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About

Bardiya National Park is iocated along the border of Nepal and India on the far southeastern side.  The park encompasses 374 square miles (968 sq km) creating the largest national park in the country.  The pristine wilderness is one of the most natural and undistrubed landscapes in the country.

It was orignally named Royal Bardia National Park established in 1988.  The park, along with the neighboring Banke National Park, serves as part of the Tiger Conservation Unit protecting the endangered tigers.  Together the two parks account for 555 square miles (1,437 sq km) of protected terrain.

Bardiya is comprised of mostly forest accounting for about thre-fourths of the landscape.  Grasslands, savannah, and riverine forest account for the remaining terrain.  There is over 835 species of vegetation covering the park area. The Karnali River borders the west side of the park with the Babai River flowing through the main part of the park.

The park is well-known for its diversity of wildlife.  Some of the more popular species include the Bengal tiger, buffalo, the Indian elephant, spotted deer, monkeys, and the greater one-horned rhinoceros.  It is a fantastic destination for birdwatchers as well with over 405 species migrating through  or nesting in the national park.

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Bardiya National Park
Bardiya National Park
Bardiya National Park
Bardiya National Park
Bardiya National Park
Bardiya National Park

Things to See

The majority of visitors who venture to explore the national park are there for the wildlife.  The most common wildlife spotting highlights include the larger mammamilian species:

  • Bengal Tiger
  • Indian Elephant
  • One-horned Rhinoceros

Other species that have delighted visitors is sightings of the leopard, rustry-spotted cat, and the fishing cat.  One of the more adventurous highlights is exploring the park on the back of an elephant through an elepant safari.

Predators

Predators

Bardiya National Park is a bastion for predators, each playing a pivotal role in maintaining the delicate ecological balance of this untouched natural reserve.

Bengal Tiger
The Bengal Tiger, an apex predator, is a symbol of the park’s wild majesty, employing stealth and power to maintain the balance of the ecosystem.

Leopard
Agile and elusive, Leopards prowl the park’s forests, using their adaptability and strength to thrive in various habitats and hunt a wide range of prey.

Gharial
Specializing in fish, the Gharial is a critical aquatic predator in Bardiya, its long, narrow jaw a unique adaptation for catching slippery prey.

Marsh Mugger Crocodile
This formidable reptile is an opportunistic hunter, lurking in the park’s waterways to ambush birds, mammals, and fish that venture too close.

Indian Python
One of the largest snakes in the world, the Indian Python uses its incredible strength to constrict and subdue a variety of prey species.

Golden Jackal
Often underestimated, the Golden Jackal is a versatile predator and scavenger, playing an essential role in the park’s food web by controlling rodent populations.

Striated Heron
Though primarily a fish eater, the Striated Heron in Bardiya is a skilled hunter, showcasing the diversity of predatory strategies within the park.

Common Krait
A silent but deadly hunter, the Common Krait’s venom is highly potent, making it a fearsome predator of small mammals and reptiles within the park.

These predators, among others, highlight Bardiya National Park’s status as a vital haven for Nepal’s wildlife, showcasing the intricate interplay of predator and prey.

Popular

Popular

Bardiya National Park is a sanctuary for a diverse array of wildlife species, each contributing to the rich biodiversity and ecological significance of this protected area.

Asian Elephant
Gentle giants of Bardiya, Asian Elephants are social creatures, their herds often seen meandering through the forest, playing a key role in ecosystem dynamics.

One-horned Rhinoceros
A symbol of conservation success, the One-horned Rhinoceros is notable for its armor-like skin and solitary nature, roaming the park’s grasslands and forests.

Gaur (Indian Bison)
The imposing Gaur, or Indian Bison, stands as Asia’s largest bovine, grazing in the park’s meadows and contributing to the diversity of large herbivores.

Sambar Deer
Large and majestic, Sambar Deer are essential for the forest’s health, serving as a primary food source for many of Bardiya’s predators.

Spotted Deer (Chital)
With their striking spotted coats, Chital are among the park’s most visible herbivores, providing key prey for tigers and other large carnivores.

Hog Deer
Smaller than other deer species, Hog Deer are adaptable, often found in grasslands and floodplains, crucial for maintaining undergrowth and serving as prey.

Blackbuck
The Blackbuck, with its distinctive spiraling horns and contrasting coat colors, adds to the park’s charm, thriving in the open grasslands.

Wild Boar
Omnivorous and resilient, Wild Boars have a significant impact on the ecosystem, their foraging habits aiding in seed dispersion and soil aeration.

