While the high Himalaya makes up Nepal’s northern regions, the southern lowland known as Terai is covered with dense tropical jungles teeming with diverse wildlife and exotic birds. Here you will find some of the most exciting safari destinations in the world. Out of 14 National Parks and Wildlife reserves in Nepal, Chitwan National Park (932 sq. km), Bardiya National Park and Koshi Tappu Wildlife reserves are most popular. (932 sq. km) is listed as a World heritage Site and is the most popular safari destination in Nepal. It covers a unique ecosystem, containing hills, ox-box lakes and flood plains. Dominated by sal forest, the parts have 50 species of grasses. The 43 species of animals include the endangered one-horned rhino, Royal Bengal Tiger, Gharial, crocodile, gaur, wild elephant, four horned antelope, striped hyena, pangolin, Gangetic dolphin, monitor lizard, Cobra, krait and rat snake.

Bardiya National Park (968 Sq km) is the largest and most undisturbed wilderness area in the Tarai. It is thickly forested by sal trees, and is carpeted with grass, savannah and river line forest. It is regenerated habitat for endangered species like the rhinoceros, wild elephant, tiger, swamp deer, black buck, gharial, crocodile and Gangetic Dolphin. Endangered birds include the Bengal florican, lesser florican, silver-eared mesia and sarus crane.

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (175 sq km) the vegetation here is mainly of wetland grassland, scrub abd deciduous forests. The reserve is unique for it’s wild arna buffaloes. Other mammals are the hog deer, wild boar, spooted deer and blue bull. The apecies of birds total 350 here, including 20 of ducks, many storks, egret, herons, and the endangered swamp partridges and Bengal floricans. The reserve is testing place for migrating birds not seen anywhere in Nepal. The endangered dharial, marsh crocodile and Gangatic Dolphin are also recorded in the Koshi.

Chitwan National Park (932 sq. km) Chitwan National Park has long been regarded as Nepal\'s third biggest attraction after trekking and the Kathmandu Valley. This huge and beautiful nature reserve protects 932 sq km of sal forest, water marshes and rippling grassland. The park is one of the last refuges of the endangered one-horned Indian rhino and there are sizeable populations of tigers, leopards and rare Gangetic dolphins.

When planning a visit to Chitwan, try to give yourself enough time for several safaris. The wildlife is unpredictable and you can\'t rely on sightings every time. Two whole days in the park is really the minimum for wildlife spotting. Be aware that the popular four-day, three-night packages to Chitwan include a day of travel at either end.