Suklaphanta
Wildlife Reserve (305 sq km)
Shuklaphanta wildlife Reserve is
located in the far-eastern lowland Terai of Nepal. The pristine sub-tropical
jungle makes Shuklaphanta Nepal’s second largest wildlife Reserve in Terai.
The open grasslands and numerous waterholes
of the park is a vast expanse of plain grasslands and Sal forests, while marsh
vegetation is found along rivers and lakes. The park that was originally
reserved as a hunting area was later converted to wildlife reserve to protect
swamp deer.
The reserve now shelters almost
2,000 swamp deer, around 50 wild elephants and 30 tigers. Other animals found
here are spotted deer, blue bulls, barking deer, hog deer, wild boars,
leopards, jackals, langurs and rhesus monkeys. Among birds the reserve provides
habitat to Sarus Crane Swamp Francolin, Gross Owl, Warblers, Flycatchers and
the endangered Bengal Florican. Reptile species include marsh mugger,
crocodile, cobra and python.
- Activities: Wildlife viewing on elephant-back
- Accommodation: Jungle lodges
- Access: Fly or Drive to Mahendranagar 695 km from Kathmandu)
- Best Season: Feb-Mar (22-25 degrees Celsius); Dec-Jan (cold, foggy), Apr-Jun (hot, upto 42 degrees)
- Reserve Headquarter: Majhgaon, Kanchanpur, Tel: 099-521309