Hanuman Langur
These grey monkeys, revered in local culture, are vital for forest regeneration, their leafy diet and movement through the canopy aiding in seed dispersal.

Indian Pangolin
An elusive nocturnal creature, the Indian Pangolin is prized for its insectivorous diet, contributing to the control of termite populations within the park.

Each species in Bardiya National Park plays a vital role in sustaining the ecological balance, showcasing the interconnectedness of life within this vibrant ecosystem.

Things To Do

Experiencing the wildlife is the reason visitors travel to this part of Nepal and there are various ways for you to engage in wildlife sightings.

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Game Drive

One of the most frequently ways visitors epxlore the park is through a traditional game drive.  This provides an excellent opportunity for experiencing the most wildlife possibility.

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Elephant Safari

One of the more adventureous ways to discover the park is on the back of an elephant.  The elephant safari is a more intimate experience while also delivering unique ways to see wildlife.

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Walking Tours

You can also take walking tours that allow you to trek through portions of the vast jungle and see the terrain as one of its own.  These are guided tours which help keep you protected 

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White-water Rafting

The Karnali River is the longest in Nepal and delivers an opportunity for visitors of the park to go white-water rafting adding to the adventure.

Wildlife Safari

Embark on a thrilling wildlife safari through Bardiya National Park’s diverse habitats, including dense forests, grasslands, and riverine ecosystems. Guided jeep or elephant safaris offer excellent opportunities to spot iconic wildlife such as Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, one-horned rhinoceroses, and sloth bears in their natural habitat.

Jungle Walks

Immerse yourself in the wilderness of Bardiya National Park with guided jungle walks led by experienced naturalist guides. Trek through lush forests, listening to the calls of exotic birds and the rustle of wildlife in the undergrowth. Jungle walks provide intimate encounters with the park’s diverse flora and fauna, offering a unique perspective on its natural beauty and biodiversity.

River Rafting

Experience the thrill of river rafting on the Karnali River, which flows through the heart of Bardiya National Park. Guided rafting expeditions offer adrenaline-pumping adventure amidst stunning natural scenery, with opportunities to spot wildlife along the riverbanks and enjoy serene moments surrounded by pristine wilderness.

Wildlife Safari

Embark on a thrilling wildlife safari through Bardiya National Park’s diverse habitats, including dense forests, grasslands, and riverine ecosystems. Guided jeep or elephant safaris offer excellent opportunities to spot iconic wildlife such as Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, one-horned rhinoceroses, and sloth bears in their natural habitat.

Jungle Walks

Immerse yourself in the wilderness of Bardiya National Park with guided jungle walks led by experienced naturalist guides. Trek through lush forests, listening to the calls of exotic birds and the rustle of wildlife in the undergrowth. Jungle walks provide intimate encounters with the park’s diverse flora and fauna, offering a unique perspective on its natural beauty and biodiversity.

River Rafting

Experience the thrill of river rafting on the Karnali River, which flows through the heart of Bardiya National Park. Guided rafting expeditions offer adrenaline-pumping adventure amidst stunning natural scenery, with opportunities to spot wildlife along the riverbanks and enjoy serene moments surrounded by pristine wilderness.

Bardiya National Park Trails

Trekking through the jungle and amongst the savannahs is one of the best hiking experiences in an unspoiled landscape.

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Karnali Riverbank Walk

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: Varies, typically 2-4 miles (3-6 kilometers) with minimal elevation gain.

Description: This gentle walk along the banks of the Karnali River offers chances to spot the endangered Gangetic dolphin and a variety of birdlife.

The tranquility of the river, combined with the lush surrounding forests, makes for a peaceful hiking experience.

Keep an eye out for footprints of larger mammals that come to the river to drink.

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Sal Forest Trail

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: Approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) with some undulating terrain.

Description: Trek through the dense Sal forests that are characteristic of the park. This trail is excellent for those looking to immerse themselves in the rich flora of the region.

Birdwatchers will particularly enjoy this hike, as the forest canopy is home to many species of birds, including woodpeckers, hornbills, and the elusive Bengal florican.

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Babai Valley Trek

Rating: Moderate to Strenuous

Distance and Elevation Gain: Varies, up to 10 miles (16 kilometers) with moderate elevation changes.

Description: The Babai Valley offers a more challenging trek through diverse habitats, from dense forests to open grasslands.

Hikers can enjoy the stunning natural scenery and may encounter wildlife such as deer, monkeys, and with some luck, the Royal Bengal tiger.

This trek requires a guide and proper preparation.

