Kathmandu: The jeep safari service inside Chitwan National Park has been suspended from today due to the onset of the monsoon season. Park authorities said the annual closure is necessary to ensure visitor safety and protect wildlife during the rainy months.

According to the park's Information Officer, Abinash Thapa Magar, the suspension will remain in effect until further notice.

Monsoon Conditions Make Safari Unsafe
The park administration cited several reasons for the closure, including heavy rainfall, flooding of forest streams, deteriorating unpaved roads, and fallen trees blocking safari routes.

"The rainy season is also the breeding period for many wildlife species and birds. Combined with damaged forest roads and rising water levels, it becomes difficult and unsafe to operate safari services," Thapa Magar said.

Annual Seasonal Closure
Chitwan National Park follows a long-standing practice of suspending jeep safaris during the monsoon every year. Depending on weather conditions, safari operations are usually resumed around the Dashain festival after road conditions improve.

Community Forest Safaris Continue
While jeep safaris inside the national park have been halted, safari operations in surrounding community forests will continue.

Commercial jeep safaris into the park are typically operated from major tourism hubs including Sauraha, Kasara, Meghauli, Madi, and Nawalparasi. The activity remains one of the biggest attractions for domestic and international tourists visiting Chitwan to observe wildlife in its natural habitat.