Nepal's Top 5 Wildlife Safaris

Nepal is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world and home to some of the most spectacular wildlife species. If you're looking for an adventure that will let you experience the wonders of nature, then a wildlife safari in Nepal is the perfect way to do it. From the wild elephants of Chitwan National Park to the rare Gaurs of Parsa National Park, Nepal's top wildlife safaris offer an incredible opportunity to see the country's majestic animals in their natural habitats.

1. Chitwan National Park Safari

Tucked away in the heart of Nepal, Chitwan National Park is a great destination for wildlife lovers. It is the oldest and most renowned national park of Nepal, covering an area of around 952 square kilometers and home to more than 700 species of wildlife, including tigers, rhinoceros, sloth bears, deer, and monkeys.

Photo: Mesmerizing sight of a One Horn Rhino in Chitwan National Park.

The main attraction of this park is its variety of activities, such as elephant safaris, jeep safaris, jungle walks, river cruises, and bird watching. Visitors can also experience traditional Tharu cultural dances and interact with locals overnight.

You can witness the great Bengal tigers and one-horned rhinoceros on a Chitwan National Park Safari. There are also sloth bears and a wide variety of deer species, such as hog deer, spotted deer, and barking deer. Reptiles and amphibians such as gharials, turtles, and snakes can also be seen in the park. Bird watchers can observe more than 500 species of birds, including parakeets, pheasants, jungle fowls, cuckoos, and hornbills. The Rapti River and its oxbow lakes are ideal for spotting water birds.

Apart from wildlife sightings, visitors can also explore several villages in the buffer zones surrounding the park. Here, they can glimpse local customs and traditional culture through homestays and cultural shows.

Overall, Chitwan National Park Safari is an experience like no other. It offers visitors a chance to face some of the rarest wildlife on the planet and experience Nepalese culture in its full glory.

2. Bardia National Park Safari

Visitors can discover some of the most diverse species and breathtaking natural beauty in Nepal at Bardia National Park, which is situated in the far western part of the country. This is the biggest national park in Nepal which was established in 1998. Tiger Conservation Unit(TCU) is one of this park's major attractions and has successfully preserved tigers after it was formed.

Sprawling across 968 square kilometers, this protected area is home to over 30 mammals, including royal Bengal tigers, leopards, Gangetic dolphins, one-horned rhinoceros, and Indian wild elephants. Visitors can also spot a variety of bird species, such as  Bengal florican, white-rumped vulture, peafowl, bar-headed geese, Lesser florican, sarus crane, aberrant bush warbler, striated grassbird, golden-headed cisticola, and chestnut-capped babbler. A total of 839 species of flora, 648 fauna, and 407 bird species can be found in Bardia National Park. 

Photo: Bardia National Park

There are various choices for anyone who wants to go on a safari to Bardia National Park.

A jeep safari is an option that gives you a thorough view of the park from the comfort of your seat. Alternatively, you can take a guided walking trip, which will allow you to go closer to nature and see the species up close. A riverboat or elephant ride can offer a distinctive perspective of the park if you want to continue exploring.

During your safari, you may have the opportunity to visit local Tharu villages to experience the culture and lifestyle of the indigenous people. You will also be able to learn more about the conservation efforts being implemented in the park and gain insight into how communities can be involved in protecting the environment.

No matter what kind of safari experience you choose to embark on in Bardia National Park, it will surely be a truly memorable one! With incredible wildlife sightings, opportunities to learn more about local cultures, and breathtaking landscapes, this park has something for everyone.

3. Koshi Tapu Wildlife Reserve Safari

For those who enjoy nature, a trip to  Koshi Tapu Wildlife Reserve is a must.

It is one of the most diverse and biologically significant ecosystems in the country, which is situated in the eastern Terai region. It has an area of 176 square kilometers and has two sizable wetlands that are the only remaining fragments of the vast and immaculate Koshi River floodplain that formerly covered this area.

The wildlife reserve is home to about 500 bird species, making it an ideal place for birdwatching. It also boasts a diverse range of more than 30 species of mammals, including  Asian elephant, spotted deer, hog deer, wild boar, smooth-coated otter and golden jackal. Furthermore, 524 species of flora and more than 200 species of fauna can be witnessed in the serene environment of Koshi Tapu. Diverse ecosystem of fishes topped by Gangetic dolphins is one of the major attractions of this wildlife reserve.

A guided safari is the best way to explore this amazing wildlife reserve. Typically, safari tours start in the adjacent town of Biratnagar and travel south to Koshi Tappu. You will have many opportunities along the journey to see some of the distinctive wildlife found in the area.

