Bardia National Park, Nepal

If you want to see another side of Nepal apart from religious context and cultures means, wildlife adventure of Nepal is the correct choice. As we already know Nepal is quite popular for its untarnished forests occupying nearly 45% of the country’s area. Numerous national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and reserve centers in Nepal are home to many endangered species of flora and fauna. So just think how you can enjoy in the wildlife of Nepal with this much of abundant forests sources. Right now we are going through Bardia National Park which is the largest one of the whole 10 national parks in Nepal.

About Bardia National Park

The Bardia National Park located in Bardia district bisected by the Babai river and sharing borders with Karnali river on the East and Siwalik Hills on the North forms a great place to conserve bio-diversity of Nepal. Overall the national park covers 968sqkms and it is the largest national park in Nepal. This national park is one of the finest parks because it was undisturbed by humans interventions. With thick and lush greenery, Bardia National Park offers the best wildlife adventure experience.

This massive national park is also a great reserve center for Bengal Tigers and one-horned rhinoceros. Compared to one-horned rhinoceros Bengal Tigers appears in greater number. Breeding centers of Elephants, Crocodiles, and Rhinos are the other interesting sites to visit.

Flora of Bardia National Park

Nearly, 70% of the park was covered with intense forests. Due to the flow of various rivers and the contribution of Siwalik Hills, the park was habituated with rich floral wealth. The nature of the lands and forests you can witness in this park are alluvial grasslands, wetlands, and subtropical moist deciduous forests. The entire park composes with a balanced mixture of savannah, riverine forests, and grasslands.

In this national park, 839 floral species are noticed and they include with vascular plants, dicots, monocots, fern, gymnosperm, and different other species.

Fauna of Bardia National Park

In Nepal, Bardia National Park is giving shelter to many endangered animals, bird species, fishes, and a lot. In total, the park holds the count of 642 fauna species. Among them, Asian Elephant, Bengal Tiger, and one-horned rhinoceros are the dominant and most endangered animals found in the park. Especially for these three animals, Bardia National Park is very famous. Bengal Tigers count is also raising constantly with good efforts of the reserve centers. Other than these three animals, here you can see spotted deer, samber, barking deer, nilgai, black buck, wild boar, leopard, golden hyena, etc.

For ornithologists and bird lovers, also this national park is an ideal place. Here totally 400+ bird species can found. During winter seasons a large number of birds visits the park. Bengal Florican, Sarus Crane, White-rumped vulture, Bar-headed geese, Lesser Florican are some special and rare bird species can spot in the park. Besides, there is no dearth for fish species too. Nearly, 125 fish species can see in the waters of Karnali and Babai rivers. The main attraction of the fish species in the park is Gangetic Dolphins.

Apart from all these, crocodile species of the park are also sounds popular. Particularly, Marsh Mugger Crocodiles are very famous and a breeding center is also there for crocodiles. And also 23 species of reptiles and amphibians getting shelter in the park. All these different fauna species are acquiring protection in this national park with all sources of water and feed.

Climate of Bardia National Park

Bardia National Park is located in Terai region and this region falls under sub-tropical monsoon climate. In every annual year, the park will experience three different seasons namely summers (March to June), Monsoons (July to October), and winters (October to February).

March - June : In these months the weather in Bardia will be very hot. Maximum temperature will approximately touch 410C in May.

July - October : In Monsoons good rainfall will be received to the park and rains last until the end of September.

October - February : From the starting of October the weather will become dry and cold. The temperatures will fall rapidly to lower degrees in nights. You can enjoy a pleasant environment in these months.

Best Time To Visit Bardia National Park

Throughout the year Bardia National Park is open for visitors but the best time to explore the park means in the months of February to July and September to December. For tiger spotting, February to July months are the ideal time because of summers tigers comes out for drinking sites. But in these months you have to face the harsh sun. Then, if you want to avoid sunny days better visit during the months of September to December.

Wildlife Safari in Bardia National Park

After visiting a national park what we do first is exploring the wildlife of the park through safaris. In the same way, exploring the wildlife of Bardia National Park is an exciting and intriguing thing can do with different safari options. Capturing the cruel and wild animals in closer shots and the alluring looks of several birds and many more things in the park make you enjoy a lot. To experience all these wonders, Jeep safari or Elephant safari are the choices to choose.

