Bardia National Park
Bardia National Park, located in the mid far western Terai region in Nepal is another largest and the most undisturbed park. About 70 % of the park is covered with dominantly Sal forest with the balance of grass land and riverine forest. The park provides excellent habitat for endangered animals like the rhinoceros, wild elephant, tiger, swam deer, black buck, gharial crocodile, marsh mugger crocodile and Gangetic dolphin. Endangered birds include the Bengal florican, lesser florican, silver-earned mesia and Sarus Crane. More than 30 different mammals, over 200 species of birds and many snakes, lizards and fish have been recorded in the park’s forest, grassland and river habitat. A good number of migratory birds are also found in the park.
Special programs in the Park:
Elephant Ride: Jungle tours on elephant back offer opportunities for close- up views of rhinos, black buck, deer in the natural habitat.
Boating: Boating in a canoe allows you to see a lot of water birds on the river banks
Jeep Ride: Driving around the jungle in a jeep is another good experience to see the rural life and wilderness
Jungle Walk: Jungle walk takes you to the middle of the forest to observe flora and fauna
Bird Watching: A walkabout to view the colorful jungle birds is a fun for birdwatchers
Village Tour: The Tharus are an indigenous people of Nepal inhabiting in the southern Terai areas. You can visit a Tharu village by ox-cart or on foot to observe their lifestyle.
Location: To get there from Kathmandu you need to fly Nepalgunj (one hour 10 minutes) and then drive 95 km (three hours). Or, it takes 12 hours bus ride from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj 531km.
Accommodation
Accommodations built in traditional styles range from basic to luxurious, with almost all the resorts, inside or near the jungle. They are well equipped with solar heated showers and friendly staff willing to provide the best service to the guests. All the activities in the park will be organized by nature guides.
Climate
Safari parks are located in the southern tropical plains. October through April is pleasant. In the summer, the maximum temperature is between 40-50 degrees Celsius. The rainy season lasts from July to September
Suggested Itinerary for Bardia National Park
3 Night/ 4 Days
Day 01: Arrival Bardia National park check in resort, briefing, cultural village tour, visit to the Tharu museum and the crocodile breeding center
Day 02: Whole day jungle excursion with packed lunch
Day 03: Elephant safari and visit to the Elephant breeding center
Day 04: Bird watching and departure
4 Night/ 5 Days
Day 01: Arrival Bardia National Park check in resort, lunch and village tour with sunset view
Day 02: Elephant ride(1 hr)- visit Tharu museum– Lunch- Jeep drive (4-5 hrs)
Day 03: Whole day jungle excursion with packed lunch
Day 04: Rafting (full day 8 hrs with packed lunch)
Day 05: Drive or fly back to Kathmandu
What to bring
Binoculars, flashlight, insect repellent, swim-wear, sunhat, personal medicines, casual clothing and comfortable shoes, light clothing is needed the year round with a sweater or jacket required in the winter months from November to March.
