July 28, 2025

Tucked away in Nepal’s far-western lowlands, Shuklaphanta National Park is a stunning and underexplored wilderness. It’s home to the largest continuous grassland in Nepal, where herds of endangered swamp deer (Barasingha) graze under dramatic sunsets and where the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger shares territory with elephants, leopards, and over 400 bird species.

Spread across 305 square kilometers, Shuklaphanta is smaller than Chitwan or Bardia, but its biodiversity density and open vistas make it one of the most thrilling spots for wildlife photography, birding, and quiet safaris.

Location and Landscape

  • District: Kanchanpur, Sudurpashchim Province
  • Borders India’s Pilibhit Tiger Reserve and Dudhwa National Park
  • Elevation: 174 to 1,386 meters

The terrain is dominated by tropical deciduous forests, floodplains, riverine wetlands, and vast savanna-like grasslands. The heart of the park is the Shuklaphanta grassland, an expanse of golden swaying grasses and scattered tree islets, perfect for spotting deer and raptors.

Wildlife Highlights

Mammals (40+ species)

  • Swamp Deer (Barasingha) – over 2,000 individuals, the largest population in the world
  • Royal Bengal Tiger
  • Asiatic Elephant
  • Leopard, Sloth Bear, Jackal
  • Smooth-coated Otter, Fishing Cat, Wild Boar
  • Indian Pangolin, Civet Cats, Porcupines

Birds (425+ species)

  • Bengal Florican (critically endangered)
  • Great Slaty Woodpecker, Lesser Adjutant, Indian Skimmer
  • Swamp Francolin, Spot-billed Pelican, Rufous-rumped Grassbird
  • Pied and Western Marsh Harriers, Peafowl, Kingfishers

Reptiles and Amphibians

  • Marsh Mugger Crocodile
  • Indian Rock Python, Banded Krait, Water Snakes
  • Toads, Tree Frogs, Geckos

What Makes Shuklaphanta Unique

  1. Largest Herds of Swamp Deer – Sometimes spotted in groups of 300–500
  2. Unobstructed Views – Flat plains offer spectacular sightlines for photography and wildlife observation
  3. Fewer Tourists – Ideal for travelers seeking exclusivity and solitude
  4. Transboundary Conservation Corridor – Connects with Indian reserves to support tiger and elephant migration
  5. Community Forestry and Tharu Coexistence – Exemplary community-led conservation in surrounding buffer zones

Things to Do in Shuklaphanta

  • Jeep Safaris – Best conducted in early morning or late afternoon
  • Birdwatching Walks – Particularly rewarding in the dry season
  • Tharu Cultural Experience – Local homestays and dance performances in buffer communities
  • Machan Viewing – Wildlife towers for watching deer herds or big cats at watering holes
  • Photography Expeditions – The golden grasslands and soft Terai light make this a dream for wildlife photographers

Best Time to Visit

  • October to April: Prime wildlife viewing season
  • February to March: Optimal for spotting swamp deer and birds
  • May to September: Hot and humid, many lodges closed due to monsoon

How to Get There

  • By Air: Flight from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi, then 2–3 hours by road
  • By Road: Long-distance bus to Mahendranagar (headquarters of Kanchanpur)
  • Private Jeep: Recommended for easier access to remote safari points

Where to Stay

Options range from eco-cottages and community homestays near Mahendranagar to park-run lodges inside the buffer zone. Many support community-based tourism initiatives and offer:

  • Local cuisine and cultural experiences
  • Guided safaris with licensed trackers
  • Birding trails and storytelling evenings

Shuklaphanta National Park: At a Glance

CategoryHighlights
Signature SpeciesSwamp Deer, Tiger, Elephant, Bengal Florican
LandscapeGrasslands, wetlands, riverine forests
Wildlife ExperienceQuiet, uncrowded safaris and birdwatching
CultureTharu homestays, community forest tours
Adventure TypeWildlife photography, grassland game drives
Conservation FocusSwamp deer protection, tiger migration corridors