The Bardia National Park most unspoiled wilderness is spread over 968 sq km and located in the Western Nepal Terai 370 mks from Kathmandu . The park is reputed for its rich and divers flora and fauna considered as one of the most picturesque national parks in Asia . The vegetation in the park ranges from early successional stage, tall floodplains grassland. Established on the alluvial floodplain of Karnali, Orai and babai rivers systems to the climax stage, sal forest, extended on relatively dry flat lands and slopes of the park are revegetated and are dominated by grass species. The park provides an excellent wilderness experience for visitors. Unique flora and fauna and landscape of the park and indigenous culture of buffer zone communities are important attraction for the tourists. The park is bound on the north by the Chure hills and is skirted on the West by the Geruwa river, a branch of the Karnali which is a major tributary of the Ganges . The southern fringes are the villages of the indigenous and unique Tharu people of western Nepal .
It is generally known as the best place where your chances of spotting a tiger in Nepal are the highest. Other animals include the rhinoceros, swamp deer, leopards, jungle cats, blue bulls (nilgai), sloth bears, barking deer and langurs. There are a few wild elephants and one of the males is considered the largest in Asia !
The Geruwa river that rushes in through a break in the hill range, silt laden and full with snowmelt, is home to the famous Mahseer game fish, gharial, mugger crocodile and the freshwater Gangetic dolphin. The park also has cobras, kraits and pythons.
The park boasts more than 250 species of birds, including the endangered Bengal florican, Sarus crane and many species of geese, ducks and parakeets.
Activities
-Jungle trek: a full day walk in the jungle accompanied by experienced naturalist and wildlife tracker, where you are sure to see many of the abundant wildlife and excellent photographic opportunities
-Jeep safari: The comfortable four wheeled safari makes deep forays into the jungle covering a large area of the park which ensures you types of forest and wildlife.
-Rafting: a full day rafting with packed lunch on the karnali river which runs across the park, you shall have an excellent opportunity to view birds, river dolphin. crocodile.
-Bird watching: an excellent opportunity to watch many of the 350 species of birds.
Elephant safari: a unique and great opportunity to see wildlife from the top of an Asia 's Elephant.
-Elephant breeding center visit: a visit provides seeing the small baby elephant and giving birth to the baby.
-Crocodile breeding center and Tharu museum visit: to see the lifestyle of local Tharu people and breeding of crocodile is another attraction of the trip.
-Village tour: the tour is to a nearby Tharu village where you will learn and see the lifestyle of the community.
-Cultural program: a dance and cultural program performed by the Tharu shall be another highlight of your visit.
Access
It is far way from kathmandu expensive travel or long way drive to reach the Bardia National Park . There are daily flights as well as public buses from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. The airport at Nepalgunj 85 kms from the park provides regular flights. The park office is situated at Thakurdwara, 20 km southwest along a dirt road from Anbassa on the Mahendra highway. The drive from Nepalgunj takes less than 2 1/2 hours, although local buses take much longer. For Thakurdwara, there are a couple of direct buses from Nepalgunj taking two three hours
Night buses from Kathmandu to Mahendranagar can drop you at Ambassa, although they get there in the wee hours of the morning.
Season
The best time to visit the park is from October through March. The months of April-June are unbearably hot while July-September is monsoon time.
Accommodation
The accommodation facilities are more as the number of tourists is increasing every year. There are a number of lodges and hotels that have sprung up in the recent past, so there is no real problem for accommodation. However, in the season, it may be advisable to make a booking before heading out there.
Ethnic group- Tharus, Bramin, Chhetri and Mongoloid
Safari package cost for foreigners
One Night Two Days
USD$ 130
Two Nights Three Days
USD$ 155
Three Nights Four Days
USD$ 180
Safari package cost for SAARC Country
One Night Two Days
INR 4500
Two Nights Three Days
INR 5800
Three Nights Four Days
INR 7000
Note:
•Children below 10 years - 50% discount on the rates
•Children below 3 years - free of cost
•One group leader free for 15 paying Pax and above.
Cost includes:
•Accommodation
•All meal ( Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
•Jungle programs as per the duration.
•English speaking nature guide
•National park entry fee.
•All government Tax
•Both way transportation by tourist bus.
Cost excludes:
•Private transportation
•Air Tickets
•Travel insurance
•Personal expenses like: bar bill, tips & others.
•Program other than mentioned in itinerary.
•10 % service charge.
Guest References:
The Jungle tour was very good and fit well into the whole package set up by the management to minimize time spent in bus. The jungle trip itself was great fun including wild animals watching, bathing with the Elephant (much more fun than we expected) and plats of good food included.
Ola Halvorsen
Norway
After the Karnali River rafting-trip with Holiday Mountain treks we went to Bardiya Park, of course to see a tiger. And fortunately, we did! The service at the forest hideaway hotel is very nice. The owners and guides are friendly and did their best for us. The trip itself was very exciting and interesting. I would like to recommend this trip to all my friends with excellent arrangements of this agency.
Urs Siegfried
Switzerland
It is great excitement involving lots of activities. I thoroughly recommend the Elephant safari. You will see the Rhinos and deer at very close range and its much better than at ground level, believe me! Guide very professional and great food! Whole excursion was very well organized.
Adam penny
Australia