World Heritage Sites

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the major attractions in Kathmandu Valley. The word Durbar Square translated in English as Palace Complex. The Durbar Square, with its old temples and palaces, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people.

Interesting things to see here are:-

Kumari (The Living Goddess) Gar:
At the West end of the square, is a beautiful house full of woodcarving of different God and Goddesses. This Palace is three storied and in this palace, lives the very famous living Goddess Kumari. Both Hindus and Buddhists equally venerate her. For Hindus she is the reincarnation of Hindu Goddess Kali. She is equally worshiped by Buddhists because she is chosen from Buddhist family. This shows the harmony between Buddhist and Hindus in Nepal.

Kastha Mandap:
One of the popular temples of Kathmandu Durbar Square is Kashamandap locally knows as Maru Sattal. It is believed that the name of Kathmandu City is derived from the name of this temple. Kastha means wood and Mandap means pavilion. And it is said that this temple is built by one single Sal (sorea robusta) tree. At the center of this temple, one can see the statue of a Hindu God Gorakhnath and in the four corners of the temple one can see Ganesh Statues.

Maru Ganesh:
Small yet the most visited temple of Kathmandu is Maru Ganesh. The people of Kathmandu valley believe that the four Ganesh in four corners of Kathmandu valley protect the peoples living in Kathmandu. Every day people go to worship this temple and especially on Tuesdays one can see a long queue of people waiting for hours to worship. Tuesday is considered the day of Ganesh.

Other interesting things to see here are Mahadev Temple, Shiva Parvati Temple, Bhagwati Temple, Old palace, Saraswoti temple, Krishna Octangular Temple, Big drums, Kal Bhairav, Jagannath Temple, and Taleju Temple etc..

Swayambhunath Stupa

 A golden spire crowning a conical wooded hill, Swayambhunath Stupa is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu valley. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spire are visible for many miles and from all sides of the valley. Historical records found on a stone inscription give evidence that the stupa was already an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination by the 5th century AD. Its origins however, date to a much earlier time, long before the arrival of Buddhism into the valley. A collection of legends about the site, the 15th century Swayambhu Purana, tells of a miraculous lotus, planted by a past Buddha, which blossomed from the lake that once covered Kathmandu valley. The lotus mysteriously radiated a brilliant light, and the name of the place came to be Swayambhu, meaning 'Self-Created or Self-Existent'. Saints, sages and divinities traveled to the lake to venerate this miraculous light for its power in granting enlightenment. During this time, the Bodhisatva Manjushri was meditating at the sacred mountain of Wu Tai Shan and had a vision of the dazzling Swayambhu light. Manjushri flew across the mountains of China and Tibet upon his blue lion to worship the lotus. Deeply impressed by the power of the radiant light, Manjushri felt that if the water were drained out of the lake Swayambhu would become more easily accessible to human pilgrims. With a great sword Manjushri cut a gorge in the mountains surrounding the lake. The water, draining away, left the valley of present day Kathmandu. The lotus was then transformed into a hill and the light became the Swayabhunath Stupa.

Swayambhunath's worshippers include Hindus, Vajrayana Buddhists of northern Nepal and Tibet, and the Newari Buddhists of central and southern Nepal. Each morning before dawn, hundreds of pilgrims will ascend the 365 steps that lead up the hill, file past the gilded Vajra (Tibetan: Dorje) and two lions guarding the entrance, and begin a series of clockwise circumambulations of the stupa (Newari Buddhists circle in the opposite, counterclockwise direction). On each of the four sides of the main stupa there are a pair of big eyes. These eyes are symbolic of God's all-seeing perspective. There is no nose between the eyes but rather a representation of the number one in the Nepali alphabet, signifying that the single way to enlightenment is through the Buddhist path. Above each pair of eyes is another eye, the third eye, signifying the wisdom of looking within. No ears are shown because it is said the Buddha is not interested in hearing prayers in praise of him.

