The Chitwan National Park, located in the southern, Terai area, of Nepal was established as a National Park for the conservation of Asia's wildlife in 1973.

Originally the park served as a reserve for the personal use of the royal family. At that time, dignitaries came from all over the world to take part in great hunting expeditions. Now, Chitwan serves as an example for all of Asia as a prime example for conservation.

The Gharial conservation project has been underway since 1978 and seems to be assisting the re-establishment of the population for this rare crocodile. The sky rocketing costs for elephants has open the door for Nepal to raise it's own elephants. The government sponsored Elephant Breeding Center also provides jobs for locals and gives appreciation to these animals.

Rhino populations have soared since the establishment of the preserve and are now stabilized. Relocation efforts in 1986 have even resulted in a growing presence in Bardia National Park in southwestern Nepal. The tiger and common leopard have also been spared. Increasing pressure from increasing population will certainly effect the delicate balance that has been established. Whatever may happen, one thing is for sure, the local population now sees the park and its conservation as a way to increase income through tourism. But, of course, even that must be kept in check to establish a proper balance.

Park flora and vegetation is also an interesting attraction. The saal forest, elephant grasslands, riverine forest and marsh wet lands provide an excellent environment for a variety of animals and flowering plant life. The Sissoo, Flame of the Forest and Silk Cotton are just a few of the trees that dominate the park. The Silk Cotton tree blooms in February and is covered with wonderful red blossoms. Large seed pods drop from the tree later on and the locals make use of the 'silk cotton' as a padding material. Orchids thrive during the monsoon period in the middle of the year, so have your camera ready when you visit during this warm season.

Please Note: Chitwan is not a zoo, but an open conservation area with a dense population of wild animals. Gaida Wildlife Camp recommends, for your safety and education, only guided trips into the park. Listen closely to the guides that know the common location for specific animals and how to respect their behavior and territory.

Making a Difference - Conservation and Sustainable Tourism are big concepts that require help and financing through institutions and policy making. Gaida supports these efforts in everyway possible and even goes a few additional steps forward in the process. Common sights around the park are Gaida staff assisting local agencies by loaning jeeps and elephants do their job. Often, park rangers may seen at the dinner table with guests as a complimentary gesture to say thank you for the effort.

Local requests for financial support are often made by villages. Gaida helps these localized projects by contributing to road construction/maintenance, building schools and providing access to water through the use of tube-wells.