Nepal is a dreamland for animal lovers, presenting various opportunities to see the most rare and stately animals in their natural environments. From the dense jungles of the Terai to the tranquil reserves bordering India, Nepal's national parks and wildlife reserves are considered perfect destinations for Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos, and many more. Here's an overview of some of the top destinations for wildlife safaris in Nepal, including Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve and more.
1. Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve
Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve is located in the far western part of Nepal bordering India. This is one of the best places to engage in wildlife safaris. The park is one of the least visited compared to other parks and is ideal for those who would want to undertake a remote and quiet safari.
Rhinos: Suklaphanta is a home to a good number of one-horned rhinos. Its vast grasslands and wetlands provide these magnificent beasts with an ideal habitat; spotting them is one of the highlights of any safari here.
Swamp Deer (Barasingha): Suklaphanta is one of the best places to see swamp deer, a species that thrives in the reserve’s wetlands.
Other Wildlife: In addition to rhinos and deer, other animals include wild elephants, leopards, and several species of birds can be seen.
2. Chitwan National Park
It is especially famous as Nepal's most famed wildlife reserve area, considered one of the better destinations in the world for sightings of one-horned rhinos. Other residents of Chitwan National Park include Bengal tigers and wild elephants besides many species of wild life.
Rhinos: Chitwan is famous for its high population of one-horned rhinos, and seeing them in the wild is really an exhilarating experience. The grasslands and riverbanks of the park are the common places where rhino sightings can be noted.
Tigers: Chitwan has a healthy population of Bengal tigers, though hard to trace, and you will still get glimpses of this majestic creature on your safari.
Crocodiles: The park’s rivers and wetlands are home to the marsh mugger and gharial crocodiles.
Other Wildlife: Besides the rhinos and tigers, Chitwan is also home to wild elephants, deer, and more than 500 species of birds.
3. Bardia National Park
Bardia National Park in Far Western Nepal is indeed one of the better options for wildlife safaris, for those in need of a much quieter atmosphere, away from crowds.
Rhinos: Bardia houses a fair number of one-horned rhinos. The dense forests and riverbanks of the park are perfect for these magnificent creatures.
Tigers: Bardia boasts one of the highest concentrations of Bengal tigers in Nepal. The remote nature of the park makes it an excellent spot for tiger sightings.
Wild Elephants: Bardia is also home to wild elephants, which roam the park's vast grasslands and forests.
4. Parsa Wildlife Reserve
Located in the southern part of Nepal, near the Indian border, Parsa Wildlife Reserve hardly receives any tourist traffic, hence it is considered a tranquil and less-visited spot for wildlife safaris.
Rhinos: Parsa has a good number of one-horned rhinos. The dense forests and wetlands are perfect for them.
Gharial Crocodiles: Parsa is home to the endangered gharial crocodile, which can be seen in the park’s rivers.
Other Wildlife: Besides rhinos and tigers, Parsa shelters elephants, leopards, wild boar, and many birds.
Activities in Nepal's Wildlife Reserves
Jeep Safaris: Almost all of Nepal's wildlife parks have jeep safaris, which will be an exemplary way to venture into the expanses and make some great catches of animals in their natural element.
Walking Safaris: Places like Chitwan and Bardia offer walking safaris, accompanied by knowledgeable guides. It is a rather close-up way of seeing things in the jungle.
Bird Watching: With over 850 species of birds, Nepal is a haven for bird watchers. Parks like Chitwan and Suklaphanta are great for spotting both resident and migratory birds.
Best Time to Visit
The best time for wildlife safaris in Nepal falls during the dry season-from October to March. During these months, the weather is cooler, and animals are more likely to be seen as they gather around water sources.
