Bardiya National Park Tour

Bardia National Park Tour
Bardia national park jungle road
bardia national park tiger
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At a Glance
Duration4 Days
Trip GradeEasy
CountryNepal
Maximum Altitude1400 meters/4593 feet
Group Size1-20
Travel StyleTour
Best TimeAll Around The Year

Bardiya National Park Tour is one of the most popular jungle safari tours in Nepal. This incredible national park, which is spread across an area of 968 sq km (374 sq mil), is the largest national park in the Terai lowland.

Initially, this park was named Karnali Wildlife Reserve, then the name was changed to Bardiya Wildlife Reserve in 1982 and was turned into a national park in 1988. Known for its incredible biodiversity, this national park boasts 53 mammals, 23 reptiles, 125 fishes, 407 birds, and 239 plant species.

Due to its incredible diversity, from tropical forests and grasslands to riverine forests, these wide species of flora and fauna thrive inside the park. This park’s high-base dentistry makes the jungle safari more thrilling and memorable. You will be able to explore and encounter a wide range of flora and faunal species during your trip.

Bardiya National Park has the highest population of Asian Wild Elephants, the second highest population of the Royal Bengal Tiger, Swamp Deer, and the Greate One-Horned Rhinoceros across the globe.

Besides the exploration of the rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, you will also be able to experience the unique Tharu culture. The Tharu communities, which are the majority in the region, will give you insights into the lifestyle, tradition, culture, and wonderful delicacies of the indigenous community.

As this is a large-scale protected area and one of the best destinations for safari tours in Asia, you will also be able to enjoy an extensive range of activities during your trip. Bardiya National Park offers several recreational activities, such as jungle walking, boating, canoe riding, cycling, tiger tracking, bird watching, dolphin watching, fishing, and Tharu cultural shows that you can include with your jungle safari.

Highlights of Bardiya National Park Safari

  • One of the most thrilling wildlife safari destinations is the natural habitat for a wide range of species
  • Home to the tallest record species of Asia Wild Elephant ‘Rajagaj’
  • A hub of the exotic species of tiger, Royal Bengal Tiger
  • Baridya National Park has the highest pray base density among other conserved areas in the country
  • Charming alluring beauty of raw wilderness and diverse terrain from lush grassland, wetlands, tropical and riverine forest
  • Opportunity to explore the elephant breeding center and the crocodile breeding center
  • Indigenous Tharu communities, their fascinating culture, tradition, delicacies and lifestyle

Trip Customization

This Nepal Bardiya National Park, with Regal Nepal Tours in general, is a 3-day 4-night package. However, we also offer package customization options so you can enjoy the trip of your preference.

The next best alternatives for this package are 4 days 5 nights, and 5 days 6 nights options. With these extensive touring options, you will be able to enjoy an extra set of activities during your stay in Bardiya.

We also offer a complete personalization option where you will be able to decide on the set length of trip, quality of services, and overall activities you want to engage during your tour. There are several recreational activities that you can do in the Bardiya Nationa Park, such as:

  • Jungle walking
  • Jungle safari
  • Boating
  • Canoe riding
  • Cycling
  • Tiger tracking
  • Bird watching
  • Dolphin watching
  • Homestay
  • Fishing
  • Tharu Cultural Show

Regal Nepal will arrange all the activities you prefer during your exploration of this largest national park in the lowland Terai. With us you will be able to enjoy your ideal safari tour that will be a lifelong memory.

bardia national park jungle road

Best Time for Bardiya National Park Safari

As this incredible safari tour is nothing like a mountain expedition or trekking, you will be able to enjoy it throughout the year. However, for the best Bardiya National Park weather, we recommend you take part in this tour during the spring (March- May) and autumn (September- November).

These points of the year are considered the peak periods due to the stable climate they present for different kinds of adventures. Spring, in particular, is one of the best seasons for jungle safari tours in Nepal.

As it is a season of nature, you will be welcomed by lush greenery and stunning colorful flowers inside the national park. The blooming period of nature will add further excitement to your trip as it brings vibrance to the animal ecosystem.

Similarly, autumn, the fall season, is another popular period for this safar as the Bardiya National Park weather is very pleasant at this point. The temperature is also on the milder side, which will make this safari tour in the Terai belt a comfortable experience.

The wildlife and birdlife of the national park are more active during this period, which increases the probability of sighting the rare species. Nepal Bardiya National Park Tour is also possible during the winter (December- February) as the Terai belt doesn’t receive any snowfall.

