Chitwan District

{{Short description|District in Bagmatti Pradesh, Nepal}} {{More citations needed|date=November 2021}} {{Use British English|date=March 2020}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}} {{Infobox settlement  | name = Chitwan | native_name = चितवन | settlement_type = District  | motto = {{force singular}} हाम्रो चितवन, राम्रो चितवन | image_skyline = Gaindakot Town.jpg | image_caption = [[Narayangarh, Chitwan|Narayangarh]] city view from [[Maula Kalika]] temple Gaindakot | image_map = Locator map of Chitwan Bagmati.png | mapsize = 300px | map_caption = Location in Bagmati Province | pushpin_map = | pushpin_map_caption = | pushpin_mapsize = 280 | subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_name = [[Nepal]] | subdivision_type1 = [[Provinces of Nepal|Province]] | subdivision_name1 = [[Bagmati Province]] | subdivision_type2 = Headquarters | subdivision_name2 = [[Bharatpur, Nepal|Bharatpur]] | subdivision_type3 = [[Human Development Index|HDI]] | subdivision_name3 = {{increase}} 0.520 (Medium)<ref>Merlen, S. (ed.) (2011). [http://www.un.org.np/sites/default/files/Nepal_Central_Region_Overview_Paper.pdf ''An Overview of the Central Development Region'']. United Nations Resident & Humanitarian Coordinator's Office, Nepal</ref> | subdivision_type4 = [[Human Poverty Index|HPI]] | subdivision_name4 = {{decrease}} 31.9 (Low) | subdivision_type5 = [[Literacy Rate]] | subdivision_name5 = {{increase}} 77.3% (Medium) | established_title = Established | established_date = 14th century<ref name="History">{{cite web| access-date=16 May 2010| url = http://www.kathmandu.gov.np/index.php?cid=4&pr_id=4|title=History}}</ref> | established_title2 =  | established_date2 =  | unit_pref =  | area_footnotes = | area_total_km2 = 2238.39 | population_as_of = 2014 | population_footnotes = <ref name="National Population and Housing Census 2022(National Report)">{{cite news|title=National Population and Housing Census 2011(National Report) |url=http://cbs.gov.np/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/National%20Report.pdf |access-date=1 November 2012 |agency=Government of Nepal |publisher=[[Central Bureau of Statistics (Nepal)|Central Bureau of Statistics]] |date=November 2012 |ref=Central Bureau of Statistics |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130418041642/http://cbs.gov.np/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/National%20Report.pdf |archive-date=18 April 2013 }}</ref> | population_note = | population_total = 579984 | population_density_km2 = auto | population_blank1_title = Ethnicities | population_blank1 = [[Tharu people|Tharu]], [[Bahun|Brahmin]], [[Chhetri]], [[Newar people|Newar]], [[Darai people|Darai]], [[Muslim]], [[Gurung]], [[Magars]], [[Tamang people|Tamang]], [[Chepang people|Chepang]], Pariyar | population_blank2_title = Religions | population_blank2 = [[Hindu]], [[Muslim]], [[Buddhist]], Christian | demographics_type1 = Languages | demographics1_title1 = Local | demographics1_info1 = [[Nepali language|Nepali]], [[Tharu languages|Tharu]], [[Newar language|Newari]], [[Tamang language|Tamang]], [[Gurung language|Gurung]], [[Darai language|Darai]], [[Bhojpuri language|Bhojpuri]], [[Magar language|Magar]], [[Chepang language|Chepang]] | demographics1_title2 = Official | demographics1_info2 = [[Nepali language|Nepali]] | timezone = [[Nepal Time]] | utc_offset = +5:45 | timezone_DST = | utc_offset_DST = | coordinates = {{coord|27|35|N|84|30|E|type:adm2nd_region:NP_dim:100000|display=inline,title}} | elevation_footnotes = | elevation_m = 415 | area_code = 056 | website = [http://www.ddcchitwan.gov.np/ www.ddcchitwan.gov.np] | footnotes = | official_name = }}

'''Chitwan District''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|t|ʃ|ɪ|t|ə|ˌ|w|ʌ|n}}, {{Langx|ne|[[:ne:चितवन|चितवन]]}}, {{IPA|ne|ˈtsit̪ʌwʌn||Chitwan.wav}}) is one of [[List of districts of Nepal|seventy-seven districts of Nepal]], and takes up the southwestern corner of [[Bagmati Province]] which covers {{convert|2238.39|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}}, and in 2011 had a population of 579,984 (279,087 male and 300,897 female) people.<ref name="National Population and Housing Census 2022(National Report)" /> [[Bharatpur, Nepal|Bharatpur]] is its administrative centre which is the commercial and service centre of South Central Nepal and a major destination for higher education, health care and transportation in the region. Chitwan lies in the [[Terai]] region of Nepal. It is in the [[drainage basin]] of the [[Gandaki River]] and is roughly triangular, taking that river as its meandering northwestern border, and a modest watershed border, with [[India]], as the basis of its southern limit. Local government: [[Bharatpur, Nepal|Bharatpur Metropolitan]], [[Rapti Municipality]], [[Ratnanagar|Ratnanagar Municipality]], [[Kalika, Chitwan|Kalika Municipality]], [[Khairahani|Khairahani Municipality]], [[Madi, Chitwan|Madi Municipality]], Ikshyakamana Gaupalika.

