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Nepal Jungle
Safari |
Wildlife
Seeing a family of wild Asiatic Elephants is a
wonderful sight and if you happen to see them swim
across the river, it’s amazing. They roam the forests of
Bardia. The jungles of Nepal are home to a widely varied
wildlife including several endangered species like the
Royal Bengal tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, the Gangetic
dolphins, red pandas, etc. Some unexpected wildlife
found here are the hyenas, otters and turtles. More
commonly found are the leopards, bear, wild boar,
several species of deer, monkeys, and mongoose. Many of
these are sighted on elephant safari in the national
parks of the tarai. Of special interest are the marsh
muggers and Gharial crocodiles that are even bred in the
crocodile farm in Chitwan. Up in the Himalayas are found
the rare blue sheep and the elusive snow leopard. The
variety of birds found in Nepal is incredible for a
small country. Brahminy ducks arrive from Tibet, there
are paradise flycatchers, storks, kingfishers, peacocks,
colorful parakeets, hornbills, kites, eagles, falcons,
to name a few. The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is ideal
for sighting wildfowl such as ducks, geese, terns, etc.
along with a vast number of other species.
Safari
Elephant safari is one of the fascinating ways of
sighting wildlife in the national parks. An animal that
can practically walk through anything, bulldozes its way
through the forest, allowing you an incomparable view of
wildlife. Jeep-safari is the second choice, which allows
comfort but is confined to a fixed route. A fascinating
way to see birds and animals along the riverside is to
take a dugout canoe ride. This silent safari enables you
to catch wildlife unawares.
Chitwan
Known
as an exemplary conservation site, the Chitwan National
Park is also the closest to the capital and only a
five-hour drive or a 30-minute flight away. With many
lodges inside the park, this is an incredible
opportunity to experience a stay in the wild. Rhinos are
sighted near the safari camp and other wildlife such as
deer roam freely near by. Besides safari, Chitwan also
offers you a chance to visit the elephant-breeding and
crocodile-breeding centre. The park is also home to a
vast number of endemic and migratory birds besides the
many reptiles. The big attraction however, is the Royal
Bengal.
Bardia
Of
the many national parks in the country, the second most
popular for wildlife sighting is the Bardia National
Park in far western Nepal. With the massive Karnali
river flowing through the park, there is much bird life
to be seen. Rafting down this river is another way of
sighting wildlife and commonly seen here are the
graceful Gangetic dolphins. Along the banks you will
find turtles sunning themselves, gharials and a vast
number of birds species. The Karnali is one of the
favourite rivers for Masheer fishing. And there is
always the excitement of seeing a herd of large wild
elephants.
Koshi Tappu Wildlife
Reserve
A
true haven for birds, the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
in eastern Nepal offers the best opportunity for
sighting exotic birds that arrive from as far away as
Europe and Siberia during their winter migration. The
vast wetland becomes home to a large number of wildfowl.
In mid-Februray, as many as 50,000 ducks mainly Pintail
have been estimated. 25 species of wildfowl have been
recorded including Goose, Duck, Pochard. Other birds
sighted are Plover, Stint, Snipe, Sandpiper, Gulls,
Terns, Eagles, Vultures, Cormorants and a host of other
species. A special attraction is the Swamp Francolin.
Among the mammals, look out for the rare wild buffalo
that is not found in any other part of Nepal. The Koshi
river is also known for sightings of the endangered
Gangetic
dolphins. | |
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