CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK (NTY 2011)

INTRODUCTION

Royal Chitwan National Park (RCNP) has long been one of the country’s treasures of natural wonders. The park is situated in south central Nepal, covering 932 sq. km. in the subtropical lowlands of the inner Terai. The area comprising the Tikauli forest - from Rapti River to the foothills of the Mahabharat - extending over an area of 175 sq. km. was declared Mahendra Mriga Kunj (Mahendra Deer Park) by the late King Mahendra in 1959. In 1963, the area south of Rapti River was demarcated as a rhinoceros sanctuary. The area was gazetted as the country’s first national park in 1973. Recognizing its unique ecosystems of international significance, UNESCO declared RCNP a World Heritage Site in 1984.

In 1996, an area of 750 sq. km surrounding the park was declared a buffer zone which consists of forests and private lands. The park and the local people jointly initiate community development activities and manage natural resources in the buffer zone. His Majesty’s Government has made a provision of plowing back 30-50 percent of the park revenue for community development in the buffer zone.

HOW TO GET THERE

Chitwan is linked by public buses, tourist coaches, and air service. There are eight entrance gates to the park:
1.Kasara via Jagatpur
2.Ghatgain via Patihani
3.Bhimle via Meghauli
4.Khagendramalli via Bhandara
5.Sunachuri via Sunachuri
6.Sauraha via Tandi (Ratna Nagar)
7.Laukhani via Pragatinagar
8.Amaltari via Danda

PARK REGULATIONS

1. An entry fee of NRs. 650 has to be paid at the Park’s Entrance Gate.
2. Flora and Fauna are fully protected and must not be disturbed.
3. Do not purchase illegal animal or plant products.
4. Respect religious and cultural sites.
5. Place trash in rubbish bins.
6. No one should walk within the park between sunset and sunrise.