1. Jeep Safari

Through jeep safaris, you can move very close to the wildlife of Bardia. In the way, you can spot numerous animals if you are lucky you can have chances to capture Bengal Tiger also.

2. Elephant Safari

Jeep safaris are regular and usual if you try Elephant safaris you can experience a different wildlife safari. On the back of the elephant and exploring wildlife will be very interesting.

Adventurous activities to do in Bardia National Park

In general, we enjoy wildlife safaris in national parks but in Bardia National Park you can dwell in the adventure with a number of adventurous activities. For serene seekers and adrenaline rushers, Bardia National Park offers many things to do. Let’s have a look what they are.

1. Trekking and Jungle Walks

Treks and Jungle walks are the most fascinating things of the park to explore the wildlife in very close calls. Here you can choose half day trek, full day trek, or an overnight trek. You can add jungle walks to the treks also. However, if you want to explore each and every corner of the jungle of Bardia go for trekking or jungle walks. In overnight treks, you will stay at the buffer zones of the park which is an interesting thing to witness.

2. Canoeing and Rafting

The Karnali river is the best spot for adventurous acts in this park. In the waters of Karnali, you can enjoy the water rides of rafting and canoeing. While you are busy in the acts the surrounding greenery and wildlife make you excite more with its creepy sounds and wonderful sights of birds. If you are lucky you can spot Gangetic Dolphins.

3. Bird Watching

For bird lovers, Bardia National Park is the desired place. Nearly 400+ bird species are getting home in this park. During winters the count of birds will get double with the visit of numerous migratory birds. Many endangered bird species can found here. Bengal Florican, Peafowl, Sarus Crane, Lesser Florican, are some of the famous birds of the park. Simply, Bardia National Park is a paradise for bird watchers.

4. Fishing

It is the recent popular activity in the park. For fishing, Karnali and Babai rivers are the allowed places. In this national park, there are 125 fish species. Among them, Golden Masheer and Gangetic Dolphins are the famous. Based on your luck you may have a chance to see Gangetic Dolphin. Here fishing is allowed so if you are interested you can angle for a fish.

5. Exploring the Human Settlements

Tharu tribes are settled near the park. Due to the human settlements here farming was introduced. Here villagers used to live with farming and fishing techniques. Visit to these villages is worth to see different cultures and traditions of Tharu people. Through cycling or walking tours you can visit these villages. Really visiting like this villages make you experience tribal lives and their innocent doings. By the way never forget to buy the handicrafts of the Tharu’s.

Entry Fee into Bardia National Park

Entry fee to the park will differ based on nationality. Below the rates were placed please go through.

Nepalese: 100Rs per head

SAARC countries: 750Rs per head

Foreigners: 1,500Rs per head

For children below 10 years, there will be no charge

Conservation History of Bardia National Park

Based on the Sugauli Treaty in 1815 Nepal lost this area to East India Company. In 1857 the area was returned to Nepal for their support to India in Independence Movement. Under the act of Naya Muluk (means new country) many areas were returned back to Nepal one of them is Bardia National Park. In the year 1969, it came into light as the park with an area of 368sqkms and it was named as Royal Hunting Reserve. Later, in 1976 its name changed to Royal Karnali Wildlife Reserve. Once again its name was changed as Royal Bardia Wildlife Reserve. At last in the year 1988, it was officially gazetted as the national park of Nepal. From the day it was popular as the Bardia National Park.

How to Reach Bardia National Park

By Air : From Kathmandu, you can take a flight to Nepaljung. From there you can take regular buses to reach Bardia National Park. Around it takes 30 minutes from Nepaljung to Bardia National park.

By Road : Through road means, there are several routes. From Kathmandu and Pokhara you can take buses to Bardia National Park. Around 12 to 15 hours time will take to cover the distance from Kathmandu and Pokhara to Bardia

This all about the famous Bardia National Park in Nepal. The park with several attractions and home to many endangered animals attracts tourists from all over the world. For nature lovers, visit to this national park is a remarkable memory. If you want to experience the untouched beauty of nature means, Bardia National Park is the finest one in Nepal.