The area surrounding the stupa is filled with chaityas, temples, painted images of deities and numerous other religious objects. There are many small shrines with statues of Tantric and shamanistic deities, prayer wheels for the Tibetan Buddhists, Shiva lingams (now disguised as Buddhist chaityas and decorated with the faces of the the Dhyani Buddhas), and a popular Hindu temple dedicated to Harati, the Goddess of smallpox and other epidemics.The presence of the Harati Devi temple signifies the intermingling of the pantheons of Hinduism and Buddhism in the development of the religious trends of Nepal. As Buddhists had no deity in their own pantheon to protect against the dreaded smallpox, they adopted the Hindu deity for assistance.

Atop Swayambhunath hill is another fascinating, though smaller and less visited temple. This is Shantipur, the 'Place of Peace', inside of which, in a secret, always locked, underground chamber lives the 8th century Tantric master Shantikar Acharya. Practising meditation techniques which have preserved his life for uncounted centuries, he is a great esoteric magician who has complete power over the weather. When the valley of Kathmandu is threatened by drought, the King of Nepal must enter the underground chamber to get a secret mandala from Shantikar. Soon after the mandala is brought outside and shown to the sky, rain begins to fall. Frescoes painted on the inside temple walls depict when last this occurred in 1658. The small temple has a powerful atmosphere; it is mysterious, stern and slightly ominous.

The complex of temples atop Swayambhunath hill is one of my most favorite sacred places in the world. It was here, in 1967, when I was thirteen years old that I first became enchanted with visiting and photographing ancient pilgrimage shrines. Swayambhunath stupa is also called the `Monkey Temple' because of the many hundreds of monkeys who scamper about the temple at night after the pilgrims and priests have departed. These monkeys and a hashish inspired yogi first introduced me to the magic of sacred places. Nearby the Swayambhunath hill are other important temples such as the Shiva Jyotir Linga temple of Pashupatinath, Boudhanath stupa, Changu Narayan, Dakshinkali, and Budhanilkantha. Readers interested in studying the sacred sites of the Kathmandu valley in detail are referred to the works of Bubriski, Majupuria and Moran listed in the bibliography.

Bouddhanath Stupa

This Colossal stupa the biggest in Nepal is situated about 7km. East of the capital. The Bouddhhnath stupa is also known as Khasti Chitya and is considered as one of the oldest stupas in the country.

After 1959, many Tibetans came and have settled in Bouddhanath area.

With a diameter of about 100m and a height of 40m, Bouddhanath is among the largest stupas in the world. The Bouddhanath stupa covers a vast area that has a circumbulatory path at the bottom and another path made of three-tier plinth. The stupa looks similar to Swayambhunath but many features in this stupa are pinnacles as well as 108 Buddhist Gods and Goddesses. The most attractive part of the Stupa is the all seeing eyes of the Buddha painted with red, white and blue.

It is believed that King Manadeva built the Bouddhanath stupa during the Lichavi period. It has been renovated time and again and the present form of stupa was renovated in the 17th century.

The most popular festival celebrated here is the Tibetan New Year festival Lhosar that falls in February. The festival starts with prayers and worship. Thousands, of Tibetans dress Traditionally and dance after lighting incense to Buddha. Lots of Tibetan comes from Laddakh, Sikkim, Bhutan as well as other parts of the hills to celebrate this festival.

In Bouddhanath, there are many monasteries or Gompas. They are all beautifully decorated and colorfully painted. One can visit the monasteries and take photographs. It is advisable to give small donation when one takes photographs.

Pashupatinath Temlpe

Pashupatinath temple is a Hindu temple located on the shore of the Bagmati river on the eastern part of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal.

It is regarded as the most sacred temple of Shiva (Pashupati) in the world. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world, particularly from Nepal and India pay homage to this temple everyday. "Shivaratri" or night of lord Shiva is an especially important day in this temple when tens of thousands of people throng here for the annual celebration.

