Jungle Safari in Nepal

In a country known for the highest mountains in the world there lies at the foot of these majestic mountains a vast tropical forest. Where else in the world can you take a jungle safari in the same country that houses the highest place on earth! And a trip to Nepal is incomplete if you have not considered a jungle safari. 

Nepal has 14 national parks and wildlife reserves many of which have dense tropical jungles teeming with diverse wildlife and exotic birds. The tropical jungles of the Terai preserve has some of the best wildlife habitat in the subcontinent. Chitwan, another tropical jungle destination in Nepal contains over 43 species of animals. Both Chitwan and Terai are popular Safari destinations. Either by elephant-back, 4WD jungle drives, dugout canoes, or on foot with a licensed guide you will observe and enjoy protected wildlife habitats. The nature walks alone afford you the chance to bird watch and interact with villagers in this completely new terrain from the northern half of the country. Another exciting way to experience this amazing landscape is riding on an elephant. Or enjoy gliding down a river in your own dugout canoe. All are excellent ways to take in this unique and diverse world. From its beautiful mountains the country quickly drops through many ecologically distinct zones on its way to the Gangetic flat lands of the Terai. Sometimes compared to the wildlife and landscapes of Africa, they are not as expansive but are no less impressive. Chitwan for example is only 150m above the sea level. From March-June the jungle becomes increasingly steamy, with peak temperatures reaching 43°C in the shade. However for the best game-viewing February through May is best because of the short grass. The autumn months can be gorgeous, with views of the Himalayan range rising in the distance. A trip in the winter months (December-January) are pleasantly warmer compared to Kathmandu. Though the monsoon season (July-August) is intense, with pounding rain, swollen rivers, and luxuriant vegetation it can still be an interesting time to visit since many birds are seasonal in their migration. Nevertheless while the rain isn't constant, the humidity is all pervasive.

Of Interest 
Chitwan National Park is the focus of all who come to this area. Yet not to be overlooked, the village of Tharu just outside of Chitwan is a gem to be explored if time allows before or after entering the park. The flora and fauna of Chitwan makes it a great place for nature lovers. Chitwan has over 50 different species of mammals, 400 different species of birds, and 65 different types of butterflies in its hardwood Sal forests. Chitwan also boasts an expansive elephant grass savannah perfect for wildlife viewing. Moreover 70 other species of grass grow here too. The most famous wildlife in Chitwan is perhaps the single-horned Asian rhinoceros. A few decades ago, their number had fallen to less than 100, but at present there are roughly 400. These animals are similar to their cousins in Africa and have a thick armor-like hide that is hard to penetrate. A fully grown animal can be as tall as 180cm. Chitwan also contains tigers. Nonetheless it is rare if not impossible to see one. A male tiger requires almost 60km space, and a female one requires a third of it. Chitwan is simply not big enough to handle many tigers. Fortunately, part of the safari fun is looking for one. Other wild mammals one may see are leopards, various types of deer, monkeys, sloth bear, and antelope.

In the lowlands of Terai lies Bardia National Park covering an area of 968 sq.km. The park is situated in Nepal’s Western Terai region and was established to protect the representative ecosystems and conserve tigers and their prey species. Once called Royal Karnali Wildlife Reserve this area came under further protection and approximately 1500 people of the Babai valley were resettled outside the park allowing the vegetation and wildlife to flourish. In 1982, it was renamed as Royal Bardia Wildlife Reserve, and in 1984 it was extended to its current size. The reserve was given the status of a National Park in 1988. Greater One-horned Rhinoceros were translocated from Chitwan National Park in 1986, 1991, and 1999.