Jungle Safari in Nepal: Experience Stirring Wildlife

Beautiful jungle safari in Nepal

16 Dec 2022 Chandra Gurung

Nepal is unquestionably one of Asia’s most beautiful countries. Eight out of the ten highest mountains in the world, including Mt. Everest, the tallest mountain in the world, are found in the tiny landlocked nation of Nepal, which is nestled in the lap of the enormous Himalayan Range. But in addition to the mountains, something else will amaze you and compel you to return repeatedly.

You may go on an exciting jungle safari in Nepal in addition to the magnificent mountain trekking and furious white-water rafting the country offers. There are 14 wildlife reserves and national parks in Nepal. Most of them contain lush tropical jungles overflowing with unique birds and different kinds of fauna. 

To see wildlife and their habitats, you can drive a four-wheeler or ride on the back of an elephant. You can choose between canoeing and bird-watching and enjoy the most memorable nature hikes, village tours, cultural excursions, bird-watching outings, and so on. This tremendous natural heritage has been preserved in several Nepali national parks.

A thrilling tour of the National Parks and Wildlife Reserve in Nepal is called a “jungle safari,” where visitors may see beautiful animals, birds, vegetation, and Tharu cultural dance. “safari” is a Swahili word that means “to travel.” A professional guide on a safari in Nepal will take you on an elephant ride, a car ride, a village walk, a canoe trip, and jungle hiking. Without prior physical conditioning, this ecotourism is a comfortable journey.

You can view wildlife like Asiatic wild buffalo, swamp deer, black buck, musk deer, blue bull, Royal Bengal Tiger, mugger crocodiles, and many more critically endangered animals and birds. You will have plenty of opportunities to go jungle hikes while admiring the surrounding area’s breathtaking splendor. 

Prominent Jungle Safari in Nepal

Here are some of prominent Jungle Safari in Nepal where you may find the best views of the animals, birds, and native locals in Nepal, along with information about their customs, languages, and dress.

Bardiya National Park

Royal Bengal tiger in Bardiya National park.

The tour and safari through Bardiya National Park in Nepal are ideal. The largest national park in Nepal is home to the Royal Bardiya jungle safari in Nepal, which is jam-packed with incredible wildlife adventures. While here, we participate in the native culture of the original forest residents and keep ourselves occupied with activities like nature walks, float safaris, bird viewing, and elephant-back safaris. Numerous natural species, including rare and endangered plants and animals, can be found in Bardiya National Park.

The largest lowland Terai park, Bardiya National Park, is situated in western Nepal and spans an area of 968 sq km. The park provides a range of activities. One-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tigers, wild elephants, black bucks, swamp deer, and Gangetic dolphins are just a few of the endangered species that may be found in the park. 

The National Park has a total area of 968 square kilometers and is located in Nepal’s remote mid-western Terai region. Kathmandu is 585 kilometers away. In southern Nepal, the park is an area of wilderness that is both the largest and least populated. Even though it is the largest park, international tourists rarely visit it.

The Sal jungle covers around 70% of the park, with grassland, savannah, and riverine forest making up the remaining 30%. There are eight distinct ecosystem types in the park. The park’s administrative offices are in Thakurdwara, which is also the location of Forest Hideaway. The Tharu, an indigenous ethnic group, live nearby in picturesque villages and farms.

The park is also home to 30 different kinds of animals, 400 bird species, and several types of reptiles. Biodiversity is particularly abundant in the park. Wooded grassland and riverine forest make up most of the vegetation and types of woods. 

Buses and flights are available every day from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Additionally, during the dry season, buses are accessible from Nepalgunj to the park. The national park is a great site to see wildlife because it is rich in meadows and open grasslands.

Chitwan National Park

Stunning scenery in Chitwan National Park with flowing river.

The 932 sq km inner Terai subtropical lowlands that make up the Chitwan national park are found in south-central Nepal. Biodiversity is particularly abundant in the park. More than 55 species of animals, 600 species of birds, and 55 species of reptiles and amphibians can be found in the Chitwan National Park. 

Due to the One-horned Rhinoceros and Royal Bengal Tigers that reside in the park’s deep forest, Chitwan National Park is well known. In addition to rhinos and tigers, it also has a variety of other animals, such as deer, wild dogs, monkeys, grey langurs, wild boars, and wild cats. Like snakes, pythons, Gangetic crocodiles, Marsh crocodiles, and other reptiles.

The birds include many different species, such as Woodpeckers, Peacocks, Hornbills, Peahens, Brahminy Ducks, Indian Pitta and Parakeets, Waterfowl, and Floridians, among others. 

The Tharu people and their culture are also as significant in Chitwan. The Tharu was highly recognized for being malaria-resistant. Observing their traditional agricultural methods and artifacts is possible by taking a tour through the Tharu Village. An insight into their culture is provided via the traditional Tharu Stick dance.