Locals have long regarded Pashupatinath temple as a very important part of the city, both religiously and culturally. Thousands of locals begin their day by visiting the temple and receiving blessings from lord Shiva early in the morning. Along the shores of the Bagmati river near the temple lies "Arya Ghat", the most widely used place of cremation for the deceased in Nepal, especially in and around the Kathmandu valley. There is also a large market in the streets surrounding the temple. Vendors sell souvenirs to tourists, but also cloth, dyes, and religious supplies.

Believers of the faith Hinduism are allowed to enter the temple. Non-Hindu visitors are allowed to have a look at the temple from the other bank of Bagmati river

The unique feature of this temple is that only four priests can touch the idol. The priests are always from south India. This tradition is supposed to have started by Sage Shankaracharya in 6th century, ostensibly to stop human sacrifice which was prevalent in that temple.

The more official view of Indian priests being stationed at Pashupatinath is because when the King passes away, the entire Nepali people are supposed to stop religious services and enter a year long period of mourning. As the Pashupatinath needs to be eternally worshipped, Indians were brought to make sure that the Pashupatinath is worshipped even at the time of official mourning.

The temple is of pagoda architecture. The two level roofs are of copper with gold covering. It has four main doors, all covered with silver sheets. The western door has a statue of large bull or Nandi, again covered in gold. The idol is of black stone, about 6 ft in height and about 6ft circumference.

The priests are called Bhattas and the chief priest is known as Mool Bhatt or Raval. The chief priest is answerable only to the King of Nepal and reports to him on the matters of temple on periodic basis.

East of the temple is the Vasukinath.

One of the most known Chief Priest was Raval Padmanabha Shastri Adiga (1927-2005). He started as a priest in 1955 and was promoted as Chief priest in 1967. In his time, he started a movement to use the temple funds for local development. He retired in 1993 and moved back to his home town Udupi.

Changunarayan Temple

Located 1500 meters height 24 km away from Kathmandu. This is the oldest of all temples inn the valley and also one of the most interesting ensembles. The foundation is date back to the 7th century AD. To visit Changu Narayan is a must. The temple itself is dedicated to Vishnu (often called Narayan). In the large square courtyard, many real masterworks in stone sculpture stand or lie around.

The oldest piece of is Garuda, the mythical half-bird, half-man (Narayan’s mount), which dates back to the 5th century AD. Should all these art treasures and archeological relics not be enough to satisfy the curiosity of a casual visitor!

Bhhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a conglomeration of pagoda and shikhara – style temples grouped around a fifty-five-window palace of brick and wood. The square is one of the most charming valley as it highlights the ancient of the kings perched on top of stone monoliths, the guardian deities looking out from their sanctuaries, the wood carvings in very place – struts, lintels, tympanums, gateways and windows – all seem to form a well orchestrated symphony.


The main items of interest in the Durbar Square are:-

The Lion Gate:Dating as far back as AD 1696 this gate is guarded on either side by huge statues of lions. Alongside, there are two stone images of (the dreadful aspect of Shiva) and Ugrachandi (the consort of the Shiva in her fearful manifestation).

The Golden Gate:The Golden Gate is said to be the most beautiful and richly moulded specimen of its kind in the entire world. The door is surmounted by a figure of the goddess Kali and Garuda (the mythical man – bird) and attended by two heavenly nymphs. It is embellished with mythical creatures of marvelous intricacy. In the words of Percy Brown, and eminent English are critic and historian, the Golden Gate is the most lovely pieces of are in the whole Kingdom; it is places like a jewel, flashing innumerable facets in the handsome setting of its erected by King Ranjit Mala and is the entrance of the main courtyard of the palaces of Fifty – five windows.

