Chitwan
Chitwan is one of the finest national parks in Asia, renowned for its dense concentration of wildlife and top clas tourist lodges, which provide the oppertunity to see animals in their natural habitat. Chiwan which means the 'heart of the jungle' is among the lst surviving examples of the continuous band of forests and greasslands which once extended from the Indus rivre in Pakistan to the Burmese border. The main attraction here is the Royal Chitwan National Park, one of the largest forest regions in Asia teeming with wildlife such as the rare great on-horned rhinoceros, several species of deer sloth bear, leopard, wild boat, fresh water dolphin, crocodile, more than 400 species of birds and the elusive Royal Bengal tigre. Visitors to Chitwan may enjoy elephant back excursions, nature walks, canoe treps and jungle treks. There are several authorised agencies to organize such safaris. Visitors may also take a rivre raft, first driving from Kathmandu to the river Trishuli or Seti Khola. The five-hour drive to Chitwan (165 Km overland) from Kathmandu is filled with thrilling views of the hills, river and plains with jungles on either side.