Bardia National Park – Nepal’s largest playground of Bengal Tigers

“Bardia National Park is wilder, denser and is a hair-raiser”

Bardia National Park is rarely frequented and unharmed protected park of Nepal. It is probably the best wildlife destination in Nepal. Bardia National Park was declared the protected National Park in 1988. It spreads in the area of 968 sq. km. Bardia National Park is wilder, denser and is a hair-raiser. The park resembles Chitwan National Park as it was three decades ago. It is the largest protected home of Royal Bengal Tigers in Nepal and one of the biggest in Asia.

However, the park suffered adversely during Maoist insurgency. Poaching of endangered species was very high then. Royal Bengal Tigers and one-horned rhinos became the prime targets of poachers. Hence their number fell heavily. The poaching almost extinct Rhinos from the park. And they were relocated here from Chitwan National Park. 

Bardia National Park is home to 30 species of mammals. The park also houses more than 400 species of birds. It houses endangered  species like Bengal florican and sarus crane. In the river ecosystem of the park, aquatic life prospers. Gharial and marsh mugger crocodiles and Gangetic dolphins are frequent sights.

“The possibility of sighting Tigers in the park is more than 50% and rhinos are  certain sights”

As the insurgency was over, the wildlife in the park dramatically began to prosper. Now the Park caters the most intriguing wildlife activities of entire Nepal. The possibility of sighting Tigers in the park is more than 50% and rhinos are certain sights.

“Plus the villages in close proximity of the park are great cultural showcase”

Those who craves to enjoy the wilds in relatively undisturbed, wilder and less touristy destination, park is ideal . Plus villages in close proximity of the park are great cultural showcase. The homes to indigenous Tharus, the villages are authentic and culturally very rich.

Getting to the park is either by flight or road. One hour flight to Nepalgunj followed by an hour drive takes you to the park. Or, else you will have to drive a full day from Kathmandu to reach the park.