Parsa Wildlife Reserve
With an area of nearly 500 km2 square, Parsa Wildlife Reserve is Nepal's largest wildlife reserve. Before it was officially converted to a protected area in 1984, it used to serve as a vacation site for the royalty of Nepal. Today, the reserve helps protect the habitat of many endangered wildlife species, especially the Asian elephant. As a tourist destination, Parsa Wildlife Reserve is an adventurous and fun destination that is likely to amaze and appeal to everyone.
The majority of the vegetation in the reserve is composed of Sal trees. Khair, pine and silk trees are also found in the reserve. The reserve on the whole has tropical and subtropical vegetation.
However, it is not the trees that attract tourists to the reserve; it is the opportunity of seeing wild animal species in their natural surroundings that bring the majority to tourists to Parsa. Royal Bengal tiger, leopard, hog deer, striped hyena, palm civet, sloth bear, and blue bull are just some of the animal species that can be found at the Parsa Wildlife Reserve.
Near the reserve headquarter, which has accommodation facilities, there is a view tower from which you can have a good wide look at the reserve and may expect to spot many animals. There are some temples at the reserve as well that are visited by many tourists. At the headquarter, you can arrange jungle rides for your group at a reasonable price.
Summers can be humid and sultry at the reserve. On the other hand, winters are mainly pleasant; however, the nights in winters can be quite chilly. The late winter and the spring seasons (January to April) are therefore the best time to enjoy a vacation at Parsa.
You have two main options to get to the reserve: a 20-minute flight to Simara from Katmandu followed by a 15-minute ride or a 7-hour long bus ride from Katmandu directly to the reserve.