Chitwan national park has long been one of the country treasures of natural wonders. The park is situated in south central Nepal, covering 932 sq. km. Chitwan valley consists of tropical and subtropical forests such as Sal forests, Riverine forests and Grassland. Sal forests cover 70 percent of the park. Sal leaves are used locally for plates in festivals and religious offerings. The area was known as "Four Mile Forest" and a hunting reserve for big game hunting until 1951. In 1963, the area south of the Rapti River was demarcated as rhinoceros sanctuary. The area was gazetted as the country's first national park in 1973. Recognizing its unique ecosystem of international significance, UNESCO declared Chitwan national park a world heritage site in 1984.
The park is home for more than 50 mammals' species, over 500 birds and 55 amphibians and reptiles. The endangered animals found in the park are: One Horned Rhinoceros, Gaur, Royal Bengal Tiger, Wild Elephant, Four horned Antelope, Pangolin, Golden Monitor lizard, Python etc. Birds include Bengal Florican, Giant Hornbill, Black Stork, White Stork etc.