Chitwan: in the heart of jungle

Chitwan District is one of 77 districts of Nepal, and is located in the southwestern part of Province No 3 with Bharatpur, the fourth largest city of Nepal, as its district headquarters. Chitwan is considered the heart of southern plains of the country known for its snowcapped mountains. Located on the foothills of the Himalayas, the Chitwan valley is situated between the Mahabharata and the Siwalik ranges, known to be the heart of the jungle. It won’t be erroneous to say that Chitwan is the second place after Kathmandu where people from all over the country are settled for its nearness to urbanity and fertile lands. The people inhabiting the Chitwan District are predominantly peasant farmers cultivating mainly food and cash crops. Narayangarh is a major town in Chitwan that joins Mugling highway and Mahendra highway. Some kilometres northeast of Narayangarh, Devghat is located at the confluence of Kali Gandaki and Trishuli Rivers. Chitwan has a particularly rich flora and fauna. Nepal’s first national park, the Chitwan National Park together with the adjacent Parsa National Park supports species diversity much higher than any other on the Indian subcontinent. Chitwan National Park is the biggest attraction in Chitwan that brings thousands of tourists each year. World heritage listed Park is considered as an A-rated wildlife viewing site where one can easily get a glimpse of leopards, wild elephants, sloth beers and Royal Bengal tigers. Spanning over 932 square km, the park hosts rare one horned rhinos, deer, monkeys and hundreds of bird species. Sauraha, a quiet town in east of the park, provides travellers with tailored boutique hotels and lodges along with safari accommodations. One can simply relax and witness the red sunset over the vast wetland. You can go biking, ride elephants or watch birds and unwind to the most, like a meditation spot. The hotels at this spot gives an insight to Tharu culture, featuring traditional ornaments and artefacts.Chitwan National Park was founded in 1973, previously a hunting space of British King George V and his son who is said to have killed as much as 39 tigers and 18 rhinos in 1911 when the country was ruled by Rana prime ministers. The Park is covered by Sal canopies, beneath there are 50 species of mammals, hundreds of apes, butterflies and reptiles. In Meghauli, an elephant polo tournament is also held every December.Upardanghari fort is another attraction for the tourists visiting the area. It is in the old headquarters of Chitwan district and is believed to be made by Satrubhanjan Shah, son of Prince Bahadur Shah to defend newly founded Kingdom in the 17th century. It is located on the top of a hill and overlooks a very nice natural scenery.The best season to visit Chitwan is from October to March. From January onwards, visitors can see wild animals through the open spaces. Tourists can visit Gharial Breeding Project, Elephant Breeding Centre and Bird Education Society.Chitwan is a gateway to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, and archaeologically important hill town of Tansen. In Lumbini, Lord Buddha, or Light of Asia, was born in 563 BC in Shakya Palace. Mayadevi Temple is the site where Buddha was born. There are historical sites, including Ashok Pillar, a sandstone pillar, World Peace Pagoda and Lumbini Crane Sanctuary.In Tansen, one can look at the relics of elegant Ranighat Palace, located at the bank of Kali Gandaki River. There are two temples, including Bhimsen and Amar Narayan, showcasing the Hindu rituals perpetually.One can arrive to Chitwan by bus from Kathmandu or by airplane to Bharatpur Airport. Chitwan can be an once-in-a-lifetime experience for tourists all over the world. For those who gasp climbing hills and mountains, Chitwan is the best alternative wherefrom snowcapped mountains are seen. Visiting Nepal and Chitwan is the best you can do to support the country which is reviving after the Great Earthquake of 2015. Furthermore, it’s a pocket friendly tour to unwind.