Bardia National Park

About this place

Bardia National Park is the largest and least disturbed park in Nepal's Terai lowlands, lying along the eastern bank of the Karnali River in the west of the country. Most visitors come hoping to see a tiger, and it is far quieter than Chitwan because it is harder to reach, so entering its forests feels closer to true wilderness. It began in 1969 as a royal hunting reserve of 368 sq km, then became a wildlife reserve, was extended to include the Babai Valley in 1984 and became a national park in 1988. It now covers 968 sq km. When farming stopped in the Babai Valley, the vegetation regenerated naturally and the area became prime wildlife habitat. Forest covers about 70 percent of the park, with the rest grassland, savannah and riverine woodland. At least 53 mammal species have been recorded, and its rivers hold mugger crocodiles and small numbers of gharials. Spotted deer walk among the trees on dirt tracks, and the river turns golden and still towards evening. It is about 48 km in a straight line from Nepalgunj, with its headquarters at Thakurdwara. Buses come from Kathmandu and Pokhara, but the journey is long. October to March is the best time. Guides say a guide is needed to walk in the forest, so book through your lodging, follow instructions, keep clear of animals and do not expect a guaranteed tiger sighting.