Shuklaphanta National Park

In the far south-western corner of Nepal, just before the Mahakali river border, lies one of the great grasslands of South Asia. The Shukla Phanta — 'white grassland' — is an open sea of tall grass ringed by sal forest, and it gives the national park its name.

Swamp deer

Shuklaphanta is home to the largest population of swamp deer, or barasingha ('twelve-tined'), in the world. In the dry season hundreds gather on the open phanta, the stags carrying huge branched antlers — one of the finest wildlife sights in Nepal.

More wildlife

Tigers and leopards hunt here, wild elephants roam between Nepal and India, and translocated rhinos have been introduced. The grasslands are one of the last strongholds of the Bengal florican and the hispid hare, both globally threatened.

Rani Tal

Inside the park, the forest lake of Rani Tal ('queen's lake') is linked by local legend to the queen of a Tharu king, Singhpal, whose fort is said to have stood nearby. A watchtower overlooks the lake, a good place to see deer and birds.

Visiting

Tourism is small-scale: jeep drives with park guides, simple lodges near the park and in Mahendranagar, and Rana Tharu homestays in nearby villages. Combine with Ghodaghodi Tal and the Mahakali river border at Gaddachauki.