However, for the monsoon (June- August) trip, you will need to find the most appropriate period for your tour. The weather conditions are not normally stable at his point, but under the right circumstances, this safari tour will be an exhilarating and unique experience.

Bardiya National Park Tour Cost

Your Bardiya National Park Tour cost will be determined by several factors, such as the overall duration of the tour, activities included, cultural participation, type of safari, and the quality of the services and amenities offered.

So, don’t jump the gun while surfing for the package. You need to check out the set of activities, duration, accommodation, and food, including other services offered, to evaluate whether the Bardiya National Park Tour cost package is worth it or not.

The general price margin for this thrilling wildlife experience is around US$ 1000 to US$ 1200. However, you will be able to enjoy the best value package for Bardiya National Park Tours with Regal Nepal Tours at just US$ ###.

This is the best value package in the market, and your exploration of the Bardiya National Park will feel complete with us. We have included both a walking safari and a jeep safari in our package so you can enjoy an extensive and immersive trip.

Similarly, we only offer the very best, even in the standard package, compared to other competitors. After finishing your exciting tour inside the park, we will also make arrangements for the Tharu Cultural Program so that you will not miss out on any experience.

Itinerary
Outline Itinerary
Day 01
Flight to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu and drive to Bardiya
Day 02
Walking safari in Bardiya National Park
Day 03
Jeep safari and cultural program
Day 04
Kathmandu Return
Tour Plan
Day 01

Regal Nepal Tours’ representative will receive you from the hotel you are staying in and transfer you to the airport on this day. From Tribhuvan International Airport, you will board a domestic flight in the route from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj.

This domestic flight takes around 50 minutes, and you will fly over the lush and vibrant landscape of the country to reach Nepalgunj. After landing at the airport, a swift drive to Bardiya will follow, and you will check in at your hotel.

You can take your time to rest and enjoy the refreshments at the hotel, and after lunch, you will do some sightseeing around. The guide assigned for your Bardiya National Park safari will take you to nearby Tharu Village.

In this indigenous community village, you will be able to explore their unique culture, traditions, and lifestyle. After exploring the Tharu Village, you will then head toward the Elephant Breeding Center, which is located near the village.

After an informative and exciting exploration around the region, you will put closure to this day’s adventures by enjoying the mesmerizing sunset view from the bank of the Karnali River.

Day 02

Your exciting adventure inside the Bardiya National Park will start early on this day. After enjoying a delicious breakfast at around 6.30 AM to 7 AM, you will begin your walk inside the national park.

The freshness and chill atmosphere of the morning will add excitement to your walking tour. You will be guided by an expert park ranger/naturalist and will keep a safe distance while exploring the natural habitats of the wildlife inside the national park.

On this day, you will also have the opportunity to witness the Royal Bengal Tigers this national park is famous for. During the Bardiya National Parl Tour, explorers also do half-day Bengal Tiger tracking from the towers locally known as Machan.

You will also take your time exploring the diverse birdlife in the region in their natural habitat. As for lunch, you will enjoy the packed food inside the jungle, which will feel like a picnic; enjoy the peaceful setting and the chirping of the birds.

After a full day of Bardiya National Park animals and birdlife tracking, you will then make your return back to your hotel. Don’t forget to take photographs of the unique species of flora and fauna that you will encounter along the way.

Day 03

After yesterday’s full-day jungle safari, you will take it easy with your exploration on this day. Yesterday’s long walk might have been tiring for you, but don’t worry; today, you will be able to admire the raw beauty of the national park in a convenient jeep.

In this jeep tour, you will drive to popular spots inside the national park to explore the flora, fauna, and raw wilderness beauty. As you will cover a lot of distance in a short period, this day’s jeep safari will provide you the opportunity to explore the wide range of birdlife and wildlife on this day.

It will be an extensive experience as you will be able to swiftly move across the different corners of the part. During the closure of your Bardiya National Park safari on this day, you will visit the Crocodile Breeding Center and return back to your hotel.

After getting refreshed, you will enjoy the Tharu Cultural Show that will be held inside the hotel premises. Then, you will enjoy a tasty dinner and end this day’s adventure on a high note.

Day 04

On this day, after completing your remarkable Bardiya National Park Tours, it is time to head back. If you wake up early in the morning, you will have time to do some sightseeing around the villages before breakfast.

You will then be escorted to the airport for the flight back to Kathmandu by our representative. Enjoying the epic landscape diversity of the country and vibrant valleys, you will enter the capital valley.

A representative from Regal Nepal Tours will receive you at the TIA and transfer you to the hotel you are staying at. Thank you for doing this exciting safari with us. If you are looking for other thrilling short exploration prospects during your stay, you can check our Small Group Tours packages.