==History== The district takes its name from the [[Chitwan Valley]], one of Nepal's [[Inner Terai Valleys of Nepal|Inner Terai]] valleys between the [[Lower Himalayan Range|Mahabharat]] and [[Siwalik Range|Siwalik]] ranges, both considered foothills of the [[Himalayas]].

Chitwan is one of the few remaining undisturbed vestiges of the [[Terai]] region, which formerly extended over the foothills of Nepal.{{clarify|date=September 2018}} It was originally a dense forest with wild animals like leopards and Bengal tigers. It was ruled by Chitrsen Baba and [[rishi]]s meditated in the forest.{{citation needed|date=September 2018}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Department of Archeology team reaches Ayodhyapuri in Chitwan to conduct study on birthplace of lord Ram |url=https://risingnepaldaily.com/mustread/department-of-archaeology-team-reaches-ayodhyapuri-in-chitwan-to-conduct-study-on-birthplace-of-lord-ram |website=Rising Nepal Daily |access-date=30 July 2020 |date=16 July 2020}}</ref>

==Etymology== There are several theories on the origin of the name Chitwan:

* The name ''Chitwan'' is a composite of the [[Sanskrit]] words चित्त, [[International Alphabet of Sanskrit Transliteration|transliterated]] "citta" meaning ''heart'', and वन, transliterated "vana" meaning ''jungle'' or ''forest''.<ref>Sanskrit-English Dictionary [http://spokensanskrit.de/index.php?script=HK&tinput=%E0%A4%9A%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4&country_ID=&trans=Translate&direction=AU spokensanskrit.de: Sanskrit word चित्त]</ref><ref>Sanskrit-English Dictionary [http://spokensanskrit.de/index.php?script=HK&tinput=%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A8&country_ID=&trans=Translate&direction=SE spokensanskrit.de: Sanskrit word वन]</ref> Thus, the meaning of Chitwan is ''Heart of the Jungle''. * Chitwan was a dense forest ruled by the [[Tharu people|Tharu]] God-King Chitrasen Baba, thought to an incarnation of [[Vishnu]]. Today, the [[Tharu people|Tharu]] worship his idol during ''HariBodhini Ekadashi'' in Chitrasari en route to the village of [[Sauraha]]. ''Ban'' (वन) is the local word for a forest, according to this theory, the area was called Chitra Ban (Chitrasen's forest) which then became ''Chitwan''.{{citation needed|date=September 2014}} * The Chitwan forests were populated by leopards and Bengal tigers and, since the Tharu term for a leopard is ''Chitri'', the area became Chitwan.{{citation needed|date=September 2014}} * Chitra is also the Tharu word for religious drawings. You can see lots of Chitra in Tharu traditional house and, hence, "Chitra ban" became Chitwan. {{citation needed|date=September 2014}}

==Religious Sites== * [[Valmiki Ashram]]

*[[Barkati Jame Masjid, Narayangarh]]

* Shivaghat * [[Devghat]] * Bikram-Baba Temple * Krishna Mandir Temple * Sitamai Temple * Umbrella Street

==Agriculture and industry== The people inhabiting the Chitwan District are predominantly [[peasant farmer]]s cultivating mainly food and [[cash crops]] such as rice, maize, wheat, [[beans]], [[lentils]], [[Brassica juncea|mustard]] and Vegetables. The district is the major maize-producing area in Nepal, with an area under maize cultivation of {{convert|27170|ha|sqmi|abbr=on}} in the year 2003–04. Maize is cultivated on irrigated /seasonal [[Irrigation|irrigated]] land in winter and spring, and on rain fed land in summer. Because it is easily accessible by good roads, maize produced in the district can be easily distributed to other parts of the country. Poultry is also a significant industry in Chitwan.<ref>Paudel, P. and A. Matsuoka (2008). [http://www.ajbasweb.com/ajbas/2008/823-834.pdf ''Factors Influencing Adoption of Improved Maize Varieties in Nepal: A Case Study of Chitwan District''] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121031130046/http://ajbasweb.com/ajbas/2008/823-834.pdf |date=31 October 2012 }}. Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences 2(4): 823–834.</ref>

