Guide to Bardiya: Nepal’s Pristine Nature Reserve

Nestled in the southeastern region of Nepal, Bardiya National Park stands as one of the country’s most pristine and less-visited wildlife sanctuaries. Bardiya offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, biodiversity, and a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of more popular tourist destinations.

For nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those seeking a genuine Nepali wilderness experience, Bardiya is an untapped treasure waiting to be explored. Here’s our comprehensive guide to Bardiya National Park.

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Overview of Bardiya National Park

Bardiya National Park is located in the far south-eastern part of Nepal along the border with India. The national park is the largest in Nepal, covering 374 square miles (968 square kilometers). Established in 1988 as Royal Bardia National Park, it remains one of Nepal’s most pristine and undisturbed wilderness areas.

The park forms a vital part of the Tiger Conservation Unit, alongside the neighboring Banke National Park, protecting endangered Bengal tigers and other wildlife. Together, the two parks span 555 square miles (1,437 square kilometers) of protected land.

Bardiya’s landscape is predominantly forested, making up three-fourths of the park, with the remaining terrain consisting of grasslands, savannahs, and riverine forests. The park is home to an impressive 835 species of vegetation, contributing to its rich biodiversity. The Karnali River forms the western boundary, while the Babai River flows through the heart of the park.

Wildlife in Bardiya National Park

Bardiya National Park is a wildlife haven, offering a remarkable diversity of species across its vast landscapes. The park is especially known for its impressive population of Bengal tigers which is the main reason most the visitors come here. The endangered one-horned rhinoceros also calls Bardiya home.

In addition, the park is a sanctuary for the Asian elephant, and visitors can even embark on an unforgettable elephant safari to observe other wildlife up close. The park also provides a safe haven for swamp deer and black buck, both of which are endangered species. The reptilian inhabitants include the gharial and marsh mugger crocodiles, which are both classified as endangered.

For birdwatchers, Bardiya is a treasure trove, with over 405 bird species either migrating through or nesting in the park. Among the rarest birds spotted here are the Bengal florican, lesser florican, and Sarus crane, all of which are endangered. The silver-eared mesia is another critically endangered bird species found in the park.

Best Time to Visit Bardiya National Park

The ideal time to visit Bardiya National Park is from October to early May (particularly late February to May). During these months, the weather is pleasant, making it comfortable to explore the park and its wildlife. The dry conditions, particularly from February to May, offer excellent opportunities to spot tigers and other animals as they gather around the park’s water sources.

The monsoon season (from June to September) brings heavy rainfall and swollen rivers, making driving through the park challenging. Also, winter temperatures from mid-December to the end of January can be chilly, but it remains a great time for wildlife watching. But be prepared for cooler weather.

Getting to Bardiya National Park

To reach Bardiya National Park, you have a few travel options. The most convenient way is to fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj Airport, which takes about 45 minutes. From there, you can take a local bus or jeep to the park, which is around 3 hours away. Alternatively, if you prefer a more adventurous journey, you can take a bus from Kathmandu to Bardiya. It’s a 17-hour ride that typically costs around Rs. 2,200 (around $15).

However, most buses don’t go directly to the park’s main gateway. Instead, they stop at Ambassa, about 30 minutes away, where you can catch a tuk-tuk to Thakurdwara for an additional Rs. 500 ($3). Thakurdwara is where most accommodations are located and where jungle safaris begin, making it a convenient base for exploring the park.

Other Activities in Bardiya National Park

In addition to wildlife safaris, Bardiya National Park offers a range of activities that allow visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and local culture of the region. One popular option is the walking safari, available as either a half or full-day excursion. A full-day walking safari costs around $50. This covers the park entry fee and a packed lunch.

For those seeking a more comfortable ride through the park, jeep safaris are also available, with half or full-day options ranging from $200-250. Travelers can coordinate with their hotel to share a jeep with others and reduce costs.

A visit to Sunset Point, near the Elephant Breeding Centre in Thakurdwara, is another must-do activity. The area offers stunning views of the sun setting over the park and the river, although you must return to your hotel before dark for safety reasons.

For adventure seekers, rafting can also be arranged through local hotels. Lastly, the region’s cultural diversityy gives visitors the chance to learn about the Tharu ethnic group. The tribe is renowned for their distinctive food, clothing, language, and traditional lifestyle.

Park Fees in Bardiya National Park

The entrance fees for Bardiya National Park vary based on nationality. Nepalese visitors are charged NPR 50 (less than a dollar) per day while SAARC nationals pay NPR 500 (around $4) per day. Foreign tourists pay NPR 1,000 (about $8) per day. These tickets are valid for one day only.

There are also various other permits for activities within the park. A fishing permit costs NPR 200 ($1.50) for Nepalese nationals and NPR 2,000 ($16) for foreigners. For those interested in camping, the permit fee is NPR 200 ($1.50) for Nepalese nationals and NPR 1,500 ($12) for foreigners. Also, river safaris require a permit, with fees of NPR 200 ($1.50) for Nepalese visitors and NPR 2,000 ($16) for foreign tourists.

FAQs

Is it Mandatory to Hire a Guide?

Yes, hiring a guide is mandatory to enter Bardiya National Park. But you can easily arrange a guided safari the day before at your accommodation. Unlike Chitwan, where you might have multiple travel agencies to compare prices, Bardiya doesn’t offer many options for price negotiations in Thakurdwara. Most visitors book their safari through the hotel they are staying at.

How many tigers are in Bardiya National Park?

Bardiya is home to an impressive population of 125 Bengal tigers, making it one of the most important conservation areas for this iconic species in Nepal. The park’s efforts in anti-poaching measures and habitat preservation have contributed to the steady increase in tiger numbers over the years.

Conclusion

Bardiya National Park is one of Nepal’s best-kept secrets, offering an authentic wilderness experience that few other places in the country can match. Its rich biodiversity, wide range of activities, and commitment to conservation make it an ideal destination for wildlife enthusiasts.