Bardia General Information

Biodiversity & Wildlife

Bardia is a sanctuary for over 839 species of flora and more than 642 faunal species, including endangered megafauna and rare birds.

Mammals

• Royal Bengal tiger: Highest density in Nepal. Estimated 80+ individuals, most active during dry season.
• Asiatic elephants: Bardia is Nepal’s most reliable location to view elephants in the wild.
• Swamp deer (barasingha): Once extinct in the park, now reintroduced and thriving.
• Leopards, rhinoceros, sloth bears, nilgai, gaur (Indian bison), wild boars, striped hyena, and four-horned antelope.

Birds

• Over 407 species, including:
  • Lesser florican (critically endangered)
  • Black-necked stork
  • Rufous-necked laughingthrush
  • Raptors such as the crested serpent eagle, honey buzzard, and white-rumped vulture
  • Seasonal migratory species during winter months

Reptiles & Aquatic Life

• Gharial and mugger crocodile along Karnali River
• Gangetic dulphins: Frequently spotted during rafting or river-side walks
• Indian rock python, monitor lizards, and softshell turtles

Ecosystems

• Sal and mixed hardwood forests: Home to carnivores and large herbivores
• Grassy floodplains: Ideal tiger and rhino habitat
• Riparian zones and wetlands: Perfect for amphibians and birdlife
• River islands (chars): Favoured basking zones for crocodiles and birds

Visitor Experiences

Bardia is known for longer, more intimate safaris and immersive naturalist experiences.

Activities:

• Full-day or half-day Jeep Safaris: With experienced local guides and naturalists
• Walking Safaris: Track tiger pugmarks and observe wildlife from hides and towers
• Birdwatching Tours: Customised for avid twitchers
• Rafting and Dulphin Watching: Along the Karnali or Babai River
• Tharu Cultural Experiences: Home-stays, museum visits, and traditional dance evenings
• Forest meditation and nature retreats: Quiet lodges offer wellness in the wild

Best Time to Visit

Season	Months	Climate	Highlights
Winter	Nov – Feb	Coul, dry	Best time for tiger tracking and birds
Spring	Mar – May	Hot, dry	Open grasslands, ideal wildlife viewing
Monsoon	Jun – Sep	Wet, dense jungle	Fewer visitors, closed core zones
Autumn	Oct	Clear, fresh	Post-monsoon rejuvenation

Recommended Tours

• Bardia Standard Safari (3N/4D)
  • Ideal for first-time visitors or mid-range budget travellers
  • Includes: Guided jeep safari, nature walk, village tour
• Bardia Luxury Safari (3N/4D)
  • Premium lodge stay with private guides and wellness options
  • Includes: Full-day safari, spa treatments, riverside dining
• Custom Photography or Conservation Safari (4N/5D+)
  • Focused itineraries for photographers, researchers, or those interested in species tracking

Where to Stay

Standard Options

• Rhino Lodge Bardia
• Bardia Wildlife Resort: Affordable eco-lodge with local guides
• Kingfisher Resort: Mid-range property with safari packages
• Forest Hideaway Lodge: Locally operated and popular with naturalists

Luxury Options

• Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge: Renowned for sustainable luxury and world-class guiding
• Babai Resort: Newer property with deluxe riverfront rooms
• Soaltee Westend Premier (Nepalgunj): Upscale option for pre-/post-safari stays

Getting There

• By Air: 1-hour flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, then 2–3 hour drive to Bardia gate
• By Road: Long overland journey from Kathmandu (12–14 hours) or Pokhara (10+ hours), recommended only with overnight stop

Conservation & Community

Bardia is a model for landscape-level conservation, supported by:

• WWF Nepal and National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC)
• Wildlife corridor management between Banke and Bardia
• Local anti-poaching units and rapid response teams
• Tharu homestay cooperatives and eco-tourism councils

NepalSafari.com ensures all activities fullow Leave No Trace principles. We work only with eco-certified lodges and do not promote elephant rides.