Kabita Uprety, Deputy Mayor of Khairahani Municipality in Chitwan, was left in awe after encountering rare wildlife—including royal Bengal tigers and one-horned rhinos—during a recent jungle safari at Chitwan National Park (CNP).
Uprety, who was accompanied by 31 colleagues and CNP staff, expressed her joy at witnessing a variety of wild animals roaming freely in the Park's well-preserved grasslands and forests. She praised the park's systematic management, which allowed for such a safe and enriching experience.
“We saw eight one-horned rhinos grazing together in a single grassland,” she said. “We also spotted tigers, bears, a lion, and even a cobra.”
CNP, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to over 50 mammal species, more than 525 bird species, and 55 species of amphibians and reptiles. It also shelters the world’s second-largest population of one-horned rhinos and offers ideal habitat for royal Bengal tigers.
Som Tamang, one of the 32 licensed safari jeep drivers in the park, said, “It’s common to see at least one tiger a day during safaris. Visitors can often spot more than 30 rhinos on a single return trip from Tiger Tops.”
The best time to view wildlife is in the early morning, as many animals retreat into cover by midday, Tamang added.
Deependra Khatiwada, chairperson of a cooperative managing elephant safaris, said rhinos are frequently seen in the park and nearby community forests during this peak safari season. He also recommended elephant rides for an added thrill and advised wildlife enthusiasts to visit soon, as the optimal viewing window may close within a week.
Shanta Bahadur Magar, Assistant Conservation Officer at CNP, credited the park’s well-managed grasslands, ponds, and wetlands for the increased visibility of wildlife. “Even naturally shy animals like tigers, pangolins, and four-horned antelopes are regularly seen as they come out to forage and drink water,” he explained. -- RSS
