Suklaphanta is a smaller (305 sq km) version of Bardia. Located at the southwestern extreme of the kingdom, its topography is primarily rivering floodplain, open grassland and sal forest. It also has a large lake and the Bahini River flows through the park.
The park is home to tiger, leopard,and a good number of swamp deer (prime habitat, often sighted), otters, his's-pid hare, blue bull (nilgai), leopard, hog deer and wild boar.
The park also has over 300 species of birds and most of the tourists who make the trip here are keen bird watchers. Reptiles include gharial and mugger crocodiles, Indian python, cobras, kraits, rat snakes and monitor lizards.
Activities include wildlife watching on elephant back and jungle walks.
Best Time: to visit is February – April.
The reserve is close to Mahendranagar on the Indian border. The ranger's office is 3 km past the airport, and is accessible by rickshaw. We do organize to and fro in package tour.
There are regular buses and flights to Mahendranagar from Kathmandu.
Although the Terai can be cool during the winter, it can be stiflingly hot during the summer months. If you are headed there in winter, bring along a sweater of jacket. Summer months require cool clothes, good walking shoes, shady hat and sunscreen make sure your clothes are in colors like brown and green that helps you blend into the background. Carry along some mosquito repellant, anti- diarrhea tablets and anti-histamines. Meanwhile, along with photo equipment, a pair of binoculars will prove invaluable. If you are closer to the Mon –soon months, carry some waterproof jackets and an extra pair of shoes. Just in Case.
The Terai jungle is also famous for leeches that appear in the monsoon and around for a few months after. Salt of a lighted cigarette will make them fall off, do not pull them off as the wound may get infected. Try an insect repellant to keep them away.
