Background Information 0f Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park (CNP) is situated in South-central Nepal, covering an area of 952.63 km2, in the subtropical lowlands of inner Terai. In 1957, the area between Tikauli and the Mahabharat range was declared a “rhino sanctuary”, which was the first step towards formal wildlife management in the country. Due to heavy deforestation and rampant poaching, there was a sharp drop in the number of wild animals during the 1950s. Due to this alarming situation, a National Park to the north of Rapti River and a rhino sanctuary to the south were proposed. In 1963, the area to the south of Rapti has declared a rhino sanctuary and by April 1971, the border of the National Park was fixed by a survey team.
In 1973, the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act was enacted, and Chitwan National Park was declared as the first National Park of Nepal. In 1977, the boundaries were increased from 540sq. km to 932 sq. km. Recognizing its outstanding universal value of unique ecosystems of international significance, UNESCO declared the park a World Heritage Site in 1984.
Major Flora and Fauna
The Chitwan Valley consists of tropical and subtropical forests with mostly Sal (Shorea robusta) forests covering about 80% of the area while grasslands cover about 12%. There are more than 68 different types of grasses, including the Elephant grass, which grows up to a height of 8m. The park is home to more than 68 species of mammals, 55 species of amphibians and reptiles, 546 species of birds and 120 species of fish. The endangered fauna found in the park includes One-horned rhinoceros, gaur bison, royal Bengal tiger, Asian wild elephant, four-horned antelope, pangolin, golden monitor lizard, python, Bengal florican, lesser florican, giant hornbill, black stork and white stork.
Major Attractions
World Heritage site (Natural site)
The second largest population of Greater One-horned Rhinoceros in the world
One of the National Parks in the world with more than 93 tigers in the same habitat
Home to Gaur Bison, Gharial Crocodile, more than 6% of the world’s bird species
Ramsar site (Bishajari Lake),
Wetlands of international importance
Elephant, Gharial Crocodile and Vulture Breeding Center
Churia Hills and Madi Valley Tharu culture
Best Season
There is good visibility after the winter season for wildlife sightings. Between September and November, and February and April, migratory birds join the residential ones and create spectacular bird watching opportunities. As 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, which are visible miles away.
How to get to the Park?
Chitwan is linked by air with Kathmandu. There are also public buses, rented vehicles and tourist coaches from Kathmandu and other cities of Nepal.
Safety Precautions
Visitors are recommended to carry first aid kits for their own safety. Visitors should be alert from the wildlife inside the core area.
Park Regulations to Follow or Things to Remember
An entry fee of Rs. 2,000 (foreigners), Rs. 1,000 (SAARC nationals) and Rs. 150 (Nepali) visitors should be paid at the designated ticket counter per person per day.
The entry permit is non-refundable, non-transferable and is for a single entry only. Entering the park without a permit is illegal. Park personnel may ask for the permit, so visitors are requested to keep the permit with them. Get a special permit for documentary/filming from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC).
Having a guide is a must for the jungle walk.
Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation P.O. Box: 860,
Babarmahal. Kathmandu Phone: +977-Fax: +977-1-4227675 www.dnpwc.gov.np/Email: [email protected]
A. Learn these words and complete the given sentences with them.
declared deforestation sanctuary significance spectacular precautions alert
a. The new drug has great …………… for the treatment of the disease.
b. Chitwan National park is a ……………. for birds and animals.
c. The government has just ………………….. a state of a health emergency.
d. The major reason behind land erosion in Nepal is ………………
e. The scenery around my village is ……………….
f. We should be …………. from the animals while visiting a zoo.
g. What …………… should we take to be protected from the cold?
B. Fill in the blank spaces with suitable words/phrases from the text.
a. Chitwan National Park lies in ………………….of Nepal.
b. In the 1950s there was a decline in the wild population because of killing and ………….
c. The park was listed in the World Heritage Site in …………………
d. The sal forest covers …..….of the forest area in Chitwan National Park.
e. Royal Bengal Tiger is one of the …….species of animal found in CNP.
f. Foreigners of non-SAARC Nations should pay …....….to enter the park.
C. Answer the following questions.
a. Which area of Chitwan National Park was protected for rhinos in 1957?
b. Why did UNESCO declare the park as a World Heritage Site?
c. Mention any three animals that are said to be in danger.
d. Which season is best for bird watching?
e. How much should you have to pay if you go to visit the park?
f. Where is the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation located?
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