Jungle Safari Destinations in Nepal

If the mountain landscape in Nepal is starting to bore you then opt for Jungle safari destinations in Nepal. Nepal isn’t just the Himalayas. Home to some of the rarest animals in the world, this tiny country is jungle safari haven.

While most of the people flock towards Africa to observe the unique wildlife, Nepal also has its fair share of awe-inspiring wildlife which includes: One-horned rhinoceros, royal Bengal tiger, deers, Gharial crocodiles and an abundance of birdlife- making it a perfect bird-watching destination.

The time period between October-March is the best time to head for jungle safari in Nepal. Some of the major jungle safari destinations in Nepal are listed below:

Chitwan National Park

The oldest national park in Nepal, covering 932 sq km in the subtropical lowlands of the inner Terai, Chitwan National Park is located in south-central Nepal. The National park enlisted in the UNESCO world heritage sites is home to more than 55 species of mammals, 600 species of birds and 55 species of reptiles and amphibians.

The inner Terai's subtropical lowlands are home to Chitwan National Park, Nepal's oldest national park, which spans 932 square kilometers. This national park is home to more than 55 distinct mammal species, 600 different bird species, and 55 different reptile and amphibian species.

Chitwan National Park is the sanctuary for the rare One-horned Rhinoceros and Royal Bengal Tiger, which live in the park's dense forest. Besides rhino and tiger, it includes other animals like; deer, wild dogs, monkeys, grey langur, wild boars, wild cats, and many more. Similarly, the national park also shelters an array of snakes, Python, Gangetic crocodile, Marsh crocodiles, etc. Likewise, the birds include the Woodpeckers, Peacocks, Hornbills, Peahens, Brahminy Ducks, Indian Pitta and Parakeets, Waterfowl, Floricans and many more...

Similarly, the fascinating part of Chitwan besides the exotic wildlife are the Tharu people and their culture. The Tharu people are well known for their resistance to Malaria. A stroll through the Tharu Village will provide an opportunity to see their traditional farming and relics while the traditional Tharu stick dance gives an insight into their culture.

The activities within Chitwan national park include Jungle Safari, Jungle walk, Canoe ride, Jeep drive, and observation of Tharu Village. One can reach Chitwan in 25 minutes by air or 146 km (6\7hrs.) drive by road from Kathmandu.

Best Time to Visit

The National Park is open year-round, although most hotels close during the monsoon season from late June to the end of September. The best time for a visit is the dry season, especially the end of the dry season when Bengal tigers, elephants, and other wildlife gather around the waterholes. 

Bardia National park

Bardia National Park, which covers 968 square kilometers and is located in Nepal's western part, is the largest park in the Terai lowland Terai. It is home to endangered species such as the One-horned Rhinoceros, Royal Bengal Tiger, Wild Elephant and Swamp Deer, Black Buck, Gharial Crocodile and Marsh Mugger, Gangetic Dolphin, and Swamp Deer.

Similarly, 30 different mammals, 400 species of birds, and several species of reptiles can be found in this park. The major vegetation and forest types are wooded grasslands and riverine forests.

There are a daily flight and buses leaving from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. From Nepalgunj, bus service is available leading to the park during the dry season only.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Bardia National Park is from mid-September till mid-December and the start of February till the end of May.

Related Package: Bardiya Luxury Wildlife Tour 

Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve

Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve is situated in Far-Western Nepal at Kanchanpur district. The park covers an area of 305 square kilometres. It is famous for inhabiting one of the endangered species of the world Barasingha or Swamp Deer.

Hog deer, Nilgai, wild dog, Jackal, and porcupine are among other wildlife spotted in the park. If you get lucky, you might also see wild elephants and tigers in the park. Another major attraction of this park is Rani Tal (Queen Lake) which is another most visited spot. Many animals and birds such as Heron, ducks, storks, kingfishers, and egrets come here in search of food whereas swamp deer wallow at the edge of the lake.

Experience the exotic reserve home for grassland wildlife in Nepal at Shuklaphanta National park. A wide variety of the earth’s topography and climate zones are found within the small area of Nepal. In addition to the wildlife, this safari also treats you with fascinating land of ancient history, vibrant culture, and tolerant people. Nepal’s rich biodiversity makes it one of the best ecotourism destinations in the world. 

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Shuklaphanta National Park is from mid-September till mid-December and the start of February till the end of May.

Koshi Tappu National Park

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is situated in Eastern Nepal and covers 175 sq. km. The reserve is named after the biggest river of Nepal the Koshi. You can see longer snake species, wild elephant, Gharial Crocodile & lizards, Black-necked Stork, greater Adjutant Stork, Lesser Adjutant Stork, Baer's Pochard, red-necked falcon, Bengal Florican, Great Stone Plover, Black-bellied Tern, Dusky Eagle Owl, Swamp Francolin, Marsh Warbler. Koshi Tappu supports large ungulates such as Wild Water buffalo, Bule Bull Antelope, Hog Deer etc. The park hosts 350 species of birds.

The small wetland carnivore includes the rare Fishing Cat and Smooth coated otters. There are few rare Gangetic Dolphins found in the Koshi River. Usually visitors spend 4 days and 3 nights, but it is also possible to stay longer if you desire.

Related Package: Koshi Tappu Wildlife Tour

 Best Time to Visit

The best season for visiting here is around November to February as many birds from Siberia and Tibet migrate here at that time.

Make your Jungle safari experience memorable with Swotah travel and adventures. We promote sustainable, ethical and responsible traveling which absolutely excludes any animal exploitation, environmental exploitation and aims to empower the local community.