Chitwan is famous in Nepal for mustard growing and production of [[mustard oil]]. This popularity of the mustard in Chitwan is attributed to the predominant soil type [[silt]], resulting from the flooding of the [[Gandaki River|Narayani River]] and its tributaries. The land of Chitwan is also spotted with [[clay]], which is very good for growing rice, wheat and vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, radish, potatoes, broccoli, cucumbers, pumpkins, sweet potatoes and carrot. Chitwan is also famous for [[floriculture]], [[mushroom cultivation]] and [[bee keeping]].{{citation needed|date=September 2018}}

Chitwan has adopting the South Korean [[Saemaul Undong|New Community Movement]] model of development. One of the biggest rice mills in Nepal, Agam Food Industry, is situated in Bharatpur and is a big source of local employment.{{citation needed|date=September 2018}}

==Cuisine== Chitwan is known for ''Taas'' ({{langx|ne|तास}}), a spicy fried goat meat dish served with [[Muri (food)|''bhuja'']] or chiura. [[Momo (dumpling)|Momo]], Bhuteko Bhat (fried rice), and [[sukuti]] are other popular dishes. [[Dal bhat]] (steamed rice and lentils), is the staple food of the area, though meat and dairy products are also consumed. Other popular cuisines include [[Newa cuisine|Newari]] and [[Tharu people#Cuisine|Tharu]] and [[Thakali people|Thakali]] and [[Madheshi people#Cuisine|Madheshi]]. For centuries, traditional fermented foods and beverages have constituted about 20% of the local diet. Depending on altitudinal variation, finger millet, wheat, buckwheat, barley, vegetable, rice, potato, and soybeans etc. are grown.{{citation needed|date=March 2018}}

==Gallery== <gallery> File:Chitwan 2.jpg|Beeshazar Lake near [[Chitwan National Park]] File:Rhinos leofleck.jpg|Chitwan National Park, [[Indian elephant|elephant]] safari after an [[Indian rhinoceros]] File:Narayani bridge in Gaindakot.jpg|Narayani bridge in [[Narayangarh, Chitwan]], Nepal File:Hattipolo.jpg|Elephant polo World cup 2012 in [[Meghauli]], Nepal File:Messe-01.JPG|''Chitwan Mahotsav 2063'' (Chitwan Mahotsav 2007 A.D.) in [[Narayangarh, Chitwan]] File:Narayani.jpg|Narayani River </gallery>

==Geography== {{Further|Barandabhar Corridor Forest}} The Rapti River flows east to the southwest in the south of Bharatpur and forms the northern border of the Chitwan National Park. The [[Narayani River]] flows north to south to the west of Bharatpur. It is the deepest and one of the biggest rivers in Nepal. The [[Narayani Bridge]] over the river connects Chitwan District with [[Nawalparasi District]] of Nepal.

Chitwan is particularly rich in [[flora (plants)|flora]] and [[fauna (animals)|fauna]]. Nepal's first national park, the [[Chitwan National Park]] together with the adjacent [[Parsa National Park]] support a diversity of species that is much higher than elsewhere on the [[Indian subcontinent]]. Rare species include [[Bengal tiger]], [[gharial]], [[Indian rhinoceros|rhino]], [[Indian leopard|leopard]]s, [[mugger crocodile]], [[Python molurus|Indian rock python]] and several species of [[deer]]. The protected areas are guarded by a battalion of the [[Nepal Army]] and patrolled by [[anti-poaching]] units.<ref>Gurung, K. K. (1983). ''Heart of the Jungle: The Wildlife of Chitwan, Nepal''. André Deutsch, London.</ref> [[Bishazari Tal]] ("20 Thousand") Lake is near Chitwan National Park, about {{convert|5|km|mi|abbr=on}} south of Bharatpur. The lake is an important bird-watching center.

Krishna Mandir is One of the nice temples of the Hindu religion of Nepal. This is the temple of the god Krishna. There is no statue of the god in this temple. Its interior is made of mirrors all over the wall. The historical event of the god Krishna is shown on the wall. There is one place inside where there is a statue of the god Krishna and his wife.

==Transportation and communication== [[File:Chitwan 8 April - (02) 2.jpg|thumb|Bharatpur Airport]]

[[Bharatpur Airport]] is the only airport in the region and has flights to and from [[Kathmandu]]. [[Mahendra Highway]], the main east–west highway in Nepal, runs through the region and, [[Prithvi Highway]] a north–south highway from the border with India to [[Kathmandu]] runs through the district. Narayangarh is the main transit point for vehicles travelling via the east–west [[Mahendra Highway]] and also for people travelling from Kathmandu, Gorkha, and Pokhara through [[Mugling]].

There are numerous local [[FM broadcasting|FM]] radio stations broadcasting from Bharatpur: Synergy FM,<ref>{{cite web|title=Synergy FM 91.6 MHz|url=http://synergyfm.com.np/}}</ref> Hamro FM, Radio Triveni, Radio Madi, Radio Chitwan,<ref>{{cite web|title=Radio Chitwan 94.6 MHz|url=http://radiochitwan.com.np/}}</ref> Radio Kotagiri, Chitwan Online FM, Kalika Music FM, Kalika FM.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kalika FM 95.2 & 91 MHz|url=http://www.kalikafm.com.np/}}</ref> and Narayani FM. Television channels include Beso Channel, Aviyan Channel, Unique Television and Avass Television. There are multiple private Internet service providers. Fibre connectivity and 4G internet is available in the larger cities.

