Bardia National Park
Nepal Bardia National Park is the largest and most peaceful place in Nepal. Situated in the Terai valley, it covers an area of approximately 968 sq. km. The park swas established to protect representative ecosystems, as well as to protect tigers and their prey species, and is protected by the board of wildlife in Nepal.
The Royal Bardiya Park was established in 1969 as a Royal Hunting Reserve. And in 1976 it was gazetted as the Karnali Wildlife Reserve. When this area was protected, about 1500 people of the Babai valley were resettled outside the park allowing the flora and fauna to thrive. In 1982 it was renamed as The Royal Bardia National Park, and in 1984 it was extended to its current size.
The reserve was given the status of a National Park in 1988. Greater One-horned Rhinoceros were translocated from Royal Chitwan National Park in 1986, 1991, and 1999. In 1997, an area of 327 sq. km surrounding the park was declared as a buffer zone which consists of forests and private lands. The buffer zone is jointly managed by the park and local communities. Together they began community development activities and managed natural resources in the buffer zones.
The National Park in Nepal is about a four-hour drive from the town of Nepalgunj which is connected to the Kathmandu. The quickest way to get there is to fly from Kathmandu to Nepalganj where the lodge staff will meet you for the 2-hour drive to camp.
At Bardia National Park there are more than 30 different mammals and endangered animals. You will be able to see the tiger, rhinoceros, wild elephant, and the black buck. Also found at the National Park are over 300 species of reptiles and fish including crocodile and dolphin. The Park is a bird watcher’s paradise that displays many beautiful and colorful endangered species of birds including migratory birds. You will see the Bengal florican, silver-eared mesia and the Sarus crane.
A massive percentage of the national Park comes to life with the many stunning trees with a mixture of beautiful lush forest with grasslands. About 70% of the forest consists of sal trees with a mixture of grassland and riverine forest. Sal leaves are used in celebrations and religious offerings. Walking in these surroundings is amazing. Other common animals found in the park include the leopard and lesser cat. You will be amazed at how much there is to see in the Bardia National Park. There are also several interesting animals roaming about such as deer, monkeys, and bears. What an ideal park to visit for game viewing.
The Royal Bardia National Park has three different seasons, each one giving an exclusive experience. From October to early April the weather is dry. The days are hot, and the nights are cool and enjoyable. From April through June the temperature warms up, and peaks at about 45 degrees Celsius in May. The hot sticky days give way to the monsoon rains that last until September.
Come and experience Bardia National park’s warm hospitality. There are lovely lodges in the park as well as wildlife tours of three or more days. Inclusive of accommodation you will receive meals and wildlife activities. To experience Bardia National Park a two-night stay over would be great, but staying an extra day is worthwhile. The lodge operates round the year except during the Monsoon season of June - September when most lodges are closed. You may choose to be accompanied by the resident naturalists and guides on excursions such as the elephant-back safaris, canoe rides, jungle walks, bird-watching tours, and jeep drives.
So come and explore and have fun with the whole family.
