Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park (CNP) stands as a premier drawcard in Nepal, boasting World Heritage status and spanning over 932 square kilometers of forests, marshland, and grassland. Situated in the Terai, the subtropical southern region of Nepal, CNP is renowned for its diverse array of wildlife, making it one of Asia’s top destinations for wildlife viewing.

With a history of over three decades in park management, CNP has effectively balanced conservation efforts with resolving conflicts between the park and local communities. The park’s rich natural habitat supports an impressive biodiversity, including 68 species of mammals, 544 species of birds, 56 species of herpetofauna, and 126 species of fish. Notably, CNP is celebrated for its conservation of iconic species such as the One-Horned Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger, and Gharial Crocodile.

Established in 1973 as the first national park in Nepal, CNP was initially known as the Royal Chitwan National Park. Its significance was further recognized when it was designated a World Heritage Site in 1984. Encompassing an area of 952.63 square kilometers, CNP spans the subtropical Inner Terai lowlands across Nawalpur, Chitwan, Makwanpur, and Parsa Districts. The park’s elevation ranges from approximately 100 meters in the river valleys to 815 meters in the Sivalik Hills.

The park’s boundaries are demarcated by the Narayani-Rapti river system to the north and west, serving as a natural barrier to human settlements. To the east, CNP is adjacent to Parsa National Park, while Valmiki National Park in India forms a contiguous boundary to the south. This cohesive protected area of 2,075 square kilometers represents the Tiger Conservation Unit (TCU) Chitwan-Parsa-Valmiki, encompassing a vast expanse of alluvial grasslands and subtropical moist deciduous forests spanning 3,549 square kilometers.