The excursions include an elephant-back safari in the jungle, a jungle walk, a canoe ride, a Jeep drive, and a visit to Tharu Village. For lodging, there are lots of hotels and resorts. From Kathmandu, it takes 25 minutes by plane or 146 kilometers (6–7 hours) via road.

For family vacations and travelers of all ages, the Chitwan Jungle Safari in Nepal is particularly recommended, especially if you bring children. Your kids will get the chance to explore a new environment and create lifelong memories while on the Chitwan National Park Safari.

The tropical monsoon environment in Chitwan National Park allows for the year-round operation of the Jungle Safari in Nepal excursion. the ideal period falling between September and March.

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve 

In Eastern Nepal, a wildlife reserve called Koshi Tappu is spread over 175 sq. km. The Koshi, the biggest river in Nepal, gave the reserve’s name. There, one can observe longer species of snakes, Great Stone Plovers, Dusky Eagle Owls, Swamp Francolins, and Marsh Warblers.

In Koshi Tappu, one can view large ungulates such as the wild water buffalo, Bule Bull antelope, and hog deer. There are 350 distinct bird species living in the park. Two species of the tiny wetland carnivore include the unusual Fishing Cat and Smooth-coated Otters. A small population of critically endangered Gangetic Dolphins can be found in the Koshi River.

The Koshi Tappu wildlife reserve provides a unique opportunity to explore Nepal’s land- and water-based ecosystems. On the Sapta Koshi River, you can take a boat ride and see Gangetic dolphins, sunbathing crocodiles, and gharials, among other wildlife.

Both native and migratory birds can be found in great numbers at the Koshi Wildlife Reserve. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is an excellent spot for Koshi Tappu bird viewing tours because it is home to about 485 bird species. Locals love to picnic in Koshi Tappu Picnic Spot on vacations.

ShuklaPhanta Wildlife Reserve

ShuklaPhanta comes from one of the beautiful open grasslands inside the Phanta protected area. With a 16 sq km extent, it is Nepal’s largest grassland region. 

Before 1976, the region was known as Royal Shuklaphanta Hunting Reserve and was a preferred hunting location for the aristocracy. Relics from what is thought to be the fort under the rule of Tharu King Singpal are supposed to be found in the area, which is also said to be an old kingdom.

In the Kanchanpur district is where you’ll find Shuklaphanta National Park. This boundary connects India on the south and west. It reaches the east-west highway in the north.

The Chaudhar River, the international boundary pillars in the forest, and a portion of the Mahakali River make up this national park’s eastern border. Additionally, it is connected to the Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, an Indian Tiger Reserve, to the south.

One of the finest ways to see a variety of wildlife, including different types of deer (Swamp deer, spotted deer, hog deer, and barking deer), wild pigs, wild elephants, and a variety of birds, is to go on a Jeep safari at Suklaphanta National Park. Within Suklaphanta National Park, there is a lake known as Rani Tal. 

To experience the breeze, hear the sounds of the wildlife, and get the most outstanding views of the forest and watering holes you pass, your Jeep will have an open top. The time of year, the weather, and the most current knowledge on the best locations to watch the various species will all affect how you navigate the park.

Conclusion 

Between the beautiful Himalayan mountain range and the tropical foothills of northern India, the kingdom of Nepal lies tucked away. It is a haven for intrepid travelers, offering trekking in the north and animal parks in the south, as well as mysterious monasteries, snow-capped peaks, and unexpected wildlife encounters.

Tourism is Nepal’s primary industry and most prominent source of revenue and foreign money. In addition to being home to eight of the top ten highest mountains in the world, Nepal is a popular travel destination for visitors seeking wildlife and adventure. Nepal’s mild climate and Hindu and Buddhist traditions are other major draws.

Visitors visiting Nepal can participate in a plethora of wilderness and adventure activities. You may go mountain biking, rock climbing, trekking, hiking, bird watching, scenic flights, paragliding, and hot air ballooning in the Himalayan highlands. In the Terai region, you can go on jungle safaris and explore the waterways by raft, kayak, or canoe.

FAQ on Jungle Safari Nepal

Q: What region is known for its jungle safaris?

The Chitwan National Park

The 932 square kilometers (360 square miles) of the National Park are located in Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Parsa, and Makwanpur. Elephant Safari and Jeep Safari are available in the nearby forest at Chitwan National Park, a popular tourist destination in Nepal.

Q: Is Nepal home to a jungle?

Staying in the Jungles of Nepal

Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park are the locations to see if Nepal is your destination and forests and wildlife are what you’re after. Both are abundant in wildlife, including elephants, rhinoceroses, and several bird species.

Q: What are the best months of the year to go on a jungle safari?

The best months to go: November through March.

The majority of migratory birds come to the park at this time. Following the monsoons, the vegetation is also luxuriant in November. But in March, when the majority of the greenery dries up, it’s simpler to see tigers.