Chitwan National Park is the first national park in Nepal. It was established in 1973 and granted the status of a World Heritage Site in 1984. In the north and west of the protected area the Narayani-Rapti river system forms a natural boundary to human settlements. Adjacent to the east of Chitwan National Park is Parsa Wildlife Reserve, contiguous in the south is the Indian Tiger Reserve Valmiki National Park. Chitwan has a tropical monsoon climate with high humidity all through the year. The best option for experiencing Chitwan National Park is to stay in one of the luxury lodges located on the edge of the park away from the crowds at Sauraha. The government stopped the luxury lodges from operating inside the park in 2012.
Most of these lodges have developed alternative lodges just outside the national park boundaries. Though this experience doesn't come cheaply, the sense of adventure, less crowding and access to more remote parts of the park make it very worthwhile. The nature of dense jungle, tall grass and the nocturnal hours kept by many animals are all factors that make spotting animals far from guaranteed. A good approach is to treat wildlife viewing as one would the pastime of fishing: some days you'll get plenty of bites, others not a nibble. Irrespective, it's all about the thrill of the chase and being out and about in tiger and rhino country.
Most of these lodges have developed alternative lodges just outside the national park boundaries. Though this experience doesn't come cheaply, the sense of adventure, less crowding and access to more remote parts of the park make it very worthwhile. The nature of dense jungle, tall grass and the nocturnal hours kept by many animals are all factors that make spotting animals far from guaranteed. A good approach is to treat wildlife viewing as one would the pastime of fishing: some days you'll get plenty of bites, others not a nibble. Irrespective, it's all about the thrill of the chase and being out and about in tiger and rhino country.