Top 5 Best Places to Visit in Chitwan

Top 5 places to visit in Chitwan
Chitwan is one of the popular tourist destinations in Nepal, offers a chance to experience Nepal’s rich biodiversity and immerse in the cultural heritage of the region. It is 200 km (124 miles) away from the capital city, Kathmandu, located in the southwestern part of Nepal, bordering India’s state of Uttar Pradesh. The name chitwan typically refers to “Jungle Heart” in English. The valley was ruled by Chitrasen, a former Tharu King. It is the fifth- largest city in Nepal, which can be a great destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers. Here are some places to visit and things to do in chitwan:

1) Chitwan National Park
This is the prominent attraction in Chitwan founded in 1973 and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It covers an area of 952.63 square kilometers and is home to a variety of wildlife, including the iconic one- horned rhinoceros, Leopards, Bengal Tiger, Gharial crocodiles, Asian Elephants, Sloth Bears, and many species of Monkeys and Deer. You can explore the park on jungle safaris, nature walks, and canoe trips. You can also enjoy an elephant – back safari to get up close to the wildlife and experience the jungle from unique vantage point. Moreover, it is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 500 bird species. Overall, the park is known for its incredible biodiversity, nature exploration, opportunities for wildlife viewing, and lush forests, from dense Sal forests to grasslands and wetlands.

2) Chitwan Tharu Village
The Tharu people are an indigenous ethnic group who have historically lived in the Terai region of Nepal, offer a unique glimpse into the rich cultural and ecological heritage of the Tharu people and the chitwan region. Many Tharu villages are located in and around the Park and cater to tourists who come to explore the park and experience Tharu culture. The Tharu community has a distinct culture, language, and traditions and their villages often feature traditional Tharu houses, artwork, and customs. Home stays with Tharu families provide unique experiences often include traditional Tharu dance performances, learning about their customs, and enjoy their cuisine. It’s a great way to immerse in the culture of this indigenous group while exploring the natural beauty of Chitwan National park.

3) Canoe Rides in Chitwan
A long and slow canoe rides on the rivers of the lower plains of Nepal, is an adventurous experience during the mild days of atmosphere. The canoe ride is one of the great way of exploring the park’s rivers and wetlands while witnessing the crocodile and other aquatic creatures. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy beautiful natural surroundings, lush jungles and the Himalayan foothills in the distance as the ride typically takes you along the Rapti or Narayani River. Moreover, as you paddle along the river, you can keep an eye out for colorful birds such as herons, storks, and kingfishers.

4) Elephant Breeding Centre
The breeding centre within the park plays a crucial role in the conservation and breeding of Asian elephant population in the region. This unique facility has been raising domesticated elephants in captivity since 1985. This helps ensure genetic diversity among captive elephants. During your visit, you will witness elephant meals being prepared and consumed and learn about their biology and conservation and may allow to studies on elephant behavior, reproduction, and health, contributing to the broader understanding of Asian elephants. Some elephants bred at the centre are prepared and released back into the wild, which helps to bolster the wild elephant population.

5) Crocodile Breeding Centre
This centre was established in 1978 with the goal of breeding and conserving endangered species in the region, primarily the Marsh Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) and the critically endangered Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus). The centre helps protect their eggs and young crocodiles, ensuring their survival and released back into their natural habitat. A sizable amount of Gharials were released in the River Rapti, Narayani, Koshi, Kaligandaki, Karnali, and Babi in the year 1981 and 2022. Additionally, during your visit, you can observe these reptiles up and learn about their biology and conservation efforts.