The Chitwan National Park was completely wild and a hunting ground of the Rana rulers until the 1950s. Guest lists included royalty and Who’s Who from Europe and India. Hundreds of elephants were used in the hunts and many tigers, rhinos and leopards were killed – but their population was largely restored due to long gaps between the hunts.
In 1962, a portion of Chitwan valley south of the Rapti river was declared a wildlife sanctuary. And upgraded to Royal Chitwan National Park in 1973. Things have only improved since then: the park currently has over 400 rhinos and 65 tigers. The 932 sq. kms (360 sq. miles) park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Join Ajay Jain in a safari through one of the most amazing wildlife reserves on the planet. The park’s ecosystem includes the Churia Hills, Ox-bow lakes and the Rapti, Reu and Narayani rivers.