Shuklaphanta National Park
Shuklaphanta National Park is located in the far-western lowlands of Nepal’s Terai region, covering 305 km² of protected area, with an additional 243.5 km² buffer zone. It is Nepal's second-largest wildlife reserve in the Terai and features pristine sub-tropical jungles, open grasslands, Sal forests, and marsh vegetation along rivers and lakes. Originally a hunting area, Shuklaphanta was converted into a wildlife reserve to protect the swamp deer. Today, it is home to nearly 2,000 swamp deer, around 50 wild elephants, and 30 tigers, along with many other animals like spotted deer, blue bulls, wild boars, leopards, jackals, and monkeys.
Bird lovers can find species such as the sarus crane, swamp francolin, grass owl, and the endangered Bengal florican. Reptiles like the marsh mugger, crocodile, cobra, and python also thrive in the park.
Activities: Wildlife viewing on elephant-back
Accommodation: Jungle lodges
Access: Fly or drive (1 hr 10 min.) to Dhangadi (670 km from Kathmandu), than 1 hour 30 min. drive (60 km)
Best Season: Oct-Mar; Apr-Jun (hot, up to 42 degrees Celsius), Jul-Sep (rainy)