The Palace Of fifty – five Windows: This magnificent palace was built during the reign of King Yakshay Malla in AD 1427 and was subsequently remodeled by King Bhupatindra Malla in the seventeenth century. Among the brick walls with their gracious setting and sculptural design, is a balcony with fifty-five Windows, considered a unique masterpiece of woodcarving.

The Art Gallery: The Art Gallery contains ancient paintings belonging to the Hindu and Buddhist traditions of various periods and descriptions. This gallery is open everyday except Tuesday.

The Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla: This statue shows king Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship is set on a column facing the palace. This is considered the most magnificent statue amongh the many statues in the squares.

Patan Durbar Square

Patan is probably one of the oldest Buddhist City in the world. It is believed that the city was founded in the 3rd century A.D. Patan is situated on a plateau across Bagmati River. Another name of Patan, is Lalitpur. This city is known for its finest traditional crafts and rich artistic heritage.

Patan is designed and built after Buddhist Dharma Chakra. It is surrounded by 4Stupas as 4 corners of Patan, one at each corner of its cardinal points. These stupas are said to have been built by the famous Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. It is also said that the ancient city got its name Lalitpattan after the Lalitadhara forest was cleared by king Biradava. It must be remembered that the name of Patan used by Newars in Yala. It is said that King Yalamber named this city after himself. Before Malla Dynasty ascended the throne in 1480 the Muslim Emperor Sam Suddin Iliyas destroyed the temples and monuments of Patan. When King Siddhi Nar Singh Malla ascended the throne in 1618, he started to rebuild the city and Shrinivas and Yog Narendra Malla made further contributions to it. These days one can see the beautiful palace complex and squares built during the Malla period.

Things to see here are:

Krishna Temple:
The Krishna Mandir is dedicated to lord Krishna and was build by Siddhi Narsingha Malla in 1637. Many writers have considered this temple as and ornament of Patan. This temple was built in Shikhara style, which is considered to be of Indian influence in Nepal. The temple is three storied and important scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata epics have been carved inside the temple. The statue of Krishna lies in the first floor and only Hindus are allowed to go in. It is one of the most visited temples in Patan. On the occasion of Krishna Janmasthanmi (Lord Krishna’s Birthday), thousands of devotees come to the temple. The other importance of this temple is a statue of Garuda)(the vehicle of Krishna or Vishnu) in front of the temple.

Golden Temple:
The Golden Temple or Hiranya Varna Mahavihar is the richest temple in Patan. The temple is just tow minutes walk towards, the north f the Durbar Square. The temple, built in the 12th Century, is popular among the Buddhists of Patan. At the main entrance tow lions are guarding the temple. The building has three roofs with copper golden facades. Inside the temple, there are images of Buddha and Boddisattvas. IN the courtyard, there is a small temple with beautifully decorated pinnacle.

Other interesting things to see here are Mulchowk, Jagat Narayan Temple, Big Bell, Pillar of Yognarendra Malla, Hari Shanker temple, Vishwanath temple, Bhimsen temple, Marga Hiti, and Mani Mandap, Café Pagoda, Kumbheswor Temple, Rato Machhendra Temple, Minnath, Rudra Varna Mahavihar and so on.

Lumbini

Lumbini is the place where the newly born Prince Siddhartha (simply known as Buddha) took his first seven steps and uttered an epoch-making message to the suffering humanity. This happened exactly in a beautiful sal grove, which is now a focal point of the Lumbini Garden area. Maya Devi, the queen of Sakya King Suddhodana of Kapilavastu, while passing through the Lumbini Garden, on the day of ‘Vaisakha Poornima’ (the Full Moon-Day of May 623 BC), took a bath in the Pushkarni (the Sacred Pond) and soon after she took support of a tree branch, then gave birth to the Crown Prince Siddhartha, who became Buddha. The Lumbini Garden covers an area of 1x3 sq. miles (2.56 sq. km) and compasses three zones each covering one square mile connected with walkways and a canal. The area has a sub-tropical monsoon climate with a warm wet season.

