Bardia National Park: Exotic Wildlife Experience

Along with the striking beauty of the Himalayas with shimmering snow-capped mountains, Nepal is equally blessed with an impressive array of biodiversity. It is really astounding that, although constrained by size, there are 12 Nationals Park, one each wildlife and hunting reserve, and several other conservation sites.

With the varied geographical structure of mountains in the top, hills in the mid region and plain and fertile land in the lower region, you can witness a rich exhibition of flora and fauna residing in different altitude.

Located in the Terai region of Nepal, Bardia National Park is one of the protected sites where you can have a small insight into rich biodiversity of Nepal. It is worth walking through the delightful forested area while looking out for wildlife, so what in Bardia National Park that entice your visit? - let us found out.

More about Bardia National Park and its history

Also, often spelled as Bardiya National Park, the park was established in 1988 as Royal Bardia National Park. With the total coverage of 968 km2, Bardia National Park is the largest and most undisturbed national park in Terai region of Nepal.

The park sits adjoining the eastern bank of Karnali Rivers and bisects Babai River in Bardia District. Bardia National Park is demarcated by Siwalik Hills in the north; Nepalgunj-Surkhet highway in the south; Geruwa in west and Babai River in the southeast.

Further, Bardia National Park is a neighbor to another national park of Nepal, Banke National Park, forming a coherent protected area of 1,437 km2, which represents Tiger Conservation Unit Bardia-Banke extending over 2,23km2 of alluvial grasslands and subtropical moist deciduous forest.

The area where Bardia National Park stands, Nepal lost it to East India Company 1815, and after 45 years in 1860, it was returned to Nepal under the condition of supporting the suppression of Indian Independence movement in 1857.

Then in 1969, an area of 365 km2 was set aside as Royal Hunting Reserve, which was gazetted as Royal Karnali Wildlife Reserve in 1976. After being proclaimed as Royal Bardia Wildlife Reserve, it was finally declared as the national park in 1988. And with the end of monarchy in Nepal, now its called Bardia National Park.

Top 11 Things to do in Bardia National Park

Jungle Walk

Out of its total area, 70% of Bardia National Park is covered with forest, with the balance mixture of grassland, savannah, and riverine forest. To walk in the perfectly serene environment amid the lush green forest is the best thing to do in Bardia National Park.

Walking quietly and leisurely through forest and riverside, where you can have perfect natural scenery and excellent photography opportunity. In the Riverside area, you will see mugger crocodiles basking in the river banks.

Elephant Safari

To witness the delightful forest and spotting wildlife, while sitting comfortably and grandly atop an elephant is the must-try thing in Bardia National park. It is the safest way to explore the beauty of Bardia National Park, with a greater chance of witnessing any wild animals.

Home to at least 53 species of mammals including wild elephant, swamp deer, wild elephant, rhinoceros, and Gangetic dolphin, there is a very high chance of passing by this wildlife during Elephant Safari. So, do try Elephant Safari once you have been to Bardia National Park.

Watching

For all the avid bird watchers out there, Bardia National Park cannot be more perfect. With 407 species of bird, you can spend days wandering in this delightful forest and looking for some rare ones.

Bengal florican, white-rumped vulture, golden-headed cisticola, Chestnut-capped babbler, Lesser Florican, sarus crane, bar-headed geese, white-rumped vulture, and peafowl are some of the species found in Bardia National Park.

Paying a visit to Black Buck Sanctuary

Black Buck is the most endangered antelope in Nepal, and as it can be only found in Bardia National Park, the park is giving an extra effort to protect and promote the last remaining population of Black Buck at Kairapur.

To witness this endangered species, you have to drive 35 km south from the park headquarters, Thakurdwara.

Jungle Safari

Now, it is another best way to explore Bardia National Park. Riding in a jeep with an occasional stop to spot the wildlife, Jungle Safari is absolute fun and safe thing to do in Bardia National Park. One-horned rhino, Bengal tiger and elephants can occur in your sight.

Fishing

In Bardia National Park, the river system, small tributaries, and several oxbow lakes harbors 125 recorded species of fish. And the most famous one is Golden Mahashree, which is popularly is known as King of Fish.

Mahashree Fish, Cat Fish, Gardi Fish, Ell Fish, Jalkapoor Fish, Perch Fish, Saunri Fish, and Gar Fish are some other fish in the park. The best season for fishing in Bardia National Park would be February-April and October-November. So, why not try fishing as well in Bardia National Park?

Visiting Tharu Culture Museum

In Tharu Culture Museum, you will know about the quaint culture and lifestyle of Tharu, an indigenous group of Nepal who prefers to live a primitive way. There are beautiful wall paintings demonstrating the general lifestyle of birth, wedding, and death ceremonies of Tharus.

You will also witness the Tharu Culture depicated in beautifully made sculptures; traditional dress of men and women and woman with the grinding tool. Likewise, the traditional cookware of Tharus is equally fascinating to see.

Crocodile Breeding Center & Rhino Center

Crocodile Breeding Center was established in Bardia National Park in 2017 after several failed efforts of three decades. The breeding center focuses on Gharial and Marsh mugger to increase their population, which incorporates two noteworthy segments incubator and raising segments.

Eggs are obtained from sandbanks of Geruwa and Baibai stream. Witnessing the breeding of this wildlife will be one of the best things to do in Bardia National Park.

Elephant Breeding Center

Elephant Breeding Center is located about 2 kilometers southwest of Bardia National’s headquarters. To see this giant wildlife closely, visit the breeding center either in the morning or afternoon when the elephants have returned from grazing in the park. Free-ranging wild males occasionally visit the mother elephants and calves.

Rafting in Karnali

Now, this might not be the rafting of your dream, with rapid waters and all the thrill, but you will enjoy floating in the serene and beautiful Karnali river from the northwestern boundary.

Well, the rafting is not just floating in the water, your guide will help you spot several birds and other wildlife like crocodiles, Elephants, wild boar, tiger and other animals who come by the river bank to quench their thirst in summer and bask in sunlight during winter.

Tharu Cultural Programme

Tharu Cultural Programme is a beautiful exhibition of Tharus’ culture performed by locals through local songs and dances in traditional dress. It is a way to support the economy of the local community and to preserve Tharu culture at the same time. So, do not miss this rare opportunity once you have been to Bardia National Park.

Kathmandu to Bardia National Park

Located in the Terai region of Nepal, Bardia National Park is accessible through different routes. You can directly get to the park from Katmandu or Nepalgunj or Mahendranagar.

The first option is a bus ride from Kathmandu to Mahendranagar. There are enough buses running along this route. It is around 15 hours of traveling by bus. You can also catch a bus to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu, which takes around 12 hours and extra 2 hours from Nepalgunj to Bardia.

Now, the second option might be easier and appealing for you, although it is an expensive one; the option is obviously by air. There are daily flights from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. So if you want a less strenuous and fast journey, then flight might serve you the best.

Bardia National Park Hotels and Resorts

As Bardia National Park is one of the popular attraction amongst tourists, there are enough hotels, resorts, and lodges in your service. Depending on the size of the budget you have, you have a wide option for staying in one. Homestay has become equally popular for the visitors of Bardia National Park.

Racy Shade Resort, Mr. B’s Place, Rhino Lodge, Bardia Wildlife Resort, Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge, Traveller’s Village are some of the popular stays in Bardia National Park.