==Landmark buildings== * Upardanghari fort, in the old headquarters of Chitwan district, is believed to have been built by Satrubhanjan Shah, the son of [[Bahadur Shah of Nepal|Prince Bahadur Shah]] to defend the newly founded Kingdom {{which|date=August 2020}} in the 17th century. * Kasara Durbar is an old palace built by the [[Rana dynasty|Rana Regime]] inside [[Chitwan National Park]]. Currently, it serves as the park office and museum. * [[Diyalo Bangala]] Palace (Aptari Bharatpur) was the spring season palace used by the [[Shah Dynasty]] of Nepal. This palace was built by late king [[Mahendra of Nepal|Mahendra Bir Bikram Shahdev]] to rest in during winter season. It is located on the banks of Narayani River in Bharatpur Municipality ward no. 2. * DAO Building Bharatpur: This old building was built in the period of shifting the headquarters from Upardangghari. Now is used as an office of the chief district officer. * Bharatpur Covered hall: Hall in guesthouse of Bharatpur for indoor games. * Umbrella Street. This street has about 480 colourful hanging umbrellas that provide a serene atmosphere for guests.[https://www.tusktravel.com/blog/famous-umbrella-streets-in-nepal]

==Geography and climate== {| class="wikitable" |- ! [[Climate of Nepal|Climate Zone]]<ref>{{Citation | title = The Map of Potential Vegetation of Nepal – a forestry/agroecological/biodiversity classification system | series = Forest & Landscape Development and Environment Series 2-2005 and CFC-TIS Document Series No. 110 | year = 2005 | url = http://curis.ku.dk/ws/files/20497354/de2_001.pdf | isbn = 87-7903-210-9 | access-date = 22 November 2013}}</ref> ! Elevation Range ! % of Area |- | Lower [[Tropical climate|tropical]] | below {{convert|300|m|ft|abbr=on}} | 58.2% |- | Upper tropical | {{convert|301|to|1000|m|ft|abbr=on}} | 32.6% |- | [[Subtropics|Subtropical]] | {{convert|1001|to|2000|m|ft|abbr=on}} | 6.7% |} {{Clear}}

==Major places== {{div col|colwidth=15em}} * Gondrang *[[Ayodhyapuri]] * Dibyanagar *[[Bharatpur, Nepal|Bharatpur]] *[[Narayangarh, Chitwan|Narayangarh Bazaar]] *[[Tandi]] bazaar *[[Parsa Bazaar]] *[[Meghauli|Parsadhap Bazaar]] *[[Birendra Nagar, Narayani|Birendranagar Bazaar]] *[[Darechok|Muglin Bazaar]] *[[Saradanagar|Rampur Bazaar]] *[[Gitanagar]] bazaar *[[Bhandara, Nepal|Bhandara Bazaar]] *[[Gunjanagar|Chanauli Bazaar]] *[[Mangalpur, Nepal|Mangalpur Bazaar]] *[[Manakamana]] *[[Shivanagar]] bazaar *[[Bagauda|Basantapur Bazaar, Madi]] *[[Patihani]] bazaar *[[Parbatipur, Nepal|Parbatipur Bazaar]] *[[Saradanagar]] bazaar *[[Jagatpur, Narayani|Jagatpur Bazaar]] *[[Meghauli]]-Telauli Bazaar *[[Lothar, Nepal|Lothar Bazaar]] *[[Sauraha]] *[[Kasara]] *[[Dasdhunga]] *Krishna Mandir *[[Tarauli]] *Jhuwani *[[Bairiya]]

==Demographics==

{{Historical populations |title = |align = center |clear = |direction = |percentages = pagr |state = |type = |shading = off |width = |subbox = |pop_name = |year_name = Census year |percent_name = |footnote = |source = Citypopulation<ref>{{cite web |title=NEPAL: Administrative Division |url=http://www.citypopulation.de/en/nepal/admin/ |website=www.citypopulation.de |language=en}}</ref> |graph-pos = bottom |graph-width = |graph-height = |percol = |cols = |perrow = |rows = |1981 |259,571 |1991 |354,488 |2001 |472,048 |2011 |579,984 |2021 |722,168 }}

At the time of the [[2021 Nepal census]], Chitawan District had a population of 719,859. 7.01% of the population is under 5 years of age. It has a literacy rate of 83.68% and a sex ratio of 1046 females per 1000 males. 683,634 (94.97%) lived in municipalities.<ref name="provincialreport">{{Cite web |title=Provincial/District/Local reports: Bagmati Province |url=https://censusnepal.cbs.gov.np/results/files/result-folder/province/Bagmati_Province_census_report.pdf |access-date= |website=Census Nepal 2021 |publisher=[[Central Bureau of Statistics (Nepal)|Central Bureau of Statistics]]}}</ref>