Lumbini re-discovered

The history of Lumbini was re-established with the visit of the Mauryan Emperor Asoka, who made a pilgrimage in 249 BC and erected a stone pillar bearing an inscription stating ‘Hida Budhe Jate Sakyamuniti’ which means that Sakyamuni Budha was borned here. After his visit structural activities started to mark the birthplace of the Lord Buddha. He worshipped the nativity tree, the bathing tank and also visited the other surrounding historical sites such as Kapilavastu, Ramgrama and Niglihawa.

Later on, three famous Chinese pilgrims - Tseng Tsai (4th century A.D.), Fa-Hsien (5th century A.D.) and Hiuen-Tsang (7th century A.D.) visited Lumbini. Hiuen Tsang’s travel account gives a detailed description of the area, including the Ahsokan Pillar with a horse carved on the top of it. King Ripu Malla (1312 A.D.) of Karnali, marked his visit by an engraving on the Asokan Pillar after 14 century A.D. the site were forgotten, neglected and shrouded in bushes. The association of Lumbini with the Buddha went slowly to oblivion (for almost 600 years), and the name Lumbini gradually changed to Rummindei and then to Rupandehi, the present name of the district.

In the process of an archaeological survey in 1896, General Khadga Shamsher Rana and Dr. Fuhrer discovered the Asokan Pillar in Lumbini, and the birth history has been established from the Lost Horizons. In the 1930s, General Keshar SJB Rana carried out a large-scale excavation at Lumbini and covered up the archaeological site with a view to strengthen the Maya Devi Temple. The most important archeological discoveries in Lumbini are Buddha’s nativity, the gold casket, charred human bones, the terracotta sculpture of a Bodhisattva, human heads Marker stone.

For decades the sacred place remained neglected. In 1956, on the occasion of the fourth world Buddhist conference, late King Mahendra personally visited Lumbini and wanted to improve it. Further, the pilgrimage of the UN Secretary General (U.Thant) proved a milestone of the modern history of Lumbini. Deeply influenced by Lumbini’s sanctity, U.Thant wanted the government of Nepal to develop Lumbini as an international pilgrimage and a tourist center in 1970, Prof. Kenzo Tange of Japan was assigned to create the Lumbini Master Plan, which was approved by the government in 1978. Now, the Lumbini Development Trust, (formed in 1985) is responsible for the overall development of Lumbini.

Sagarmatha National Park

Sagarmatha is an exceptional area with dramatic mountains, glaciers and deep valleys, dominated by Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world (8,848 m). Several rare species, such as the snow leopard and the lesser panda, are found in the park. The presence of the Sherpas, with their unique culture, adds further interest to this site.

Sagarmatha National Park lies to the northeast of Kathmandu. The park was gazetted in July 1976. It covers an area of 1,148 sq. km. of Himalayan ecological zone.

The park includes the upper catchment areas of the Dudh Kosi and Bhote Kosi Rivers. The park is largely composed of the rugged terrain and gorges of the high Himalayas ranging from 2,845m at Monju to the top of the world, Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) at 8,848m above sea level. Other peaks above 6,000m are Lhotse, Cho-Oyu, Thamserku, Nuptse, Amadablam, and Pumori.

UNESCO listed the park as a World Heritage Site in 1979 for its unique natural, cultural and landscape characteristics.

Some of the highlighted case studies include:

• Sagarmatha National Park (Nepal) - glacier melting and possible glacial lake outburst floods;
• Great Barrier Reef (Australia) - coral bleaching and loss of marine biodiversity;
• Ichkeul National Park (Tunisia) - changes in precipitations, and sea-level rise affecting wetland distribution and functions;
• Chan Chan Archaeological Zone (Peru) - flooding damage to earthen architecture structures;
• Timbuktu (Mali) - desertification and sand encroachment.

