Bardia National Park
This park is the largest and most undisturbed wilderness area in the Terai. About 70% of the park is covered with open sal forest, and the remaining area is a mixture of grasslands, savannah and riverine forests.
The park is home to endangered animals such as the Bengal tiger, wild elephant, Greater one-horned rhinoceros, swamp deer, and black buck. The other endangered species include Gharial crocodile, Marsh mugger and Gangetic dolphin. Endangered birds found in the park are-Bengal florican, lesser florican and sarus crane. More than 30 different mammals, over 200 species of birds and several species of snakes, lizards and fish have been recorded in the park’s forest, grassland and river. In addition to the resident species, several migratory birds visit the park.
Activities at Bardia centres around the jungle; Jeep safaria, jungle walks and boating on the Karnali River can be included. However we also suggest spending time in the Tharu villages on the fringes of the jungle, to understand how the previous conflict between humans and animals are being turned into a win win situation for both humans and animals. Learning about the Tharu culture is in itself worth a visit to this amazing part of Nepal! We suggest a minimum of three nights at Bardia in order to appreciate what Bardia as a destination has to offer, in terms of a unique wildlife experience. More than three nights will make you fully appreciate and participate in most of the activities and view more wildlife game.
The choices of accommodation in Bardia ranges from homestay in a Tharu village to the Top end Tiger Tops lodge. There are wonderful safari lodges in-between the two and no matter what style of accommodation or level of comfort you would like, we know the best place for you to stay.
- Starts In: Kathmandu
- Ends In: Kathmandu
- Duration: 4 Days
- Difficulty Grade: Easy
Highlights
- A chance to spot the Bengal Tiger in its natural habitat
- Experience Tharu culture in the villages around the National park
- Soaking up the peacefulness of the jungle
- Spot the Greater One-horned Rhinoceros
- For birdwatchers Bardia National Park is heaven
Itinerary
Day 01: Journey West to Bardia National Park
We take one of the regular daily flights from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, in the vast southern plains of Nepal. Upon arrival at the Nepalgunj airport we head west for two hours by vehicle to Bardia National Park, arriving in time for a late lunch at our jungle style lodge.
In the afternoon rangers or your guide will give you a full explanation of the surrounding environment, the wildlife that calls the area home and all about tomorrow’s safari. This evening we will be treated to a traditional Tharu dances before dinner.
Accommodation: Choose your luxury resort, safari lodge or village homestay
Meals included:
Lunch, Dinner
Day 02: Jungle safari adventures
Today we have a full day of jungle safari activities! Our excursions include early morning Jeep safari. Imagine the morning mists rising over the river and grasslands as you spy a mother rhino leading her baby down to the river for a drink. Monkeys chatter and birds call in the nearby trees, signalling that an elusive Royal Bengal Tiger is stalking deer through the high grass. This very special experience is truly unique out in Bardia National Park – unlike any other wildlife setting in Nepal.
Accommodation: Choose your luxury resort, safari lodge or village homestay
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 03: Jungle safari adventures
Today we wake up early ready for another day of getting to know the Bardia National Park. Before breakfast we meet some of the winged residents of the park with a bird watching walk where we have the chance to spot endangered birds such as the Bengal florican, lesser florican and sarus crane.
After breakfast we can take a walk to the wildlife observation tower followed by a jeep safari to try and spot the rare black buck. After lunch we will visit one of the nearby Tharu villages to learn about the human history and cultural heritage of this amazing area. his evening we will relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the jungle in our home away from home.
Accommodation: Choose your luxury resort, safari lodge or village homestay
Meals included:
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 04: Return to Kathmandu
This morning we can have one last safari before breakfast and then we bid farewell to the jungle and head east to Nepalgunj for our return flight to Kathmandu. If we had more time here we could indulge in some rafting on the Karnali river, or trekking to Churia hills where snow capped mountains can be seen and which offer beautiful sunrise and sunset.
Meals included: Breakfast
Gallery
Included In Price
- Transfers as per the itinerary transfer to your hotel plus all other transfers for a domestic flight, as mentioned in the itinerary above, in a private vehicle
- Hotel nights in the hotels specified in the itinerary; based on double/twin share rooms on bed and breakfast plan
- Meals as per the itinerary (all meals in Chitwan)
- Domestic return flights from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and back including airport tax and airport transfers
- Jungle and village activities in Bardia
Not Included In Price
- Services and activities not mentioned in the detailed itinerary
- Any gear or equipment that you may need to rent/buy – please ask us if you would like any advice about gear to bring/buy/rent
- International flights to and from Kathmandu
- Nepal visa fees and international airport taxes
- Any excess baggage charges
- Comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and rescue evacuation should this be required for any reason (we require this as the minimum insurance cover)
- Additional nights, optional trips and sightseeing tours outside the detailed itineraries above
Single supplement - Personal expenses (eg mineral water/soft drinks/bar bills, entrance/photography fees at monasteries, laundry, telephone calls, postage, donations, extra snacks, etc)
- Any extra charge that tea house owners may levy for single rooms, attached bathrooms, or hot showers (if these facilities are available) and charging of batteries
- Tips for your trekking crew, city guide, drivers, hotels, restaurants, etc (please ask if you would like guidance about appropriate tips)
- Costs incurred due to changes in programs and reservations due to unforeseen events (eg landslides, strikes, fuel shortages, etc)
