Introduction - Chitwan National Park
The
name ‘Chitwan’ has several possible meanings, but the most literal translation
of the two NEPALI words that make it up: chit or chita (heart) and wan or ban (jungle).
Chitwan is thus ‘the heart of the jungle’.
At the beginning of the nineteenth
century, cultivation in the valley was deliberately prohibited by the
government of Nepal
in order to maintain a barrier of disease-ridden forests as a defense against
the invasion of diseases from the south. Then for the century between 1846 and
1950, when the Rana prime ministers were de facto rulers of Nepal, Chitwan
was declared a private hunting reserve, maintained exclusively for the
privileged classes. Penalties for poaching were severe - capital punishment for
killing rhino - and the wildlife in the area thus received a measure of
protection.
From time to time great hunts for rhino
were held during the cool, mosquito-free winter months from December to
February. The Ranas invited royalty from Europe and the Princely
States of India, as well as other foreign
dignitaries, to take part in these grand maneuvers, which were organized on a
magnificent scale, often with several hundred leopards.
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 offer a better viewing
of wildlife for visitors. Also, between September and November and 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.
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.
FLORA
AND 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, Four horned antelope, Pangolin, Golden monitor lizard,
Python, etc. Bengal florican. Lesser florican,
Giant hornbill, Black stork, White stork, etc.
FACILITIES
The
Park offers interesting sites and activities. 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 a home to the Marsh mugger, gharial crocodiles and other 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 THERE
Chitwan
is linked by public buses, tourist coaches, and air service. There are eight
entrance gates to the park
Kasara via Jagatpur
Ghatgain via Patihani
Bhimle via Maghauli
Khagendra Mali via Bhandara
Sunachuri via Sunachuri
Sauraha via Tandi (Ratna Nagar)
Laukhani via Pragatinaggr
Amaltari via Danda
Kujauli via Rajahar
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