Wednesday 16 May 2012

Spend your vacation with rhinos, elephants and tigers

If you are a nature lover, then there are ample reasons to visit the Chitwan National Park in Nepal. In the pristine natural setting you will get to see endangered animals like one horned rhinoceros, gharials (crocodiles with pots on their snouts), marsh mugger, herds of deer and several magnificent birds. If you are lucky, you will also encounter the big Asian cat, the royal Bengal tiger. The landscape is extraordinary – from the banks of the Rapti River you can witness all three ecological belts – the dense Terai jungles, the mid-hills and the astounding Himalayas. A jeep safari, elephant safari or walking with a nature guide inside the park will provide you with a life time experience in the wilderness.

The Chitwan National Park is situated on the south of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. You can travel the distance of around 150 kilometres in around fived hours to reach the park. The park is famous for its rhinoceroses, which is the second largest population in the world. Besides, it is home to the largest population of tigers in Nepal. It is spread over a dense forest of 932 square kilometres and has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Not only the jungles, animals and birds but the culture of the local indigenous Tharu people residing in the park surroundings is interesting to watch. The Tharu dances performed by the locals draw a significant number of foreigners and domestic tourists to the area. The stick dance and peacock dance are a sight to see!



Playful elephants at the breeding centre.
  The Narayani and Rapti Rivers in the park vicinity are not only spectacular to savour the natural beauty but you can hire a boat and travel with the rapids of the rivers. The boating at the confluence of the rivers during the sunset is an experience extraordinary. During the daytime you can have shower in the river banks along with the elephants! While boating and bathing you will see the gharials and marsh muggers basking on the river banks.

People in the park area are friendly and willing to help you out. The local people are always smiling and helpful. You can lodge at one of the many hotels outside the park or inside the park depending upon your budget.

So if you are ready to spend your time with rhinos, elephants and tigers, visit the Chitwan National Park.

This article was published in http://www.xomba.com/. Click the link to read the article.