In the meadows, watch the beautiful elephant herds or look for tigers in the surrounding woodlands. In the wetlands, you might also come across the incredible and endangered Gangetic dolphin.

Koshi Tapu is considered as a paradise for bird watchers and ornithologists. Many bird lovers explore the park on foot as it has some excellent hiking trails. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for both native and migratory birds that can be found in great numbers at the Koshi Wildlife Reserve. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is a great spot for viewing birds because it is home to about 485 bird species. Moreover, locals love to picnic in Koshi Tappu Picnic Spot on vacations.

Overall, a trip to the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is memorable. There is something wonderful about this environment that will leave you with long-lasting memories, whether you see exotic elephants or flocks of beautiful birds. So don't miss this wonderful chance to experience one of Nepal's most breathtaking natural reserves.

4. Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park Safari

Located in the Northern part of Kathmandu, Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is a beautiful and diverse protected area. The park is home to over 2122 species of plants, including orchids, as well as an array of wildlife such as  Indian leopard, jungle cat, large Indian civet, golden jackal, Himalayan black bear, yellow-throated marten, small Indian mongoose, wild boar, rhesus monkey, Hanuman langur, Chinese pangolin, Indian crested porcupine, Royle's pika, Himalayan goral, Indian muntjac, Indian hare and orange-bellied Himalayan squirrel.

 Over  318 species of birds, including Eurasian eagle-owl, slender-billed scimitar-babbler, white-gorged flycatcher, and barred cuckoo-dove, make this place a heaven for bird-watchers. Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is also popular for its scenic beauty, which includes stunning views of the Himalayan Mountains.

A safari in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is the ideal way to discover this amazing location.

You can take a guided tour or rent a private vehicle to explore the park yourself. You'll have the chance to see wildlife, stroll through meadows blossoming with wildflowers, and take in distant views of the spectacular Himalayan peaks as you move.

Guests can participate in a wide range of activities at the park, including birdwatching, camping, hiking, and even yoga and meditation programs. You can experience the local customs and cultures by booking a stay at one of the resorts or guest houses in the area. The resort employees can arrange jeep tours, bike excursions, and brief walks.

You will undoubtedly have a wonderful experience in Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, regardless of how you spend your time there. Therefore, pack your gear and prepare to discover Nepal's natural beauties by touring Shivapuri National Park.

Also Read: INLAND SEAS OF NEPAL

5. Parsa National Park Safari

Nestled between the Chitwan National Park and the Valmiki Tiger Reserve in India, the Parsa Wildlife Reserve is an incredible destination for a wildlife safari. Spanning an area of around 627 square kilometers, it is one of the largest protected areas in Nepal and is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including Bengal tigers, leopards, sloth bears, chital deer, sambar deer, and rhinoceroses.

Parsa was a hunting reserve in the past before it was declared as a National Park. Gaurs aka Indian Bisons are the main attractions of Parsa as more than 100 gaurs are residing in its vicinity. Over 500 species of birds, including White-breasted kingfisher, Paradise flycatcher, Large racquet-tailed drongo, and Golden-backed woodpecker, are found in this region.

Photo: Parsa National Park

A safari is unquestionably the perfect way to appreciate the beauty and diversity of this wildlife reserve. You can take a jeep, an elephant ride, or even hike through the jungle. Some of the most amazing wildlife species, including gorgeous birds, reptiles, and amphibians, are found in abundance for you to observe. As you travel through the forest, you may spot some iconic wildlife, such as Bengal tigers and leopards. Keep your eyes peeled for more elusive snake species like Python, Cobra, and Karet.

You will undoubtedly come up close to some of nature's most stunning wildlife, regardless of the sort of safari you pick. There are numerous opportunities to see some spectacular birdlife.

Numerous animal species, including the Blue bull, Sambar, Chital, Hog deer, Barding deer, Langur, Rhesus macaques, and striped hyena, safely reside in the reserve's deep woodlands.

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience the beauty of Nepal’s wilderness and wildlife, consider a safari through Parsa Wildlife Reserve. You can admire some of the country’s most impressive creatures in their natural habitat and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Conclusion

In Summary, the wildlife Safaris in Nepal is undoubtedly one of the best ways to experience nature and its drama up close. Unlike zoos, visitors can witness the wild beasts and diverse flora topped by the soothing sound of birds in their natural habitat. There are plenty of wildlife Safaris in Nepal, and each of them has something unique to offer. From jeep safaris to guided walk safaris to elephant safaris, Nepal has it all.

Hence, don’t think twice before finalizing a decision, as the wildlife safari in Nepal will be an awe-inspiring trip that will be something to remember for the rest of your life.