Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park encompasses a most unique ecosystem in the world, containing the Churia hill range, Ox-bow lakes, slow and meandering river system, and flood plains of the Rapti, reu and Narayani rivers at a mere 70 m above sea level. Dominated by species of Sal forests, the park is carpeted by 50 types of Sabai and elephant grasses (Sacchrum). The latter grows to more than eight meters in heights. Besides grasslands, there are also riverine forests. The 43 odd species of resident animals include among others, the one-horned rhinoceros, elusive Royal Bengal Tigers and Leopards, Gharial Crocodile, wild and ferocious Gaur Borines, Elephants, four-horned antelope, stripped Hyena, Pangolin, gangetic dolphin, monitor lizard, python, cobra, green pit viper and tortoises. Other animals include the sambar, chital, hog deer, sloth bear, plam civet, and langur and rhesus macaque monkeys. The sanctuary is also renowned for an impeccable 450 species of birds, both resident and migratory, and many of them rare. Among the endangered birds are the Bengal florican, lesser florican, giant hornbill, and black and white storks. The common birds include phesant, peafowl, red jungle fowl, various egrets, herons, kingfishers, flycatchers and woodpeckers.