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Bardiya Overview

Bardiya National Park, established in 1988, is a secluded gem nestled in the Terai region of Northwestern Nepal. Covering an area of approximately 968 square kilometers (374 square miles), it represents the largest and most undisturbed wilderness area in the Terai, providing a sanctuary for a diverse array of flora and fauna. Located in the Bardiya District, the park is bordered by the Karnali River to the west and the Churia hills to the north, creating a varied landscape of riverine forests, grasslands, and savannahs.

The park’s biodiversity is rich and varied, making it one of the last strongholds for several endangered species, including the Royal Bengal tiger, the Asian elephant, and the one-horned rhinoceros. It also provides habitat for over 30 different mammals, more than 250 species of birds, and several species of snakes, lizards, and fish. The Gharial crocodile and the Gangetic dolphin are among the aquatic species that inhabit the Karnali River and its tributaries within the park.

Bardiya National Park’s extensive grasslands and riverine forests offer excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and bird watching, making it a prime destination for eco-tourists and nature enthusiasts. The park’s relative remoteness and lower visitor numbers compared to Chitwan National Park allow for a more serene and intimate experience with nature.

Visitors to Bardiya can engage in a variety of activities, including jungle safaris on foot, elephant back, jeep, and boat. These safaris offer the chance to observe the park’s wildlife in their natural habitats. Additionally, the park’s Tharu villages provide cultural experiences, showcasing the unique lifestyle and traditions of the indigenous people of the Terai.

Bardiya National Park stands as a testament to Nepal’s commitment to conservation and offers a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife diversity, and cultural richness, making it an essential destination for those looking to explore the untouched wilderness of the Nepalese Terai.

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Park Map
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Bardiya National Park Highlights

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

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.

Bardiya National Park Pictures

Engaging Bardiya National Park

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FAQ’s

1. 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.

Sources
  • Backpacking Adventures, Bardiya National Park, https://www.backpackadventures.org/bardiya-national-park/, retrieved April 2024.
  • Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, https://dnpwc.gov.np/en/conservation-area-detail/80/, retrieved April 2024.
  • Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, Bardiya National Park, https://www.bardianationalpark.gov.np/index.php/en/, retrieved April 2024.
  • Discover Nepal, Bardiya, https://www.welcomenepal.com/places-to-see/Bardiya.html, retrieved April 2024.
  • Nepal Eco-Adeventure, Bardiya National Park, https://nepalecoadventure.com/trip/bardiya-national-park/, retrieved April 2024.