A trip to Parsa Wildlife Reserve from Kathmandu provides a unique chance to witness natural beauty and local traditions, spanning districts like Makawanpur, Parsa and Bara. This region includes a significant portion of Central Nepal’s Churi hills, contributing to its varied landscape. The area is teeming with tropical and sub-tropical vegetation, predominantly comprised of Sal forests. Hillsides host Chir pine, Khair, Sissoo and silk cotton trees that line the water bodies. In terms of wildlife, the reserve serves as a sanctuary for creatures such as wild elephants, tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaurs, blue bulls and wild dogs. Other frequent sightings include sambar, chital, hog deers, barking deers, langur monkeys, rhesus macaques, striped hyenas, rats, pal, civet and jungle cats. The reserve is a haven for bird-watchers with 527 identified species, including the endangered great horn bill found in specific forest areas. Other bird varieties include peafowls, red jungle fowls, flycatchers and woodpeckers. King cobras, along with other snakes, also call this reserve home.