Wildlife · Birgunj
Birgunj, Gateway to Parsa National Park
Use Birgunj as a base for Parsa National Park — sal forest and Churia hills with tigers, sloth bears and birdlife.
Birgunj is the nearest major city to Parsa National Park and a practical base for visiting Chitwan's quiet eastern extension — a swathe of sal forest and Churia hills sheltering tigers, sloth bears and rich birdlife, with a fraction of the crowds. If you are passing through the central Terai, the city makes a natural place to organise a trip into one of Nepal's least-visited protected wildernesses.
The short answer
Parsa National Park shares its district with Birgunj, so you can use the city to arrange transport, stock up and stay overnight before heading into the forest. The park is the eastern extension of Chitwan, with the same lowland ecosystem but far fewer visitors — read the full Parsa National Park overview for what lives there and how it is managed.
What's in the park
Parsa protects sal forest, grassland and the Churia foothills, habitat for Bengal tigers, wild elephants, sloth bears, leopards, deer and a wealth of birds. Because it sees so few tourists compared with Chitwan, a visit feels genuinely wild and uncrowded. For background on the country's wider fauna, see our guide to the wildlife of Nepal.
Planning from Birgunj
Arrange a jeep or transfer in Birgunj for the drive west to the park. Always check current park entry rules and guide requirements before setting out, as access and permits can change. Time your trip for the cool, dry season — see the best time to visit Birgunj, which lines up neatly with the best wildlife-viewing months.
Good to know
- Fewer crowds: Parsa is far quieter than Chitwan, so manage expectations on facilities but enjoy the wildness.
- Go in winter: October to March offers the best weather and visibility.
- Use the city: Sort transport and a room first — see how to get to Birgunj and the top things to do in Birgunj for a city stop before or after the park.
Frequently asked questions
Is Birgunj a good base for Parsa National Park?+
Birgunj is the nearest major city to the eastern side of Parsa National Park and a practical place to organise a visit, arrange transport and stay overnight. Many visitors combine the park with the city while travelling through the central Terai.
What wildlife lives in Parsa National Park?+
Parsa is the quiet eastern extension of Chitwan, with sal forest and Churia hills sheltering Bengal tigers, wild elephants, sloth bears, leopards, deer and a rich variety of birds. It sees far fewer visitors than Chitwan, so sightings feel wonderfully wild.
How do you get from Birgunj to Parsa National Park?+
Parsa National Park lies in the same district as Birgunj, a manageable drive to the west along the highway. Arrange a jeep or transfer in Birgunj, and check current park entry and guide requirements before you set out.
When is the best time to visit Parsa National Park?+
The cool, dry months from October to March are ideal, matching the best season for Birgunj itself. Visibility is good and the weather is comfortable, while the summer heat and monsoon rains make wildlife viewing harder.
