Chitwan National Park, the oldest national park in Nepal, is situated in the subtropical inner Terai lowlands of south-central Nepal. The park was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1984. On about an area of 932 sqkms the park covers pristine area with a unique ecosystem of significant value to the world. It contains the Churiya hills, lakes and flood plains of Rapti, Reu and Narayani Rivers. Approximately 70% of the park vegetation is sal forest. The remaining vegetation types include grassland (20%), riverine forest (7%), and sal with chirpine (3%), the latter occurring at the top of the Churiya range. The one-horned rhino is the most famous denizen of the Royal Chitwan National Park. There are more than 43 species of mammals in the park and more than 450 species of birds. Among the endangered birds are the Bengal florican, giant hornbill, lesser florican, black stork and white stork. The best time for bird watching is March and December.
More than 45 species of amphibians and reptiles occur in the park, some of which are the marsh crocodile, cobra, green pit viper and various species of frogs and tortoises. The park is actively engaged in the scientific studies of several species of wild fauna and flora.