Bardia National Park

About Trip

Situated in the mid far western Terai, in a remote part of Nepal, bordered by the Karnali River, the National Park covers 968 sq. km. It is 585 km from Kathmandu. The park is the largest and most undisturbed expanse of wilderness in southern Nepal. Although the largest park it is least explored by foreign tourists.

About 70% of the park is covered with Sal jungle, the remaining 30% is a mixture of grassland, savannah and riverine forest. The park contains eight types of ecosystem. The park headquarters are situated at Thakurdwara (also the location of our lodge) and is surrounded by idyllic villages and fields inhabited by an indigenous ethnic group, the Tharu.
Originally a hunting reserve, Bardia became a conservation area in 1976 and then attained National Park status in 1988. Presently a plan is being considered to further expand the park both north and eastwards. Conservation is a strong theme within Bardia; the park as well providing a home habitat for many species also provides an ideal environment for the study of wildlife. The WWF and the King Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation are active in the park monitoring wildlife and breeding habitats. They have also implemented an educational scheme for local people identifying the meaning of, and need for conservation.

More than thirty different mammals, over two hundred species of bird and many snakes, lizards and fish have been recorded within the park. Both resident and migratory birds can be found within the park boundaries. As well as the numerous more common animals and birds the Royal Bardia National Park is home to 19 of Nepals 39 legally protected species. These include the One-horned Rhinoceros, wild Asian Elephant, Bengali Tiger, Swamp Deer, Black Buck Antelope, Gangetic Dolphin and Gharial Crocodile. Endangered birds include the Bengal Florican, the Silver-eared Mesia and the Sarus Crane. In fact the WWF indicated the Royal Bardia National Park as playing a major role in the survival of the world tiger population. As a result, it is not surprising to find that Bardia provides the best opportunity to view the Bengal Tiger in Nepal.

HOW to get here? Our Cottage is 585 km from Kathmandu and is serviced by a daily bus. This takes approx. 14 hours by road. Forest Hideaway can also be reached by a similar bus service from Pokhara.

It is also possible to fly from Kathmandu to Nepalganj. Flight time is about an hour and jeep transfer can be arranged from Nepalganj airport to Forest Hideaway, this transfer takes two hours.

You can also get to the our place from India via Mahendranagar on the western Nepal-India border. Mahendranagar is twelve hours from Delhi and an additional 3 hours to the our cottage, by road, is required.

WHEN to come? The best time to visit Royal Bardia National Park is between October and June. Advanced booking is advised for November and December.

WHAT to bring? We suggest that you bring: walking shoes and also rubber sandals, modest swimwear, sun hat and protective lotion, insect repellant, any personal medicines you require, a torch, binoculars, extra batteries, camera and spare film in addition to clothes suitable to the season.

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Day to Day Itinerary

Day 01:Relax in our Tharu bar or beautiful garden. p.m. Explore Tharu life and culture via our Tharu village visit.

Day 02:Whole day Jungle walk inside Royal Bardia National Park.

Day 03:Exploration of tiger territory by foot. p.m. Elephant back safari.

Day 04:Jeep safari deep into the jungle. p.m. Chance to relax or cycle/walk in the surrounding area.

Day 05:Whole day of relaxed rafting on the Karnali River.

Day 06:Early morning bird watching and some time to pack. p.m. Depart after lunch.