Visit Bardiya National Park, A Lifetime Experience

The pristine area of the western region, the Bardiya National Park, is an important conservation area in Nepal. It is a special spot for many adventurous and educational activities for both Nepalese and foreigners. It is an amazing alternative destination apart from Chitwan National Park.

Having a walk in the jungle and looking for wild beasts like tigers, elephants, and rhinoceros not only gives you entertainment but also great solace.

Things to do in Bardiya National Park

Visit the breeding centres and Tharu Museum, a bicycle tour around the village, and a jeep safari deep into the forest are some of the major things to do in Bardia National Park Nepal. 

The following are the main things to do in Bardiya National Park: 

1. Boating in the Karnali River

Two main rivers of Nepal, the Karnali and the Babai, flow across the national park. Sailing along the river is the best way to watch different wildlife with the walk along the beach. However, boating here is equally dangerous as you might encounter crocodiles suddenly. Be aware of them at the time of boating.

2. Fishing in the rivers

Fishing in the rivers during your Bardiya visit is an interesting act. Golden Masheer or Goonch are popular fish. If you want to go fishing but have no equipment, you can rent the one for about $10 per day. The permit is essential for fishing, and the most interesting thing is that the fish you need to return the fish to the rivers after collecting. 

3. Tharu Cultural Museum

You can see the Tharu Cultural Museum near the main gate of the national park, where different Tharu art and artifacts are displayed. There is equipment related to agriculture, clothing, and kitchen things that they use in the Tharu communities that are on display. In order to enter the museum, you are required to pay a small amount.

4. Visit Breeding Centers

You can visit the crocodile breeding centres and elephant breeding centres during your stay in Bardia. You can enjoy watching the crocodiles with their tiny babies playing and sunbathing at the edge of the pond.

The giant elephants and their little babies in the breeding area are a great place, especially for the kids. The breeding centres are a wonderful place for parents to educate their children about wildlife. The elephant breeding centre is to the south of Bardiya National Park, which is similar to the one in the Chitwan National Park.

5. Cycling and/or walking around the village

Walking around some of the astonishing villages near the national park is amazing to experience. You require no entry fees to enter any village, but if you prefer to have a guide for you, you will have to pay for one. 

6. Rafting in the Karnali River

Wild Rafting in the Karnali River is one of the best adventurous activities during your Bardiya trip. As the river flows through the National Park, there will be a high possibility of encountering a number of wildlife. You can stop at some of the spots to observe the wild animals and unique vegetation. But be aware of the dangerous crocodiles.  

7. Visit Unique Black Buck Sanctuary

The most endangered antelope of Nepal, which we can only find in Bardiya National Park, is well protected here. The Sanctuary is just outside the park. The Sanctuary’s only aim is to increase the population of endangered antelope. This protected area is nearly 35 kilometres (21.8 miles) south of Thakurdwara. 

8. Birds Watching 

Bardiya National Park is home to a variety of birds. There are about 400 species of birds in the park. Some birds are seasonal migrants from Siberia. Due to the diverse kinds of birds, Bardiya is one of the popular locations for bird watchers and bird lovers. 

Historical Facts Of Bardiya National Park

Bardiya National Park old name was ‘Naya Muluk’, meaning ‘New Country’. The reason for this is the historical fact that the East India Company captured the area of this location in the Sugauli Treaty (in 1815).

Later, Nepal got this land back when Nepal supported the Indian Independence Movement in 1960. In 1969, a nearly 368 sq. km (142 sq. km) area was set up as a Royal Hunting Reserve mainly for hunting purposes for the then royal family. It was officially renamed Royal Karnali Wildlife Reserve.

In 1984, the park was again renamed Royal Bardiya Wildlife Reserve, and it included the Babai River valley. 

Since 1988, it has been popularly known as the Royal Bardiya National Park. Today, the word ‘royal’ is not used in the name. It was used as a gratitude to the royal family, but after the overthrow of the king in 2007, the park was named only ‘Bardiya National Park’.

How to reach Bardiya From Kathmandu?

There are different options for reaching Bardiya from Kathmandu. We can choose to travel by public/local bus, private vehicle, or by air.

Travelling Bardiya National Park from Kathmandu on a public tourist bus takes about 12-14 hours, covering around 550 km (342 miles). On the other hand, if you choose to travel in a private vehicle, this duration can be reduced by around 2 hours.

In contrast, it takes nearly an hour to reach  Nepalgunj Airport from Kathmandu. Then, you will have to drive up to the entry gate of the National Park. Travelling by flight is comparably comfortable and takes a shorter time, but is a little more expensive than travelling by roadways.