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Chitwan National Park
Chitwan's biodiversity arises from the diversity of its habitats. Five distinct ecosystem types sit within the park boundaries — each with its own community of species, its own character, and its own rewards.
The famous tall elephant grass (Saccharum spontaneum and Narenga porphyrocoma) can grow over 8 metres high. This is prime rhino and tiger habitat — and where the Bengal Florican makes its last stand.
Along the river channels, a dense mix of Khair (Acacia catechu) and Sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo) creates shaded corridors used by leopards, deer, and innumerable bird species.
Shorea robusta — the sal tree — dominates the upland zones. These tall, dry deciduous forests support langur monkeys, jungle cats, sloth bears, and a completely different bird community.
Abandoned river channels form still-water lakes called 'tals'. Gharials bask on the banks, Gangetic dolphins occasionally visit, and the birding around these lakes is exceptional.
Three river systems form the arteries of Chitwan. The Rapti borders the Meghauli sector where our lodge sits. Rivers support gharials, mugger crocodiles, smooth-coated otters, and fish eagles.