Chitwan National Park

Formerly Chitwan Valley was well known all over the world as one of the most famous places in Asia for wildlife. It was covered with elephant grass (Sachharum spp.) or dense forest.There were few scattered settlements of the ethnic groups of Tharus who were original inhabitants and had some resistance to the deadly ma­laria. Other settlers were always away in this region due to fear of malaria.

In those days, Chitwan Valley was completely wild and well-known as a hunt­ing reserve of Rana Prime Ministers who were virtually rulers of Nepal at that time. They were organizing great hunts at a gap of few years and also used to invite the Viceroys and other dignitaries of British India . Their hunting methods were very unique by beating for and to ring tigers,rhinos,etc. A large number of these animals were bagged. An alarming account of hunting in a season is given by some authors. However, there was an interval of few years between hunts and the popu lation of wildlife was able to recover at fairly rapid rate. It is reported that in 1950 the tiger population in Chitwan was about 800.

However, wildlife declined in Chitwan and the cause for it was attributed to the resettlement of large number of hill people in the Chitwan valley. Especially dur­ing 1950 a large number of wild people settled in the valley due to worsening economic situation in the hills. Malaria Eradication Programme was also carried and was successful as such there was no fear of malaria. Also to make the land fit for agriculture about three-quarters of forest and grassland was destroyed. Poach­ing of wild animals became also widespread. Thus it was very difficult to wild population to recover as the habitat was destroyed and declined drastically.

In 1962, His Majesty's Government of Nepal set aside the part of Chitwan Valley , south of Rapti River as a wildlife sanctuary. Hunting was banned and armed guards 'Rhino Patrol' was established to protect the sanctuary from agricultural encroachment and poaching.These efforts prevented the situation from getting worse and stabilized the situation. However, there was great dearth of trained manpower. Despite of posting of armed guards poaching continued. Another threat appeared was overgrazing of large number of domestic and stray cattle.

In 1973, the sanctuary became Royal Chitwan National Park with the assis­tance of HMG of Nepal and other International agencies. Encroachment, poaching and other problems were brought under control very rapidly.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

In 1984, considering the rich wealth of flora and fauna, Royal Chitwan National Park was included in UNESCO World Heritage list.

Physical Features

This park consists of Churia (Siwalik) hills,ox-bow lakes,flood plains of Rapti, Reu and Narayani rivers. The Churia hill rises slowly towards the east from 150 m to more than 800 m. The part of the park comprises of the lower but most rugged Someshwar hills.

The flood plains of Chitwan Valley are rich alluvials. The boundaries of park have been delineated by the Narayani and Rapti rivers in the north and west and the Reu river and Someshwar hills in the south as well as southwest. It shares its eastern border with Parsa wildlife Reserve. From Chitwan several majestic peaks of Annapurna (809-7219 m), Manaslu (8163 m), Himalchuli (7893 m) and other peaks of the Himalaya are visible in clear weather of autumn and winter.

Vegetation

The vegetation of the Chitwan valley is tropical to subtropical. About 70 percent of vegetation is predominantly sal (Shorea robusta) forest, a moist decidu­ous vegetation type of the Terai region. The remaining vegetation types include grassland (20%), riverine forest (7%) and sal with Chir Pine, Pinus roxburghii(3%), the latter occurring at top of the Churia range. The riverine forests consist of Khair (Acacia catechu), sissoo (Dalbergia sissoo), and simal (Bombax ceiba). The grass­lands form a diverse and complex community with over 50 species. Elephant grass (Saccharum sp) can grow upto 8 m in height. The shorter thatch grass (Imperata sp) is used for thatching the roofs. This kind of vegetation provides habitats for wildlife and preserves a unique ecosystem.