{{Pie chart|thumb=left |caption=Castes/ethnic groups in Chitawan District (2021)<ref name="caste"/> |label1 = [[Bahun]] |value1 = 27.55 |color1 = orange |label2 = [[Chhetri]] |value2 = 11.57 |color2 = red |label3 = [[Tharu people|Tharu]] |value3 = 10.09 |color3= olive |label4 = [[Tamang people|Tamang]] |value4= 7.53 |color4 = orchid |label5 = [[Gurung people|Gurung]] |value5= 6.92 |color5 = darkorchid |label6 = [[Magars|Magar]] |value6= 5.74 |color6 = darkturquoise |label7 = [[Kami (caste)|Kami]] |value7= 5.07 |color7 = salmon |label8 = [[Chepang people|Chepang]]|value8= 4.95 |color8= honeydew |label9 = [[Newar people|Newar]] |value9= 4.92 |color9 = pink |label10 = [[Damai]] |value10 = 2.16 |color10 = darksalmon |label11 = [[Kumal people|Kumal]] |value11 = 1.58 |color11 = yellowgreen |label12 = [[Sarki (caste)|Sarki]] |value12= 1.50 |color12 = lightsalmon |label13 = [[Darai people|Darai]] |value13 = 1.23 |color13 = #ddddaf |label14 = [[Nepalese Muslims|Muslim]] |value14 = 0.97 |color14 = green |label15 = Other Hill Janjati |value15 = 3.12 |color15 = teal |label16 = Madheshi non-Dalit |value16 = 2.44 |color16 = khaki |label17 = Other Khas non-Dalit |value17 = 1.15 |color17 = indianred |label18 = Others |value18 = 1.51 |color18 = grey }}

Ethnicity wise: Khas were the largest group, making up 40% of the population. Hill Janjatis are the second-largest group, making up 31% of the population. Tamangs were the largest Hill Janjatis, with Magars being 11% of the population. Chhetri and Bahun made up 20% of the population.<ref name="caste">{{Cite web |title=Table 1: Caste/Ethnicity and sex |url=https://censusnepal.cbs.gov.np/results/downloads/caste-ethnicity |access-date=2024-03-16 |website=Census Nepal 2021 |publisher=[[Central Bureau of Statistics (Nepal)|Central Bureau of Statistics]]}}</ref>

{{Pie chart |caption = Languages of Chitawan district (2021)<ref name="mothertongue"/> |thumb = right |label1 = [[Nepali language|Nepali]] |value1 = 67.79 |color1 = orange |label2 = [[Tharu languages|Tharu]] |value2 = 9.52 |color2 = maroon |label3 = [[Tamang language|Tamang]] |value3 = 4.94 |color3 = turquoise |label4 = [[Chepang language|Chepang]] |value4 = 3.32 |color4 = thistle |label5 = [[Gurung language|Gurung]] |value5 = 3.24 |color5 = aqua |label6 = [[Magar language|Magar]] |value6 = 3.22 |color6 = orchid |label7 = [[Bhojpuri language|Bhojpuri]] |value7 = 2.48 |color7 = gold |label8 = [[Newar language|Nepal Bhasha]] |value8 = 2.03 |color8 = mediumvioletred |label9 = [[Bote-Darai language|Darai]] |value9 = 1.02 |color9 = #772f2f |label10 = Others |value10 = 2.44 |color10 = grey }}

As their first language, 67.79% of the population spoke [[Nepali language|Nepali]], 9.52% [[Tharu languages|Tharu]], 4.94% [[Tamang language|Tamang]], 3.32% [[Chepang language|Chepang]], 3.24% [[Gurung language|Gurung]], 3.22% [[Magar language|Magar]], 2.48% [[Bhojpuri language|Bhojpuri]], 2.03% [[Newar language|Nepal Bhasha]] and 1.02% [[Bote-Darai language|Darai]] as their first language.<ref name="mothertongue">{{Cite web |title=Table 5: Mother tongue and sex |url=https://censusnepal.cbs.gov.np/results/downloads/caste-ethnicity |access-date= |website=Census Nepal 2021 |publisher=[[Central Bureau of Statistics (Nepal)|Central Bureau of Statistics]]}}</ref> In 2011, 70.1% of the population spoke Nepali as their first language.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Social characteristics tables |url=https://cbs.gov.np/wp-content/upLoads/2020/07/National-Population-and-Housing-Census-2011-Caste-ethnicity-and-mother-tongue.pdf |publisher=[[Central Bureau of Statistics (Nepal)|Central Bureau of Statistics]]}}</ref>