Additional Info

Accomodation and Food

During the Bardiya National Park Tours, we arrange your accommodation at three-star hotels in Bardiya. You will have the option of single or twin bed options, and the attached bathroom facility is available in every room.

Every kind of modern amenities will be available for your room, like a hot shower, wifi, air conditioner, television, laundry, etc. If you want to upgrade the services to a five-star luxurious tour option, we will make arrangements for that as well.

In overall, your safari tour will be an exciting and luxurious experience where you will get to explore the exotic flora and fauna of the Bardiya National Park without having to give up on the comfort.

As for food, you will have a wide range of options to choose from. The star hotel you will be staying at will serve a well-versed line of Nepali and international cuisine. We recommend you to try the cultural dishes during your trip, especially the Tharu menus which are quite unique even in the context of the country.

There won’t be any kind of problem even if your preference is vegan or vegetarian. You will have plenty of options to choose from to keep your energy level at optimum for this fascinating Bardiya National Park Safari.

Bardiya National Park Animals

Bardiya National Park Animals, Birdlife and Vegetation

Bardiya National Park is one of the most popular destinations in Nepal for jungle safari tours. Due to its incredible diversity, a large species of flora and fauna are thriving in the region. During your jungle tour, you will be able to explore a wide species of Bardiya National Park animals, birdlife and vegetation.

This incredible national park that boasts rich biodiversity is home to over 53 species of mammals, 407 species of resident and migratory birds, 23 species of reptiles, 125 species of fish and 839 species of plant.

So, this park is a haven for an extensive wildlife experience. Inside the national park, about 70% of the forest is a fascinating blend of sal trees, grassland, and riverine forest. Due to its incredible landscape diversity, it presents favorable conditions for a wide range of species to thrive in the park.

That’s how the park has been able to conserve the delicate ecosystem of the animal kingdom inside the park. The main species of Bardiya National Park animals are the Royal Bengal Tiger, Asian Wild Elephant, One-Horner Rhinoceros, Gagetic Dolphin, Four-Horned Antelope, etc.

Similarly, the Bengal Florican, White-Rumped Vulture, Lesser Florican, Silver-Eared Mesia, Sarus Crane, etc, are the popular species of birds found in the park. As for the vegetation species, Adina Cardifolia, Shorea Robusta, Lagestroemia Parviflora, Terminalia Tomentosa, Pinus Roxburghi, etc, are the major species.

Preparing for Nepal Bardiya National Park

Doing the Bardiya National Park safari is nothing like doing high-altitude adventures in Nepal. Like those journeys, this thrilling jungle safari is not a physically demanding endeavor. You will not have to set any training period for this experience as you will be enjoying the comfort of the four-wheelers for the majority part.

As for the walking safari inside part, you will be walking on a plain surface that isn’t too steep or physically challenging. In case you want to train, then you can do some light-strength and cardio exercises to make your jungle safari feel like a piece of cake.

Although this isn’t a difficult and physically challenging adventure like treks and mountain expeditions, you will still need to be careful about a few things. During this jungle safari, you will explore the natural habitat of the birdlife and wildlife in the region, including the indigenous Tharu communities. So, here are a few tips from the experts that can be helpful during this safari tour.

Helpful Tips for Bardiya National Park Tour

  • Bardiya National Park is situated in the Terai belt, so it will be best to avoid the summer heat and make this trip during pleasant periods such as spring and autumn
  • Be attentive to the instructions of the experienced guide (park ranger) and stick close to the group as wild animals freely roam the park
  • It will be best if you do some research about the park and the surrounding region, which will make your journey seamless
  • Respect the wildlife and keep a safe distance
  • Keep noise to a minimum to avoid scaring away the animals and birds
  • Practice a friendly approach and take care of your trash
  • Don’t try to feed the animals
  • Stay hydrated, especially during the warmer seasons
  • Respect the local culture, traditions, and norms
  • Keep yourself protected from insects, mosquitoes, and stingy plants

What Should You Pack?

The packing for Nepal Bardiya National Park Tours mostly depends on the season that you choose for your trip. Unlike the layering system that is used for high-altitude treks in Nepal, you can just focus on the comfortable light layers.

Your journey will take you to the Terai belt, which is the warmest section out of three regions in Nepal: Himalayan, Hilly, and Terai. So, pack comfortable layers and light layers for your trip. During the walking safari tour, you should consider wearing full skin cover layers.

