Shuklaphanta National Park
In Nepali: शुक्लाफाँटा राष्ट्रिय निकुञ्ज · Also known as: Suklaphanta · शुक्लाफाँटा
Shuklaphanta ('white grassland') protects the largest continuous grassland in Nepal, the phanta, where thousands of swamp deer (barasingha) graze in herds. Tigers, leopards, wild elephants, hog deer, a reintroduced population of rhinos, and grassland birds like the Bengal florican also live here. It was upgraded from a wildlife reserve to a national park in 2017.
Visitors take jeep drives across the grasslands and to Rani Tal, a forest lake at the centre of the park linked with the legend of a Tharu queen. It is one of the least crowded national parks in Asia; lodges are in and around Bhimdatta (Mahendranagar).
What to see and do
Drive across the vast Shuklaphanta grassland at dawn to see herds of swamp deer, look for tigers and elephants along the forest edges, and visit Rani Tal lake with its watchtower and birdlife. The park is one of the best places in Nepal to see grassland birds such as the Bengal florican and swamp francolin.
Good to know
Park entry permits and jeep safaris are arranged at the park office near Majhgaun. Accommodation is mainly in Bhimdatta and a few lodges near the park. Summers are very hot; winter mornings are foggy.
Quick answers
- Where is Shuklaphanta National Park?
- Shuklaphanta National Park is in Kanchanpur district, Sudurpashchim Province, in the Terai belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Shuklaphanta National Park?
- About 150 m (492 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Shuklaphanta National Park?
- For a 4-day trip from Dhangadhi, about NPR 8,500 (≈ US$63) per person on a budget, or NPR 17,000 (≈ US$125) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food, entry fees. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 6,500 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
- How many days do I need for Shuklaphanta National Park?
- Plan 2 nights there; with travel from Dhangadhi and back, about 4 days in all.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Shuklaphanta National Park?
- Foreign visitors pay about NPR 1,500 / US$11 to enter Shuklaphanta National Park (SAARC visitors about half, Nepali citizens a small fee).
- When is the best time to visit Shuklaphanta National Park?
- October–April; March–April for swamp deer herds
- How do I get to Shuklaphanta National Park?
- Near Bhimdatta; fly to Dhangadhi, then about 1.5 hours by road. It is about 42 km (straight line) from Dhangadhi.
- What is Shuklaphanta National Park called in Nepali?
- शुक्लाफाँटा राष्ट्रिय निकुञ्ज
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