Photo: Shadow Ayush · CC BY-SA 4.0Nepal's First National Park · Est. 1973
At the foot of the Himalayas lies one of the last undisturbed remnants of the Terai — sheltering the Bengal tiger, the one-horned rhinoceros, and the living traditions of the Tharu people.
Connect with the wild heart of Nepal.The Terai — where forest, grassland and river meet
Experience Chitwan
However you like to travel — by jeep, by dugout canoe, on foot, or through the stories of the people who have lived here for centuries.
Tigers, rhinos, gaur, sloth bears and gharial across 68 mammal species.
Meet the animals →
Jeep safaris, canoe trips, jungle walks and birdwatching.
Plan activities →
The indigenous people of the Terai and their living traditions.
Discover culture →
An Important Bird Area — 500+ species.
Take flight →
Sauraha, Kasara, the rivers and the Churia Hills.
Explore regions →
When to come, getting here, safety and passes.
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A short introduction to the landscapes and wildlife of Chitwan.
Photo: Lurey Rohit · CC BY-SA 4.0The Flagship Species
By the late 1960s only about 95 rhinos remained as forest was cleared and poaching surged. The crisis prompted Nepal to establish the park in 1973. Today the population has recovered to roughly 600 — the largest in Nepal — protected by army patrols and translocated to other parks as insurance against disease.
IUCN · VulnerableExplore the wildlife, the rivers and the living culture of Nepal's first national park.