Situated in the mid-far western Terai, bordered by the Karnali River, Bardia National Park covers 968 sq. km. It is 585 km from Kathmandu and is the largest and most undisturbed expanse of wilderness in southern Nepal, although it is also the least explored by tourists.
About 70% of the park is covered with sal jungle; the remaining 30% is a mixture of grassland, savannah and riverine forest. The park contains eight types of ecosystem. The park headquarters are situated at Thakurdwara (also the location of Forest Hideaway) and is surrounded by idyllic villages and fields inhabited by an indigenous ethnic group, the ‘Tharu’.
Originally a hunting reserve, Bardia became a conservation area in 1976 and then attained National Park status in 1988. Presently a plan is being considered to further expand the park both north and eastwards. Conservation is a strong theme within Bardia; the park as well providing a home habitat for many species also provides an ideal environment for the study of wildlife. The WWF and the Nature Conservation Trust are active in the park monitoring wildlife and breeding habitats. They have also implemented an educational scheme for local people highlighting the importance of, and need for conservation.
The Karnali River is one of the longest Himalayan river of mid-west Nepal famous for fishing game. A good habitat of great fish like the mahseer, you can go fishing with good fishing equipment. The best time for fishing is generally October to April.
These are aimed at particular habitats or types of wildlife. For example, a popular choice is a Black Buck Antelope Tour or a prolonged three-day deep jungle trek. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any further details or information on what you want to do.
Walking in allows you to explore the rich diversity of the jungle, grasslands and rivers. This is the best way to see wildlife and nature close up. Your guide can give you in-depth information on the habitats you pass through, details of the plant and animal life you encounter and will brief you on general tracking tips.
Local bikes are available for you to explore the local village, with or without a guide.
FROM THE BLOGThis year I had my most amazing jungle safari in Nepal going around Bardia National Park as a part of market research, feasibility study and safari holidays.
