Chitwan is a commercial and service centre of central south Nepal and merger destination for higher education, health care and transportation of the region.
Chitwan has a particularly rich flora and fauna. Nepal's first the Chitwan National Park together with the adjacent Parsa Wildlife Reserve support species diversity much higher than any other on the Indian subcontinent. Rare species include Bengal tiger, gharial, rhino,leopards, mugger crocodile, Indian rock python and several species ofdeer. The protected areas are guarded by a battalion of the Nepal Armyand patrolled by anti-poaching units.
The Rapti River flows east to south west in the south of Bharatpur and forms the northern border of the Chitwan National Park. The Narayani River flows north to south in the west of Bharatpur. It is the deepest and also one of the biggest rivers of Nepal. The Narayani Bridge over the river connects Chitwan District with Nawalparasi District of Nepal. Small islands, like Nagarban in Narayani River are popular picnic spots.
Beeshazar (20 Thousand) Lake is close by Chitwan National Park, about 5 km (3.1 mi) south of Bharatpur. The lake serves as an important bird watching centre and is attractive for bird lovers. It also harbors crocodiles.
Narayangarh is the main shopping area of Bharatpur city, and the main transit point for all the vehicles traveling via the east-west Mahendra Highway, also for the people traveling from Kathmandu, Gorkha, and Pokhara through Mugling. Recently, Narayangarh has become a retail and commercial capital of Chitwan District and Bharatpur Municipality. It is also the center for hospitality industry which includes hotels, lodges, restaurants and transportation hub for the district.
Sauraha:
Sauraha is a village in Chitwan District of Nepal situated close by the Rapti River and the Chitwan National Park. It is situated 23 KM fromNarayangarh city. It is the eastern gateway to Chitwan National Park and jungle safaris for budget, mid-priced and 3-4 star tourists. Beginning literally as small and very quaint Tharu village of mud and daub huts and houses, with a half dozen mud and daub hotels, it has grown into a small quiet town full of western style hotels and resorts, restaurants, internet cafes, and gift shops.
Jungle safari by foot, jeep and elephant is an interesting adventure. You are for sure to see the rhinoceros and there are very good chances to see many types of deer, monkeys, and Bengal tiger. Bird watching around the jungle is another exciting part of the safari. Bis-hajari Taal (20,000 lakes) wetlands area approximately 10 kilometers north-west from Sauraha is another place to see when you reach Chitwan.