Bardia National Park

The Bardia National Park is spread over 968 sq km and located in the Western Nepal Terai. The park is the largest and least disturbed wilderness spread in the Terai, and is predominantly Sal forest interspersed with tall grasslands. It is bound on the north by the Chure hills and is skirted on the West by the Geruwa River , a branch of the Karnali which is a major tributary of the Ganges . The park is generally known as the best place where your chances of spotting a tiger in Nepal are the highest including the rhinoceros, swamp deer, leopards, jungle cats, blue bulls (nilgai), sloth bears, barking deer and langurs. There are few wild elephants here and one of the males is considered the largest in Asia! The park boasts more than 250 species of birds, including the endangered Bengal florican, Sarus crane and many species of geese, ducks and parakeets.

The Geruwa River that rushes in through a break in the hill range, silt laden and full with snowmelt, is home to the famous Mahseer game fish, gharial, mugger crocodile and the freshwater Genetic dolphin. The park also has cobras, kraits and pythons.

Activities:

-Village tour: the tour starts with introduction of local people Tharus which provides an opportunity to learn and see the lifestyle of the Tharu community.

-Elephant safari: a unique and great opportunity to see wildlife from the back of tallest Elephant of Asia.

-Jungle trek: The walk into the jungle accompanied by experienced naturalist and wildlife tracker, making sure to see many of the abundant wildlife and excellent photographic opportunities for the memories.

-Jeep drive: Another adventurous safari activities is four wheeled safari making deep forays into the jungle covering a large area of the park which ensures you all types of forest and wildlife.

-Rafting: a full day rafting on the karnali river which runs across the park, you shall have an excellent opportunity to view birds, river dolphin, crocodile etc.

-Bird watching: an excellent opportunity to watch many of the 350 species of birds.

-A visit to Karnali River for dolphin sightseeing: A sightseeing tour to karnali riversides and witness of Dolphin.

-Crocodile breeding center and Tharu museum visit: to see the lifestyle of local Tharu people and breeding of crocodile is another attraction of the trip.

-Cultural program: a dance and cultural program performed by the Tharu shall be another highlight of your visit.

Season

The best time to visit the park is from October through March. The months of April-June are unbearably hot while July-September is monsoon time.

How to get there

It is far way from kathmandu an expensive travel or long way drive to reach the Bardia National Park . There are daily flights as well as public buses from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. The airport at Nepalgunj 85 kms from the park provides regular flights. The park office is situated at Thakurdwara, 20 km southwest road from Ambassa on the Mahendra highway. The drive from Nepalgunj takes less than 2 and half hours.

There are night and day buses from Kathmandu to Mahendranagar and can drop you at Ambassa. It is long way driving and will take about 12hrs.

Accommodation

There are a number of Chitwan style lodges and hotels that have sprung up in the recent past, so there is no real problem for accommodation. The accommodation facilities are increasing as the number of tourists is increasing every year. However, in the season, it is advisable to make a booking before heading out there.