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 at a Glance#
About Parsa National Park#
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 10° - 23° | 16° | 21 mm | some cloud | 47% | 0.9 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.5h |
| February | Ideal | 11° - 26° | 18° | 12 mm | mostly sunny | 40% | 1.2 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.1h |
| March | Ideal | 15° - 32° | 23° | 19 mm | mostly sunny | 32% | 1.4 m/s | 1.8 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Excellent | 20° - 36° | 28° | 30 mm | some cloud | 28% | 1.8 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.7h |
| May | Very Good | 23° - 36° | 29° | 91 mm | partly cloudy | 40% | 1.7 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 13.4h |
| June | Good | 25° - 34° | 31° | 318 mm | partly cloudy | 58% | 1.5 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 13.7h |
| July | Acceptable | 25° - 32° | 34° | 508 mm | overcast | 80% | 1.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.6h |
| August | Acceptable | 25° - 32° | 34° | 475 mm | overcast | 83% | 1.4 m/s | 2.0 very high | 13.0h |
| September | Good | 24° - 32° | 32° | 283 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 1.1 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Excellent | 21° - 31° | 26° | 76 mm | mostly sunny | 72% | 0.8 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.4h |
| November | Ideal | 14° - 28° | 21° | 6 mm | clear | 59% | 0.7 m/s | 1.1 high | 10.7h |
| December | Ideal | 10° - 24° | 17° | 5 mm | mostly sunny | 52% | 0.6 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.3h |
