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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, jackal, porcupine and otter. The park and the
adjoining forest 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.
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. |