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Tiger Tracking Trail

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 3-5 miles (5-8 kilometers), with minimal to moderate elevation gain.

Description: For those interested in wildlife, particularly the majestic Royal Bengal tiger, this guided trail offers a thrilling experience.

While spotting a tiger is never guaranteed, the trail goes through areas where tigers are known to roam.

The thrill of tracking, combined with the possibility of seeing a variety of other wildlife, makes this an unforgettable experience.

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Community Forest Walk

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: 2-3 miles (3-5 kilometers) with minimal elevation gain.

Description: Surrounding the national park, community-managed forests provide a unique opportunity to see how local communities are involved in conservation efforts.

These walks are less about the challenging terrain and more about understanding the human-wildlife coexistence and the importance of sustainable practices.

It’s a great way to see a different side of Nepal’s conservation efforts.

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Karnali Riverbank Walk

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: Varies, typically 2-4 miles (3-6 kilometers) with minimal elevation gain.

Description: This gentle walk along the banks of the Karnali River offers chances to spot the endangered Gangetic dolphin and a variety of birdlife.

The tranquility of the river, combined with the lush surrounding forests, makes for a peaceful hiking experience.

Keep an eye out for footprints of larger mammals that come to the river to drink.

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Sal Forest Trail

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: Approximately 5 miles (8 kilometers) with some undulating terrain.

Description: Trek through the dense Sal forests that are characteristic of the park. This trail is excellent for those looking to immerse themselves in the rich flora of the region.

Birdwatchers will particularly enjoy this hike, as the forest canopy is home to many species of birds, including woodpeckers, hornbills, and the elusive Bengal florican.

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Babai Valley Trek

Rating: Moderate to Strenuous

Distance and Elevation Gain: Varies, up to 10 miles (16 kilometers) with moderate elevation changes.

Description: The Babai Valley offers a more challenging trek through diverse habitats, from dense forests to open grasslands.

Hikers can enjoy the stunning natural scenery and may encounter wildlife such as deer, monkeys, and with some luck, the Royal Bengal tiger.

This trek requires a guide and proper preparation.

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Tiger Tracking Trail

Rating: Moderate

Distance and Elevation Gain: 3-5 miles (5-8 kilometers), with minimal to moderate elevation gain.

Description: For those interested in wildlife, particularly the majestic Royal Bengal tiger, this guided trail offers a thrilling experience.

While spotting a tiger is never guaranteed, the trail goes through areas where tigers are known to roam.

The thrill of tracking, combined with the possibility of seeing a variety of other wildlife, makes this an unforgettable experience.

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Community Forest Walk

Rating: Easy

Distance and Elevation Gain: 2-3 miles (3-5 kilometers) with minimal elevation gain.

Description: Surrounding the national park, community-managed forests provide a unique opportunity to see how local communities are involved in conservation efforts.

These walks are less about the challenging terrain and more about understanding the human-wildlife coexistence and the importance of sustainable practices.

It’s a great way to see a different side of Nepal’s conservation efforts.

Park Protection

Bardiya National Park was created to protect the pristine wilderness of the forests and grasslands that were home to the diversity of wildlife living around the area.  The park has committed efforts to protect the elephent, rhino, and tiger populations which has proven successful with the populations increase over the past few decades.

FAQ’s

What is Bardiya National Park known for?

Bardiya National Park, located in the Terai region of Nepal, is renowned for its pristine wilderness, diverse ecosystems, and abundant wildlife. It’s one of the largest and most undisturbed protected areas in Nepal.

The park is particularly known for its population of Bengal tigers, which roam freely in its dense forests and grasslands.

Additionally, Bardiya is home to a variety of other wildlife, including Asian elephants, one-horned rhinoceroses, sloth bears, and over 250 species of birds. Visitors to Bardiya National Park can enjoy wildlife safaris, jungle walks, birdwatching, and cultural experiences with indigenous Tharu communities, offering an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Nepalese wilderness.

What is Bardiya National Park known for?

Bardiya National Park, located in the Terai region of Nepal, is renowned for its pristine wilderness, diverse ecosystems, and abundant wildlife. It’s one of the largest and most undisturbed protected areas in Nepal.

The park is particularly known for its population of Bengal tigers, which roam freely in its dense forests and grasslands.

Additionally, Bardiya is home to a variety of other wildlife, including Asian elephants, one-horned rhinoceroses, sloth bears, and over 250 species of birds. Visitors to Bardiya National Park can enjoy wildlife safaris, jungle walks, birdwatching, and cultural experiences with indigenous Tharu communities, offering an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the Nepalese wilderness.

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