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.
Bardia National Park provides a number of well looked after domestic elephants. These fearless, majestic animals provide the safest and easiest way to move around inside the park. Walking through tall grasslands and dense jungle, you’ll sight wildlife safely from the back of the elephant.
An early morning 30 km drive by jeep will drop you by the Karnali River. This is followed by a serene day rafting down the gentle Karnali. Drifting down the river allows you to spot wildlife, especially the endangered freshwater Gangetic dolphin, the gharial crocodile, exotic birds and big game on the nearby river banks. Swimming is also possible and sometimes the dolphins may join you!
This essentially dances performed by local Tharu dance troupes and is a highlight of any visit to Forest Hideaway. You will see the colorful dances with traditional costumes and music.
This is the fastest way to explore the park, allowing you to journey deep into the jungle. You visit some of the best viewing towers and you go off-road in a four-wheel drive vehicle for an unforgettable safari experience.
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.
