CHITWAN: Kabita Uprety, Deputy Mayor of Khairahani Municipality, was left amazed after a recent jungle safari in Chitwan National Park (CNP), where she observed wild animals such as royal Bengal tigers and one-horned rhinos from close range.

Accompanied by 31 colleagues and CNP staff, Uprety described the experience as exhilarating and praised the Park’s well-maintained habitat for enabling such safe and systematic wildlife viewing.

“We saw eight one-horned rhinos grazing together in a single grassland. We also spotted tigers, bears, a lion, and even a cobra,” she shared enthusiastically.

CNP, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to over 50 species of mammals, 525 species of birds, and 55 species of amphibians and reptiles.

According to Som Tamang, one of 32 safari jeep drivers, spotting at least one tiger daily has become a routine. “On a good day, visitors can see over 30 rhinos while returning from Tiger Tops,” he noted, adding that mornings offer the best opportunity to view wildlife, as most animals retreat by noon.

Deependra Khatiwada, Chairperson of a cooperative managing elephants for safaris, said rhinos frequently roam the Park and surrounding community forests during this season, which is ideal for jungle tours.

He encouraged nature lovers to visit within a week to catch prime sightings, warning that the favorable window will soon close.

Assistant Conservation Officer Shanta Bahadur Magar attributed the rich wildlife visibility to the well-managed grasslands, ponds, and wetlands.

“Even shy species like tigers, pangolins, and four-horned antelopes venture out regularly in search of food and water,” he explained, highlighting the success of CNP’s conservation efforts.