{{bar box | title = Religion in Chitawan District (2021)<ref name="religion"/> | titlebar = #Fcd116 | left1 = Religion | right1 = Percent | float = right | bars = {{bar percent|[[Hinduism in Nepal|Hinduism]]|darkorange|81.43}} {{bar percent|[[Buddhism in Nepal|Buddhism]]|Yellow|12.48}} {{bar percent|[[Christianity in Nepal|Christianity]]|dodgerblue|4.19}} {{bar percent|[[Islam]]|green|1.33}} {{bar percent|Other or not stated|black|0.57}} }}

Religion: 81.43% of the population is Hindu, 12.48% Buddhist, 4.19% Christian and 1.33% Islam.<ref name="religion">{{Cite web |title=Table 5: Religion and sex |url=https://censusnepal.cbs.gov.np/results/downloads/caste-ethnicity |access-date=2024-03-16 |website=Census Nepal 2021 |publisher=[[Central Bureau of Statistics (Nepal)|Central Bureau of Statistics]]}}</ref> {{clear}}

==Administration== [[File:Chitwan District.png|thumb|Map of municipalities of Chitwan District]] The district consists of seven [[List of cities in Nepal|municipalities]], out of which one is a metropolitan city, five are urban municipalities and one is a [[Gaupalika|rural municipality]].<ref>{{cite web |title=स्थानिय तह |url=http://103.69.124.141/ |publisher=Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration |access-date=1 September 2018 |language=ne |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831065451/http://103.69.124.141/ |archive-date=31 August 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

*[[Bharatpur, Nepal|Bharatpur Metropolitan City]] *[[Kalika Municipality]] *[[Khairahani Municipality]] *[[Madi, Chitwan|Madi Municipality]] *[[Ratnanagar]] municipality *[[Rapti Municipality]] *[[Ichchhakamana Rural Municipality]]

=== Former municipalities and gaunpalikas === [[File:NepalChitawanDistrictmap.png|thumb|Map of the VDC/s in Chitwan District]]

Prior to the restructuring of the district{{when|date=August 2020}}, Chitwan had following gaunpalikas and municipalities.<ref name="Digital Himalaya">{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalhimalaya.com/collections/nepalcensus/form.php?selection=1 |title=Nepal Census 2001 |work=Nepal's village development committees |publisher=[[Digital Himalaya]] |access-date=19 November 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012163506/http://www.digitalhimalaya.com/collections/nepalcensus/form.php?selection=1 |archive-date=12 October 2008 }}</ref>

{{div col|colwidth=18em}} *[[Ayodhyapuri]] *[[Bagauda]] *[[Bharatpur, Nepal|Bharatpur Metropolitan]] *[[Chandi Bhanjyang, Narayani|Chandi Bhanjyang]] *[[Dahakhani]] *[[Gardi, Nepal|Gardi]] *[[Kalika Municipality]] *[[Kabilas, Narayani|Kabilas]] *[[Kathar, Nepal|Kathar]] *[[Kaule, Narayani|Kaule]] *[[Khairhani]] municipality *[[Korak, Nepal|Korak]] *[[Lothar, Nepal|Lothar]] *[[Madi, Chitwan|Madi Municipality]] *[[Madi Kalyanpur]] *[[Mangalpur, Nepal|Mangalpur]] *[[Narayanpur, Narayani|Narayanpur]] *[[Piple, Narayani|Piple]] *[[Ratnanagar]] municipality *[[Rapti Municipality]] *[[Siddi, Nepal|Siddi]] {{Div col end}}

==Health care== Chitwan district is known for its hospitals and has many top rated medical institutions, mostly in and around Bharatpur Municipality.[[Bharatpur, Nepal|Bharatpur]] is colloquially known as medical city of Nepal. The district is especially known for the [[B. P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital]] at Krishnapur and two of the reputed medical colleges of the nation;College of Medical Sciences, Bharatpur and [[Chitwan Medical College]]. Chitwan ranks only behind the capital[[Kathmandu]], in terms of hospital facilities in Nepal. Medical facilities in the district also include [[Bharatpur Hospital]], a part of the Bharatpur medical college; [[Chitwan Eye Hospital]]; Sairam Dental Hospital and Research Center; Maula Kalika Hospital; and Narayani Community Hospital.

