National Parks

Take your natural experience in Nepal to a whole new level by going bird watching in Nepal. The country and specially the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve in the eastern Terai is a bird watcher’s paradise. More than 850 species of birds are found in Nepal, and a surprisingly a large number of these birds can be spotted in and around the Kathmandu Valley alone. The hills around the valley especially Nagarjun, Godavari and Phulchowki are popular bird watching areas and the Taudaha Lake on the way to Dakshinkali is fabulous for watching migratory water fowl during the winter months.

In the higher Himalayan regions are found the raptors and birds of prey of which there are numerous species. The various national parks like Chitwan and Bardiya harbor a wide variety of birds. But Koshi Tappu has better sightings of an incredible variety of both resident and migratory birds that come from as far away as Siberia. Nepal’s national bird is the lophophorous, Impeyen Pheasant locally called Danphe which is found in the Himalayan region. Bird watching trips are organized by most resorts and are accompanied by experienced naturalists.

Tourism is travel for pleasure or business; also the theory and practice of touring, the business of attracting, accommodating, and entertaining tourists, and the business of operating tours. Tourism may be international, or within the traveller’s country. The World Tourism Organization defines tourism more generally, in terms which go “beyond the common perception of tourism as being limited to holiday activity only”, as people “traveling to and staying in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure, business and other purposes”.

Tourism can be domestic or international, and international tourism has both incoming and outgoing implications on a country’s balance of payments. Today, tourism is a major source of income for many countries, and affects the economy of both the source and host countries, in some cases being of vital importance.

Ride an elephant through the silent jungle catching wildlife by surprise; it will be one of the most enduring experiences in Nepal. The jungles in the southern and south-western parts of Nepal are only a half hour to an hour’s flight away.

The Chitwan National Park and the Bardiya National Park are home to an incredible variety of mammals, reptiles and birds. The former is recognized as the best preserved conservation area in all Asia with a fascinating range of wildlife roaming free. With their natural habitat well preserved the animals are thriving.

Among these are the endangered species: the Greater one-horned rhinoceros and the most sought after Royal Bengal tiger. The many safari lodges in Chitwan and Bardiya provide excellent accommodation and facilities for guests to enjoy wildlife activities.

See wildlife up-close on an elephant safari or a jeep drive, a boat ride or nature walk under the guidance of expert naturalists with years of experience. Each trip is unique as one never knows what will show up: a bear, a herd of deer, a flock of peacocks, Langur monkeys on treetops, a pair of rhinos and some lucky guests get to see the elusive tiger prowling among the tall grass.

Away from the noise and distractions of city life, there is unbelievable peace in the middle of a jungle listening to bird calls and animal sounds. Surrounded by greenery and filled with natural sounds, the mind relaxes and one finds peace in the wilderness. It’s an experience of a lifetime.

These are other trips.