Known as the "Heart of the Jungle" in Nepal, Chitwan National Park has a rich history that is intricately linked to its development into a well-known animal sanctuary. According to the chronicles of jungle history, the royal families of Nepal used to invite Indian and British officials on extensive hunting expeditions throughout the park's boundaries. Unfortunately, because of rapacious hunting, this resulted in a significant drop in the populations of iconic animals like tigers, leopards, bears, and rhinoceroses. The Nepali government took charge and launched coordinated measures after realizing how urgently its unique biodiversity needed to be conserved and protected. The result of their efforts was the 1973 designation of Chitwan National Park as Nepal's first national park. With a current total size of about 952.63 square kilometers, it is a vast region that was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984.

The park is located in Nepal's south-central area and runs over the lush floodplains of the Rapti, Reu, and Narayani rivers. Sal (Shorea robusta) forests make up 70% of its major vegetation, with the remaining 10% coming from grasslands, 7% from riverine forests, 7% from mixed forests, and 4% from wetlands. Chitwan's unique combination of weather and habitats has made it a globally significant hotspot for biodiversity. Listed as one of the 200 most important ecoregions in the world, the Tarai-Duar savanna and park are inextricably linked. The resources of the park are essential not only for the preservation of the species but also for the surrounding population, whose agricultural and cattle industries mostly depend on forest resources. With 68 distinct animal species, 646 bird species, 47 types of reptiles, 150 butterfly species, 120 fish species, and over 700 species of flora and fauna, Chitwan National Park is home to an astounding variety of wildlife. The one-horned rhinoceros, sloth bears, wild elephants, Royal Bengal tigers, Gaurs (Indian bison), and gharial crocodiles are some of its most fascinating residents.

Remarkably, Chitwan National Park is home to one of the world’s largest populations of one-horned rhinoceroses. According to the most recent census data from 2021, Nepal boasts a total rhino population of 752, with 694 of these magnificent creatures residing within the boundaries of Chitwan National Park. Furthermore, Nepal has achieved remarkable success in the global conservation effort for tigers, nearly tripling their numbers. The latest tiger and prey survey from 2022 reported the presence of 355 Bengal tigers in Nepal, with 128 of them thriving in Chitwan National Park. The park also hosts more than 250 sloth bears, 394 Gaurs, 45 wild elephants, 118 Gharial crocodiles, and numerous other species. For travelers and nature enthusiasts, Chitwan National Park stands as one of Nepal’s premier destinations. It offers a captivating opportunity to witness the splendor of nature and wildlife up close, making it a perfect place to explore and appreciate the remarkable biodiversity that this sanctuary so diligently protects.