Overview

Located in the south-central lowlands of Nepal, Parsa Wildlife Reserve is a hidden gem that spans 499 square kilometers of pristine sub-tropical jungle. As Nepal’s largest wildlife reserve, Parsa offers a diverse and rich habitat for a plethora of flora and fauna. Initially, the area served as a vacation spot for the Rana rulers before being declared a wildlife reserve in 1984, primarily to protect the habitat of the wild Asian elephant and other wildlife. It shares its western border with the renowned Royal Chitwan National Park, offering a contiguous wildlife corridor that enhances biodiversity conservation efforts in the region.

Flora & Fauna

The reserve’s landscape is dominated by tropical and subtropical vegetation, with Sal forests covering approximately 90% of the area. The diverse ecosystem includes riverine forests along the banks of rivers, with species such as Khair and Silk Cotton Tree. At higher altitudes, particularly in the northeastern part of the reserve, Sal and Pine forests flourish, while the southern slopes of the Siwalik Hills are dominated by Pine forests. Sabai grass, an economically significant species, thrives on the southern face of the Churia Hills.

Parsa Wildlife Reserve is home to a variety of endangered and rare wildlife species. Notable residents include the wild Asian elephant, Royal Bengal tiger, sloth bear, and leopard. The reserve also supports healthy populations of blue bull, sambar, chital, hog deer, barking deer, langur, rhesus macaques, striped hyena, jungle cat, and palm civet. Over 500 species of birds, including migratory and native species, can be spotted, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise.

Facilities

Visitors to Parsa Wildlife Reserve will find basic but adequate facilities. The reserve’s headquarters offers a small guesthouse with four rooms for accommodation. Additionally, a teahouse provides refreshments, snacks, and traditional Nepali food for visitors. Hetauda and Birgunj, two nearby towns, are accessible by an hour’s bus ride, providing further options for lodging and dining.

Note: Visitors are advised to carry a first-aid kit with medicines for intestinal issues, as the reserve’s remote location may not have immediate medical facilities.

Climate

The climate in Parsa Wildlife Reserve varies significantly throughout the year, offering unique experiences during each season:

• Winter (October-December): The reserve experiences pleasant temperatures with clear skies. Nighttime temperatures can drop to 0°C, providing cool and crisp weather ideal for wildlife viewing.
• Spring (January-March): Temperatures rise, and water becomes scarce, offering a different dynamic in wildlife behavior and vegetation. This is a great time for observing animals congregating around water sources.
• Summer (April-June): The days become hot and humid, with temperatures soaring up to 40°C. Wildlife sightings may be more challenging, but the lush greenery offers vibrant landscapes.
• Monsoon (July-September): The reserve receives cooling rains, rejuvenating the ecosystem. While wildlife viewing might be more challenging, the monsoon season showcases the reserve’s lush beauty.

Best Time to Visit: October to March

Duration: 5 Days

Difficulty Level: Moderate