Explore by Destination
Personalized/Tailormade Travel Plan
Tibet
The Roof of the World
Nepal
The Himalayan Kingdom
Bhutan
Land of Thunder Dragon
India
The Crucial of Asia
Suklaphanta Wildlife Reserve
Suklaphanta is a smaller (305 sq km) version of Bardia in many ways. Located at the southwestern extreme of the kingdom, its topography is primarily riverine fioodplains and open grassland and sal forest. It also has a large lake and the Bahini river flows through the park.
The park is home to tiger, leopard, a good number of swamp deer (prime habitat, often sighted), otters, hispid hare, blue bull (nilgai), leopard, hog deer and wild boar.
The park also has over 300 species of birds and most of the tourists who make the trip here are keen bird watchers. Reptiles include gharial and mugger crocodiles, Indian python, cobras, kraits, rat snakes and monitor lizards.
Activities here include wildlife watching on elephant back and jungle walks. The best time to visit the park is Feb-March. December and January are cold and visibility is poor due to foggy conditions, while April to June is hot. Access and Accommodation The reserve is situated close to Mahendranagar on the Indian border. The ranger's office is 3km past the airport and is accessible by rickshaw. The only company operating inside the park, Silent Safari, picks up guests at the airport for $10. The accommodation provided here is in comfortable safari tents. There are regular buses and flights to Mahendranagar from Kathmandu. Check with the local travel agents. What to bring along
Although the Terai can be cool during the winter, it can be stiflingly hot during the summer months. If you are headed here in winter bring a sweater or jacket along. Summer months require cool clothes. Good walking shoes, a good shady hat and sunscreen may be considered essential. Make sure your clothes are in neutral colors that help you blend into the background. Red, yellow and white are conspicuous. Carry along some mosquito repellent, anti-diarrhea tablets and anti-histamines. Lastly, along with photo equipment, a pair of binoculars will prove invaluable. If you are closer to the monsoon months carry some waterproof jackets. Just in case. The Terai jungles are also famous for leeches that appear in the monsoon and are around for a few months after. Salt or a lighted cigarette will make them fall off, do not pull them off as the wound may get infected. Try an insect repellent to keep them away.
