Parsa National Park (12th National Park of the Country) is located in the south central lowlands of Nepal in provinces 2 and 3 in the Parsa, Bara and Makwanpur districts. It is connected with Chitwan National Park ( A World Heritage Site) in the West and Valmiki Tiger Reserve of India in the south-western part. It was initially established as a Parsa Wildlife Reserve in 1984 ( 2041 B.S. ) with an area of 499km2 aiming to preserve the Asian Wild Elephant (Elephus maximus) and their remaining habitat of historical Char-Koshe-Jhadi which was spread over Terai from east to west of Nepal. Through the gazette on August 24, 2015 (Bhadra 7,2072), an area of 128.39 km2 in the Bara district was added to it, including Halkhoria Lake, as one of the major wildlife habitats making up a total area of 627.39 km2. With this extension, the status of Wildlife Reserve was changed to National Park on July 3, 2017 ( Ashadh 19,2074 ).
Major Attractions
- Residential Asian Wild Elephant
- Royal Bengal Tiger
- Bison
- One-horned Rhinoceros
- Common Leopard
- Sloth Bear
- Wild Dog
- Sambar deer, Barking Deer, Hog Deer, Spotted Deer,etc
- 490 species of birds
- Halkhoria, Kamini, Kali Daha and Lauki Daha/Lake
- Churia/Siwalik, Bhabar and Low-land Tera
Best Season
In winter season, local villagers are allowed to catch thatch grass in the Park, which gives visitors better views of the wildlife. Between September & November and February & April, migratory birds will join the residential birds and create spectacular bird watching opportunities. Different watch towers inside provide excellent prospects to catch glimpses of many birds, mammals and landscape views of the park. Wild elephants and tigers could also be sighted from the view towers. Dudheshwor temple is at the top of the hill, and is of religious importance. Also one can look over the lush forests of Terai from the top of the hills. There are now three elephant camps located near the Amlekhgunj, Pratappur and Gaduwaline of Bara, Makwanpur and Parsa districts respectively. Jungle drives and elephant rides, the best way to get a close view of the wildlife, can be arranged from the park headquarters, Amlekhgunj, Gaduwaline and Pratappur.
