This wildlife reserve
is situated in the extreme south-west of Nepal. The
name of the park is derived from the largest of these
grasslands which is known as Sukla Phanta. The park
area is 155 sq kms. and would be 305 sq kms. after the
completion of its extension. Sukla Phanta's grassland
is one of the last remaining habitat for such threatened
animals as the hispid hare and the pygmy hog. Besides
these, Sukla Phanta is the stronghold for another endangered
animal, the barasingha, or swamp deer.
Other wildlife of the park included spotted
deer, also seen in large numbers, hog deer, nilgai,
wild dog, jack-al, porcupine and otter. The park and
the adjoining for-est is the territory of small number
of tigers which because of open terrain, are not uncommon
to sight on the prowl. Wild elephants have also been
sighted in the park.
A stop at the Rani Tal is a must. This
small lake attracts birds and animals alike. Herons,
ducks, storks, kingfishers and egrets vie for food and
swamp deer wallow at the edges. From a nearby machan
one can watch while thousands of water fowl mingle on
the lake surface while it is not uncommon to see hundreds
of swamp deer grazing at the water-edge in the evening
light. The experience is unique.
Other ways to view wildlife in the park
is by driving in landrovers near the lake and river
and on nature walks with trained trackers
- Entry Fee Per Person Per Day:
- For Nepalese Nationals, Rs. 20/-
- For SAARC Nationals, Rs. 200/-
- For Other Foreign Nationals, Rs. 1000/-
- (Note: Entrance fee not required for children under
10 years).
Access:
There are air links Kathmandu via Nepalgunj to the nearby
Mahendranagar airstrip. There is a bus service from
Nepalgunj and Kathmandu. The best time to visit from
October to April.
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