildlife
areas in Southeast Asia and to view the mammals of the Terai
region it is a key site. The park is in average 100 miles
and in addition to the excitement of suddenly discovering a
tiger or a rhino, one can also view other impressive wild
animals - the graceful deer, majestic Gaur, full grown wild
boar - celebrated in Nepalese folklore and Putanas. Langurs
are seen frolicking in the trees and their shrill cries echo
for miles. Within the 932 sq. km. of the Royal Chitwan are
found over 500 rhinos, about 100 Royal Bengal Tigers, four
species of deer, approximately 50 species of mammals and
over 500 species of birds.
 The Chitwan National Park is located about 160 km
southwest of Kathmandu. The fastest way to get there is by
air and the journey takes half an hour from Kathmandu to the
Bharatpur/Meghauli airfield. From there visitors are
transported on elephant back or Land Rover to the jungle
lodges. The drive from Kathmandu to the Chitwan takes 5 to 6
hours, depending upon the condition of the highway. It is
also possible to travel there by river rafting.
Elephant rides during the visit provide a superb view of
the wildlife and it is fascinating to watch rhino from the
vantage point you gain by sitting on the back of an
elephant. Someone who is interested in bird watching can
spend time in a hide and be accompanied by an experienced
naturalist. Crocodile enthusiasts and anglers can canoe ride
down the river and see the Marsh Mugger crocodile. Fresh
water Gangetic Dolphin and rare Gharial crocodile can be
sighted in the Narayani River and its tributaries at the
Rapti and the Reu. These rivers are stocked with fishes of
different species and include the Shar Mahaseer or Nepalese
salmon.
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