== Educational institutions == [[File:Rampur AG campus.jpg|thumb|right|Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Rampur]] Most of the educational institutions in this region provide quality education to the students from [[Chitwan]] and neighboring districts too. These schools and colleges focus on the development of skills and knowledge of their students. Among them:

* Aroma English Secondary School, Bharatpur 10 * [[Balkumari College]] is located near the Narayangadh Bharatpur Height and affiliated to Tribhuvan University. * [[Balkumari College|Balikumari College]], [[Narayangarh, Chitwan|Narayangarh]], [[Chitwan]] * [[Birendra Multiple Campus]] is the oldest campus of the city, located in Bharatpur heights. * [[Buddha Shanti Higher Secondary School]], Rapti Municipality 03 * [[Chitwan Higher Secondary School]], Bharatpur-10 * shree arunodaya higher secondary school, bharatpur 6 geetanager * [[Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science]], also known as the Rampur Agriculture Campus, is the agriculture institution under [[Tribhuvan University]], and is the main institution in the fields of agriculture and veterinary science in Nepal. Occupying a huge area, this campus has been declared a university, the Agriculture and Forestry University. * [[Secondary School Gawai]], Gawai, [[Khairahani]] 13 * Aadikabi Bhanubhakta Secondary School, Narayangarh, bharatpur - 1 * Apex Educational Academy, a higher secondary school in Bharapur * Apex academy in Kshetrapur * Birendra higher secondary school * Boston International College, Hakim chowk, Bharatpur-10 (affiliated to Pokhara University)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Boston International College - Best Management College |url=https://bostoncollege.edu.np/ |access-date= |website=bostoncollege.edu.np |language=en-US}}</ref> * Central English Boarding School * Chitwan Health Foundation and Research Center was established in Bharatpur as the nursing School of Chitwan Hospital and Health Foundation * Chitwan Hotel Training Center in Bharatpur * Chitwan Medical College and Research Centre, Dipendranagar, Bharatpur * Chitwan Science College and [[Orchid Science College]] * College of Medical Sciences: a 700-bed teaching hospital in Dipendranagar, Bharatpur. * Crystal College, [[Ratnanagar]] * [[Daisy English Higher Secondary Boarding School]], Khairahani - 4, Parsa * [[Divya Jyoti Basic School]], Harnari, Khairahani 13 * Gawai Secondary School, Khairahani 13, Gawai * Grandee English Boarding School, Bharatpur-19 * Himalayan Secondary English Boarding School, Ratnanagar-1, Bakulahar * Holy Vision Public School, Yagyapuri, Bharatpur-4 * Indreni ICT college, affiliated to Tribhuvan University, located at Muktinagar, Bharatpur * International college is a college of higher education and runs the HSEB and TU affiliated BBS and MBS programs in management streams. * Jan Aadrash multiple campus Birendranagar is the public campus in Birendranagar ward no. 2. * Jana Jagriti Higher Secondary School, [[Pithuwa]] – 3, [[Pithuwa]] * Kalika English Boarding School * Kamal Devi English School * Kankali Secondary School, Khairahani - 1 * Lead Academy for Science and Management Technology * Little Flower English school, Belchowk * Little Stars Secondary English Boarding School. Bharatpur 7, Krishnapur * Madi secondary school, Madi-3 Basantapur * Maiya Devi Girls College, Dipendranagar, Bharatpur * Nepal Police School Bharatpur-14 * New Capital College * Paragon Secondary School, Ratnanagar-10, Chitwan * Polar Star Secondary English School, Bharatpur-8, Chitwan * Pragati Shiksha Sadan, East Rampur, Chitwan * Prembasti Secondary School, Bharatpur 7 Prembasti * Prerana Higher Secondary School * Presidency college in Dipendranagar * SOS Hermann Gmeiner Higher Secondary School * [[Sagarmatha Secondary Boarding School]], [[Ratnanagar]] * Saheed Smriti Multiple campus, Shantichowk is the biggest campus of eastern Chitwan. * Sainik Awashiya Mahavidhyalaya Chitwan, operated by Nepal army welfare fund, provided education in high school level. * [[Saptagandaki Multiple Campus]] is the largest public campus in the city, located in Dipendranagar ward no. 10, Bharatpur. * School of Health Science * Shanti Academy college in Bharatpur * Shanti Vidya Mandir English School, Bharatpur-11, Chitwan * Shree Medical and Technical College located in Bharatpur is affiliated to the Purbanchal University and CTEVT.{{clarify|date=May 2017}} * Shree Prembasti Higher Secondary School, Bharatpur-7, Chitwan * Shree Sharadpur Higher School * Sirjana English Secondary School, Located behind Central Bus Terminal (Paras Buspark) * Skyrider boarding school, ra.na.pa-13, ameliya * Small heaven School * Someshwor higher secondary school Madi-01 Baruwa * Sun Rise English school, Bharatpur 10 * Valmiki Shiksha Sadan Higher Secondary School provides higher secondary education * Xavier college in Bel chowk * [https://www.sos-childrensvillages.org/where-we-help/asia/nepal/bharatpur SOS Hermann Gmeiner School Bharatpur], Bharatpur-8, Chitwan * shree arunodaya higher secondary school, bharatpur 6 geetanagar chitwan.

