Parsa National Park
National Park Protected Terai forest reserve with diverse wildlife
In Nepal’s Terai, Parsa National Park protects subtropical forests, tall grasslands and riverine habitat. Safari drives and guided walks seek spotted deer, elephants, rhinos and tigers; birdwatchers follow seasonal migrants and rich lowland avifauna.
Parsa National Park is a protected area in south-central Nepal within Bagmati Province, located in the lowland Terai and Siwalik foothills. It conserves subtropical forest, riverine corridors and associated wildlife typical of the Terai ecosystem.
The park was originally established as Parsa Wildlife Reserve in 1984 and later upgraded to national park status to strengthen protection and management. It is part of a larger transboundary landscape of protected areas in the Terai-Duar region and contributes to wildlife conservation and local livelihood activities.
Parsa lies north of the flat southern plains and south of the Siwalik Hills, with the nearest larger urban centre being Hetauda to the east. Access is by road from Hetauda and other nearby towns.
- Protected-area history: Originally established as a wildlife reserve in 1984 and later designated a national park, it protects lowland subtropical forest and Terai habitats in central-southern Nepal.
How to Get to Parsa National Park #
The park is in south-central Nepal, roughly 150-200 km southwest of Kathmandu by road. The nearest towns with transport links are Hetauda and Birgunj; organized tours and park authorities can advise on permitted entry points and necessary permits.
Tips for Visiting Parsa National Park #
- Hire a licensed guide from a nearby village - they know animal corridors and the best times for birdwatching.
- Bring insect repellent in warmer months; malaria is not endemic here but ticks and biting insects can be a nuisance.
- Carry cash for local park fees or community-based services; card facilities are often absent.
Best Time to Visit Parsa National Park #
Dry months (roughly October-May) are preferable for wildlife viewing and trekking; local climate varies with elevation.
Weather & Climate near Parsa National Park #
Parsa National Park's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with hot summers (peaking in May) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 10°C to 36°C. Abundant rainfall (1844 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is mild with highs of 32°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is warm with highs of 36°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
Comfort
Weather
May
May is the hottest month with highs of 36°C and lows of 23°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is the hottest month, feeling like 31°C. Heavy rain (318 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is hot, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (508 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (475 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (283 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 21°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 10°C. The driest month with just 5 mm and mostly sunny skies.