This way, you will not have to worry about the insects and stingy plants during the tour. For the jeep safari and hiking around Bardiya, comfortable sports shoes will be quite sufficient. But for the jungle safari tour, high arches and high-cut hiking/trekking boots will be conventional to cover the uneven ground while exploring the raw wilderness of the park.

As for the equipment part, you should bring a reusable water bottle, sunglass, binocular, camera, hiking pole (if necessary), powerbank, daypack, etc. Also, don’t forget to pack snacks, energy drinks, and chocolate bars for the trip. Bug repellent, sunscreen cream, first-aid kit, and personal medications (if you have any) for the trip.

bardia national park tiger

About Bardiya National Park

Bardiya National Park is in the western part of Nepal’s Terai region. This national park was established with the goal of protecting the ecosystem of the tiger habitat and its prey. This national park, which covers an approximate distance of 968 sq km (374 sq mi), is the largest national park in the Terai belt.

Initially, in 1976, a small portion of the area was gazetted as Karnali Wildlife Reserve. At that time, around 1,500 households of Babai Valley relocated outside the part, which allowed for the flourishing of vegetation and wildlife in the region.

Later, in 1982, the name of the park was changed to Bardiya Wildlife Reserve, and it was turned into a national park in 1988. The Greater One-horner Rhinos were translocated to Bardiya National Park from Chitwan National Park (1986, 1991, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002).

An approximate area of 327 sq km surrounding the park was declared as the buffer zone in 1997. The park authorities and the local communities jointly manage this buffer zone. Both parties involved handle the community development activities and manage the natural resources inside the buffer zones.

The Tharu communities are the major ethnic group in this area. Besides Tharu, Brahmin, Chhetri, and Mongoloids communities can also be found around the region. Tharu ethnic groups are traditionally subsistence farmers and have their own unique tribal culture and religious beliefs.

During the Nepal Bardiya National Park Tour, the Tharu communities around the park are one of the major highlights. You will be able to experience their unique culture, tradition, and lifestyle during this trip. Your general safari tour package will also include a cultural dance program of the community, and you will be able to buy souvenirs as well to remember your journey.

Trip Gallery
Bardia National Park Tour Rhyno
Bardia National Park Tour Crocodile
Bardia National Park Tour Tiger
Bardia National Park Rhyno
Bardia National Park Tour Bird
Bardia National Park Bird
Bardia National Park Crocodile
Bardia National Park Tiger
Bardia National Park Jungle
Bardia National Park Tour
FAQs

The jungle safari cost in Nepal depends on which region you are exploring, the overall duration of the trip, and the quality of services/amenities and set of activities offered. However, the price margin for standard safari tours in Nepal is US$ 500 to US$ 1,800. 

Although there are some of the most thrilling jungle safari prospects in Nepal, such as Parsa National Park Safari, Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park Safari, Sohi Tapu Wildlife Reserve Safari and Bardiya National Park Safari, Chitwan National Park Safari is by far considered the best jungle safari experience in the country. 

The cost of Bardiya National Park safari is around US$ 1,100 to US$ 1,600. The pricing factor depends on the overall duration of the trip, the experience you are looking for and the overall quality of services/amenities.

Yes, Bardiya National Park is certainly worth visiting. It is the best destination to explore the ednagered wildlife and birdlife species. Furthermore, you will also have the opportunity to experience the culture of the indigenous Tharu community. 

You can get to Baridya National Park after the flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then drive to Bardiya. The flight will last about 50 minutes and you will then drive about 3 to 4 hours from Nepalgunj to reach Bardiya. 

A full-day jeep safari in Bardiya National Park can cost somewhere between US$ 200 to US$ 500. If there are any extra activities on the safari, like rafting, canyoning, cycling, elephant riding, etc, the cost can be even higher. 

Bardiya is famous as the home to the largest national park in the country in the lower Terai belt and home to the exotic species of royal Bengal tigers, greater one-horned rhinoceros, Asian wild elephant and Gangetic dolphin.

Bardiya National Park was initially gazetted as Karnali Wildlife Reserve in 1976. The name was later changed to Bardiya Wildlife Reserve in 1982 and the reserve was upgraded to a national park in 1988. 

Initially, there were about 125 wild adult tigers in the Bardiya National Park. However, the number of tigers jumped to a total of 355 adult tigers in the park in 2022, which helped the park ear TX2 Award 2022.

The Danguarra Tharu People of Bardiya are the indigenous people who have their own unique language, customs and traditions. These natives are reliant on farming and fishing; their house is constructed with reed and bamboo and then covered with layers of mud and dung mixture.