Royal Chitwan National Park This is one of the most popular national parks in Nepal. Before 1950, this area used to be the hunting reserve for the ruling class of Nepal. The hereditary prime ministers of the Rana family, who ruled Nepal for 104 years, often used to invite people from England and India as their guests and huge numbers of tigers and rhinos were killed.

Elephant rides in the Royal Chitwan Park Credit: Mahabir Pun

The park is situated in the sub-tropical lowlands of southern Nepal, lying between two mountain ranges, the Shivalik and the Mahabharat range. This is the flood plain of three rivers, the Rapti, the Reu and the Narayani. The forest is dominated by Sal trees (shorea robusta) and tall grasses.

This is the natural habitat of endangered animals like Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceros and gharial crocodile. This park also provides shelters for some of the animals that needs protection like gaur (the world's largest wild cattle), four species of deer, leopards, wild dogs, fishing cats, leopard cats, python and Gangetic dolphin. There are over 50 species of mammals and 450 species of birds in the park.

Tourists can ride elephants and view the wild animals at close range. Besides, one can explore the forest in jeeps and canoes.

One-horned Rhinoceros Credit: Mahabir Pun

Royal Bardiya National Park
This park is situated in western Nepal to the south of the Shivalik range bordering the Karnali River on the west. The vegetation and wild life found in this park are similar to those of the Royal Chitwan National Park. In addition, the wild elephant and swamp deer are also found here. Rhinos in this area became extinct a long time ago. Therefore, 13 rhinoceros were captured in Chitwan National Park and introduced in this park.

The Royal Bardiya National Park is less popular than the Royal Chitwan National Park because of its difficult access route. However, there is a greater chance of viewing tigers.