Chitwan National Park is the first national park established in Nepal and given the status of a World Heritage Site . Chitwan is located in the Terai region with the Rapti river acting as a  natural boundary to humans.

The Chitwan National Park is home to some 43 species of mammals. The Bengal tiger, initially a small population has increased to around 100. Other species found in the park are indian rhinos, leopards, wild boars , spotted deer ,  monkeys ,  several species of flying squirrels,  wild dogs, sloth bears, foxes, several species of mongoose, honey badger and yellow-throated martens.  Striped Hyenas are spotted on very rare occasions .

The Indian Rhinoceros  population has recovered well and to safe guard this species in case of epidemics, animals are moved annually from Chitwan to the Bardia National Park. Poaching is still a hot issue, with a significant number of rhinos cruelly killed every year owing to their precious horn.

Sometimes wild elephant bulls find their way from Valimiki National park into the valleys of the Chitwan park, in search of elephant cows willing to mate.  In the Chitwan National Park there are some 543 bird species, a pure bliss for enthusiasts of bird watching.

Chitwan is one of Nepal’s most popular tourist destinations and offers various jungle adventures such as elephant safari, canoeing or rafting in the Rapti River, various jungle walks, bathing with the elephants , 20,000 lakes and visits to the elephant breeding centre .