Fauna

There are about 45 species of mammals, over 450 species of birds, about 100 species of reptiles and fishes including Mugger Crocodile, Gharial, python and a variety of amphibians, insects and other animal life in the Royal Chitwan National Park. This park holds the last surviving population of Asian One-horned Rhinoc­eros (Rhinoceros unicornis) which are now about 500 in number. Mammalian spe­cies include Tiger (Panthera tigris), Leopard (Panthera paradus), Gaur bison (Bos gaurus), Sloth Bear (Ursus= Melursus ursinus), Sambar Deer (Cervus unicolor), Chital or Spotted Deer (Axis axis), Hog Deer (Axis porcinus), Barking Deer (Muntiacus muntjak), Wild Dog (Cuon alpinus), Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), Elephant (Elephas maximus). Langur (Semnopithecus= Presbytis entellus) and Rhesus mon­keys (Macaca mulatta) also abound in the park. Gangetic Dolphin (Platinista gangetica), which is a migratory mammal and ascend upstream has also been reported from Narayani and Karnali rivers of this National Park. Twenty three domesticated elephants are housed in the Government Hatisar and Sauraha and another 18 are domesticated in the newly established Elephant Breeding Centre at Koror (3 km from Sauraha). More than 45 species amphibians and reptiles are found in the Park.Reptiles are represented by several species of lizards and snakes.

Marsh mugger and endangered gharial crocodiles are also represented. A breeding centre for the gharial crocodile (Gavialis gangeticus) has been established at the Park Headquarters at Kasara. By 1986 a total of 272 young gharials had been released into the rivers of Nepal . Some birds are Pea fowl (Pavo cristatus), Jungle fowl (Gallus gallus), Black partridge (Francolinus francolinus), pheasants,etc. Dur­ing winter,the rivers of the parks provide resting grounds for many species of migratory waterfowls. Out of the mammals which live in the Park,Bengal Tiger (Felis tigris) and Great one-homed Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) deserve special mention. They can be easily seen by visitors sitting on the back of stealthy elephants who comb the grassland at dawn and dusk. Rhinos can be frequently sighted but tigers are rare to see if one is lucky then only he can see tiger face to face. The tiger population of the world was about 40,000 but dwindled to about 3000 and in Nepal about 107 has been reported. Out of them 30 to 35 breeding adults are located in Chitwan Park . Tiger has strong territoriality. Need for abun­dant prey in this park has reached its optimum carrying capacity for supporting a healthy tiger Population.

Rhinoceros is a big animal of Chitwan Park . Male measures about 1.82 m. It has one horn while in related African and Sumatran Rhinos there are 2 horns. The horns are really mass of hair. Several myths and beliefs are attributed to the horns.

Indians make a sexual stimulant from it. It is said a cup made of it distinguishes the poisonous and non-poisonous wine. Chinese prepare a medicine from it. Out of about 1000 to 1500, one-horned rhinoceros in Nepal and India , about 500 live in Chitwan. In 1980, the number reduced to 100 but due to proper conservation and growth rate of 2-6 percent the animals increased to such a number that now they are shifted to other areas. Recently (1993) restriction has been imposed on present­ing any Rhinoceros to zoos of other countries.

For bird watchers Chitwan is a paradise. About 450 species have been recorded from here. Most colourful and common birds are king fishers (Ceryle sp,Alceds sp, Ceyx sp, Halycon sp), bee-eaters (Merops sp), pea fowl (Pavo cristatus), etc. In September to November and February to April the resident species of birds are augmented with migratory birds coming from breeding grounds as far as Siberia .

The Major Attractions of Megahuli are:

• Royal Chitwan National Park and its Bio-diversity
• Meghauli Village, the unique pattern of Tharu Community
• Wildlife Safari (elephant ride)
• The Community Forest and Machan Towers
• Jungle Walk and Bird Watching
• National Museum and Crocodile Farming
• World Elephant Polo and Parajumping
• Sunset and Sunrise Viewing
• Boating and Rafting on Rapati and Narayani Rivers
• Typical Tharu Village Tour
• Eco Park – Children Park, Picnic Spot, Camping Sites, Open Zoo, Crocodile Farming etc are under-construction).