Source: [https://www.doe.gov.np/assets/uploads/files/094e44803cff92f49923bea8ff25b2bd.pdf Center for Education and Human Resource Development]

==Notable people== * [[Prachanda|Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda)]]: [[Prime Minister of Nepal]] 2008–09 and 2016–17; chairman of [[UCPN (Maoist)|UCPN]]<ref>[http://english.cri.cn/2947/2008/08/18/1321s395641.htm Nepali PM Prachanda Sworn In]. English.cri.cn. Retrieved 3 September 2011.</ref> * [[Nilkantha Upreti]]: Former Chief Election Commissioner of Nepal * [[Surendra Pandey]]: Former [[Finance Minister]] of Nepal<ref>{{cite web|url=http://election.ujyaaloonline.com/candidates/69/Surendra-Pandey/|title=Surendra PandeyCommunist Party of Nepal (Unified-Marxist- Leninist) Election Area: Chitwan-1 (Elected)|access-date=8 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140707044623/http://election.ujyaaloonline.com/candidates/69/Surendra-Pandey/|archive-date=7 July 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> * [[Ram Bahadur Thapa|Ram Bahadur Thapa (Badal)]]: Former Home Minister of Nepal<ref>[http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=CPN-Maoist+Gen+Secy+Thapa+bereaved+of+father&NewsID=349090. CPN-Maoist Gen Secy Thapa bereaved of father]. thehimalayantimes.com. Retrieved 1 June 2014.</ref> *[[Bikram Pandey]] Former minister of Nepal and current house of representative from Chitwan 3 * [[Shristi Shrestha]]: [[Miss Nepal 2012]]<ref>[http://shristishrestha.org/ About Shristi Shrestha – Miss Nepal] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140604114813/http://shristishrestha.org/ |date=4 June 2014 }}. shristishrestha.org. Retrieved 1 June 2014.</ref> * [[Shiva Regmi]]: [[People of Nepal|Nepalese]] Film director<ref>[http://www.ekantipur.com/2013/12/10/entertainment/director-shiva-regmi-no-more/382123.html.Shiva Regmi no more]. ekantipur.com. Retrieved 10 December 2013.</ref> * [[Bodhraj Acharya]]: Nepalese scientist * [[Kamal Bahadur Adhikari]]: Nepalese weightlifter * Dr. Santosh Kalwar: Nepalese poet, writer, and computer researcher (first English language novelist of Chitwan)<ref>[http://echitwanpost.com/chitwan/12306_2014_06_10/ Book launch program.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808055151/http://echitwanpost.com/chitwan/12306_2014_06_10/ |date=8 August 2014 }}. Retrieved 11 June 2014.</ref><ref>[http://www.kalikafm.com.np/index.php?pageName=news_details&id=25724&catId=6 'That's My Love Story' Bimochan.]. Retrieved 11 June 2014.</ref><ref>[http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/author/santosh+kalwar Santosh Kalwar – The Kathmandu Post.]. Retrieved 17 April 2017.</ref> * Swopnil Sharma: Lead singer of [[The Shadows (Nepalese band)|The Shadows Nepal]] Band<ref>[http://bossnepal.com/shadows-nepals-hard-rock-band/ The Shadows, Nepal First Hard Rock Band]. Retrieved 6 August 2014.</ref> * [[Sandeep Lamichhane]]: Cricketer *[[Sushant Subedi]]: Analyst/Economist <ref>https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/public-purpose/people/masters-students/mpa-class-2022-23/sushant-subedi</ref> * [[Asmi Shrestha]]: [[Miss Nepal 2016]] * [[Nirmal Purja]]: Nepalese Mountaineer<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnq9cWCRWQ0&t=1548s&ab_channel=eKantipur Nirmal Purja – eKantipur] Retrieved 25 November 2021</ref> * [[Lal Mani Chaudhary|Lalmani Chaudhary]] : 2008 [[House of Representatives (Nepal)|House of representatives]] from [[Chitwan 1 (constituency)]]<ref>{{Cite web |last=Paudel |first=Ramesh Kumar |title=CPN-UML recommends nominees for mayoral posts in Chitwan |url=http://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/18747/ |access-date=2022-09-30 |website=My Republica |language=en}}</ref>

==See also== *[[Ayodhyapuri]] *[[Sundarbasti]] *[[Sushant Subedi]] * [https://notarynepal.com/blog/notary-translation-service-in-bharatpur Notary and Translation Service in Bharatpur - Notary Nepal] * [https://atmagyanwildyoga.com/ Atma Gyan Wild Yoga and Safari] AtmaGyan Wild Yoga and Safari is a family-run yoga retreat center and homestay located in Meghauli, Chitwan, Nepal. The retreat combines traditional yoga and meditation practices with wildlife safari experiences in and around Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The name "AtmaGyan" translates to "self-knowledge" or "knowledge of the soul" in Sanskrit.

== References == {{Reflist}}

==External links== {{Commons category|Chitwan District}} {{Wikivoyage|Chitwan}} * {{statoids|id=ynp|title=Districts of Nepal}}

[[Category:Chitwan District| ]] [[Category:Districts of Bagmati Province]] [[Category:Districts of Nepal established during Rana regime or before]]