Bardia National Park is the largest national park nestled in the Western Terai of Nepal. The national park was established to protect the ecosystem and conserve the habitat of tigers and other wild species. In 1976, a small portion of the area was declared as Karnali Wildlife Reserve and more than 1500 people of the Babai valley were resettled outside the park to grow the flora and fauna. The park was renamed as Bardia Wildlife Reserve in 1982 and its size was extended in 1984. The reserve was announced as Royal Bardia National Park in 1988.
Bardiya Tour Highlights
- Encounter the Royal Bengal tiger and many wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Enjoy a scenic flight to Nepalgunj and marvellous drive to Bardia.
- Experience Nepal beyond the Himalayas.
- Enjoy a thrilling jeep safari inside the large jungle of the National Park.
- Immerse yourself in the authentic Tharu culture and lifestyle.
- Golden opportunity to witness various species of birds and wild creatures.
- Enjoying rafting and other river activities in the Karnali and Babai river.
- Experience the warm hospitality of Tharu community and their cultural beauty.
- Unique and delightful way to experience the majesty of Nepal and its wilderness.
Bardia National Park is situated in the Terai region of Nepal bordered by the Karnali River and bisected by Babai River. The park covers an area of approximately 968 square kilometers of the total area of Bardia District. Its strategic geographic location in the Terai region on the edge of the Himalayas makes it an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts looking for an authentic wilderness experience.
Adventure Hikers introduces travelers to the captivating tour to Bardia National Park allowing them to experience the real wilderness. Bardia National Park serves as a less-crowded destination where travellers get to experience the beautiful wide terrain of Terai region and huge diversity of wildlife, authentic culture and more adventurous activities. The Bardia Wildlife tour is much similar to the Chitwan Wildlife Tour, but Bardia’s wide territory, large number of Royal Bengal Tigers and high probability of encountering the tigers makes it pretty unique or different.
Bardia National Park tour is an ideal package for those who have explored the mountains but have never experienced the wilderness and stunning plain lands of Nepal. If you come to Nepal and haven’t explored the wilder and plain Terai side of this majestic country, this is your opportunity to wander the wilderness of Nepal’s largest national park.
Bardia National Park is home to a growing population of Royal Bengal Tigers, Asian elephants, various deer species, one-horned rhinoceroses, over 400 bird species and a large number of reptiles. The flowing Karnali River adds an extra charm providing the animals needed water and a riverine biodiversity. The park’s 70% area is covered with forest with the mixture of riverine forest, grassland and savannah.
The tour begins with an awe-inspiring flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, and from there it will be an marvellous drive to Bardia. The Bardia Tour takes you through one of the most beautiful routes of Nepal passing through the lush forest and lowland beautiful villages giving you a different experience.
Major Activities in Bardia National Park
Bardia is a perfect place to experience pure natural beauty and real wilderness. The Bardia Tours offers a wide variety of thrilling activities for nature and adventure enthusiasts. Here is a brief description of what you can enjoy during your trip to Bardia.
Bengal Tiger Encounter
Bardia National Park is known for its thriving population of Royal Bengal Tiger. Bardia boasts a variety of adventure activities, among which Tiger encounter is a standout choice for wildlife enthusiasts. Bardia National Park is the best place to spot and observe the activity of Royal Bengal Tiger in its natural habitat. While it’s rare to encounter tigers easily, the park offers specialized tour guides who are experienced and know about every spot where you can see the tigers. Tiger encounter in Bardia National Park is the most fascinating wildlife activity offering you an experience of observing the Royal Bengal tigers engaging in natural behaviour in their own habitat.
Jungle Safari
Jungle safari inside the Bardia National Park is the most preferred activity by tourists. It can be done in three ways i.e. jeep safari, and elephant safari. Among them jeep safari is the most preferred ride where you will be taken slowly deep into the jungle on a jeep. You will ride with a knowledgeable guide who will give you the information about the area you are travelling and also about the creature you see during the safari. Mostly, rhinoceros, elephants, deers, peacocks, wild boar, gharials and monkeys are seen during the ride.
Similarly, Elephant safari is quite similar to the jeep safari. Here, you will ride on the back of a big Asian elephant but you don't need to be afraid, there will be a master who controls and guides the elephant. You will have a more descriptive view and a different perspective as well as spot wildlives of the national park. But nowadays, due to the wildlife rights protection act, elephant safari is not much in practice and also not banned. The riders themselves don't choose it and prefer jeep safari. Both safaris offer you a different experience and let you explore the diverse ecosystem, encounter several exotic wildlife.
Rafting in Babai River or Karnali River
One of the most popular, adventurous and thrilling activities that is done in Bardia is rafting, which is done in Babai river and Karnali river. You can also enjoy boating in a man-made wooden boat. Boating is a memorable activity as you will see different animals nearby the bank of the river. During rafting, you will not only enjoy yourself in the white water of Karnali but also witness aquatic beings like dolphins and various species of fish. Also, this adventure gives you a unique perspective of observing the national park.
Birdwatching
Bardia National Park is the home to various wildlives including a wide range of bird species like ravens, doves, eagles, kingfisher, white-bellied drongo etc. According to the reports 230 species of birds are found inside this park. Among them there are some different migratory birds which fly in this national park only in some specific seasons. You can canoe and watch different kinds of birds. Especially, during the sunset time, the group of birds come and sit on the bank of the river, which is a magnificent moment for where. At this time, you will get to witness the most stunning birds while enjoying canoeing.
Visit Elephant and Crocodile Breeding Center
There are these two breeding centres of Elephants and crocodiles inside the park which is obviously used for breeding purposes and growing the number of these creatures. There are two endangered species of crocodile i.e. the marsh mugger and gharials in the crocodile breeding center. Inside both of the breeding centres, you will get to observe the different phases of the lifecycle of these incredible creatures. You may see some giving birth, some getting nurtured, some growing up and some playing which is one of the fascinating things you will witness in this national park.
Tharu Village Tour
The native Tharu community is the major inhabitants of the Babai valley. There is also a Tharu cultural museum inside the National Park which shows the culture, ancient life, livelihood, their kitchen wares, dresses, ornaments, different instruments and tools representing their culture. You will be exploring the local Tharu village where you get a chance to learn their language, observe their lifestyle and activities closely. This is going to be a different yet unique experience for you that you can witness only in the Terai region of Nepal.
