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Bardiya National Park Nepal – Ultimate Jungle Safari Travel Guide
Bardiya National Park is one of Nepal’s best-kept secrets—a destination that proves Nepal is more than just snow-capped mountains. Located in the remote western region of the country, Bardiya is home to pristine jungles and some of the most incredible wildlife experiences in Nepal.
If you're dreaming of a peaceful and authentic wildlife safari in Nepal, Bardiya National Park is the place to be. This untouched wilderness is a hidden gem, offering a quieter, richer, and more immersive jungle experience than the more touristy Chitwan National Park.
Why Visit Bardiya National Park?
Bardiya National Park is the ultimate destination for spotting Royal Bengal tigers, wild elephants, and leopards in their natural habitat. Unlike Chitwan, Bardiya remains uncrowded, and its eco-friendly tourism practices make it ideal for responsible travelers. The park offers smaller-scale, sustainable jungle tours, where nature takes center stage.
Beyond wildlife adventures, the area around Bardiya—especially Thakurdwara village—is a beautiful place to explore. Surrounded by indigenous Tharu villages, the countryside offers glimpses into authentic rural life. You’ll see children playing, women harvesting crops, men herding goats, and buffaloes cooling off in the rivers. Exploring these villages by bicycle is as rewarding as a jungle trek.
My Personal Experience in Bardiya National Park
During my time in far-western Nepal, I visited Bardiya National Park three times, each offering unique adventures. My favorite activities included full-day jungle walks and rafting trips on the Karnali River. These excursions took me through dense forests, open grasslands, and along riverbanks teeming with wildlife.
Although I didn’t spot a tiger, I did see wild elephants, herds of deer, playful monkeys, and a variety of bird species. The park’s growing tiger population means sightings are possible with some luck—especially during the dry season.
Bardiya National Park vs. Chitwan National Park
While Chitwan is more accessible and has better infrastructure, Bardiya offers a more raw and untouched jungle experience. You won’t find luxury resorts or crowded jeep tours here. Instead, you’ll feel the true essence of Nepal’s wilderness. It’s one of the best places in Asia for spotting tigers in the wild and observing nature in its purest form.
Due to its remote location, Bardiya requires time. You’ll need at least 2 to 3 full days in the park, not including travel time from Kathmandu or Pokhara, which can take up to 16 hours by road. This makes Bardiya ideal for travelers with a week or more in Nepal.
Top Things to Do in Bardiya National Park
1. Jungle Walks
Jungle trekking in Bardiya is the most immersive and eco-friendly way to explore the park. Full-day jungle walks take you deep into the forest and along the Karnali River, where wildlife sightings are common.
2. Jeep Safaris
A jeep safari allows you to cover more ground in a shorter time. Full-day safaris include stops at watchtowers and watering holes. However, vehicle noise can scare away animals, making sightings less likely compared to walking safaris.
3. Rafting and River Boating
One of the most scenic ways to explore Bardiya is by rafting on the Karnali River. It’s mostly a gentle float with the chance to see crocodiles, birds, and maybe even a dolphin. You can also combine it with a fishing trip.
4. Bird Watching
With over 400 species of birds, Bardiya is a bird lover’s paradise. Mornings and late afternoons are the best times for birdwatching in Bardiya, especially during jungle walks or rafting tours.
5. Visit the Elephant Breeding Center
Visit in the early morning or after 4 PM when elephants return from patrolling. Though small, the center plays a role in conservation efforts.
6. Crocodile Breeding Center
Get a close look at gharials and marsh mugger crocodiles, along with turtles, as part of ongoing preservation projects.
7. Tharu Museum
The Tharu museum showcases traditional tools and crafts of the Tharu people. Still, the best way to experience Tharu culture is by cycling through nearby villages.
8. Explore Tharu Villages
Bardiya is not only about wildlife. It’s also a great place to discover the indigenous Tharu lifestyle. Cycling or walking through the surrounding villages provides a deeper cultural connection.
9. Elephant Riding (Avoid Recommended)
While elephant riding in Nepal remains popular, it’s a controversial activity due to ethical concerns. Training methods can be inhumane, and the animals often suffer from poor living conditions. It's best to support ethical wildlife tourism by avoiding elephant rides.
Bardiya National Park Travel Tips
Wildlife in Bardiya
The park is home to Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, and the one-horned rhinoceros. Other mammals include spotted deer, langurs, and sloth bears. Bardiya also hosts the rare Gangetic river dolphin and over 400 bird species.
Best Time to Visit Bardiya
The best time to visit Bardiya National Park is from mid-September to mid-December and February to mid-June. For tiger sightings, May and early June are ideal as the heat drives animals to visible waterholes. Avoid the monsoon season (late June to September), as trails become muddy and visibility is poor.
Getting to Bardiya National Park
By Bus: From Kathmandu (14–16 hrs), Pokhara (12–14 hrs), or Lumbini (10–12 hrs) to Ambassa. Then transfer to Thakurdwara village, 15 km away.
By Air: Take a flight to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu or Pokhara, then a 2-3 hour drive (75 km) to Bardiya.
Private Vehicle: Ideal for multi-stop travel. Visit Lumbini or Nepalgunj en route to break the journey.
Accommodation and Food in Bardiya
Most eco-lodges and jungle resorts in Bardiya are in and around Thakurdwara village, close to the park entrance. There are no accommodations inside the park, so any claims otherwise are false. Lodges typically offer full-board packages and help arrange jungle activities. Expect rates around 1000–1200 NPR per night with traditional Nepali meals.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking for a unique Nepal jungle safari experience, Bardiya National Park is unmatched. With its rich biodiversity, low tourist footprint, and authentic cultural experiences, Bardiya promises a meaningful and unforgettable journey into Nepal’s wild side.
So, pack your binoculars, book your eco-lodge, and get ready to explore one of the best places to see wildlife in Nepal—a true hidden gem off the beaten path.
