Bardiya National Park is a protected area located in the Bardiya District of Nepal. It covers an area of 968 square kilometers and is the largest national park in the Terai region of Nepal. The park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the Bengal tiger and the greater one-horned rhinoceros.
Bardiya National Park is situated in the western part of Nepal, bordering the Karnali River. The park is part of the Terai Arc Landscape, which is a large expanse of grasslands, forests, and wetlands that extends across Nepal and India.
The park is open to visitors from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day.
Foreign visitors are required to pay an entry fee of $30 per person per day. Nepali nationals are charged a lower entry fee of NPR 1000 per person per day.
Bardiya National Park is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Some of the animals that can be spotted in the park include elephants, tigers, rhinoceros, crocodiles, and over 400 species of birds. The park is also rich in plant life, with over 800 species of plants recorded within its boundaries.
Visitors to Bardiya National Park can enjoy a variety of activities, including jungle safaris, bird watching, nature walks, and boating on the Karnali River. The park also offers opportunities for cultural experiences with the local Tharu community.
The charges for a jeep safari in Bardiya National Park vary depending on the duration of the safari and the number of participants. Typically, a full-day jeep safari for a group of up to 6 people can cost around $100.
Children under the age of 10 can enter the park free of charge. The entry fee for male visitors aged 10 and above is $30 per day, while female visitors aged 10 and above are charged $15 per day.
Senior citizens above the age of 60 are eligible for a discounted entry fee of $15 per day. The park also provides special facilities for senior citizens, such as reserved seating on safari vehicles and assistance from park staff.
The best time to visit Bardiya National Park is during the dry season, which lasts from October to April. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and wildlife sightings are more frequent as animals congregate around water sources.
There are several other attractions near Bardiya National Park that visitors can explore, including the Tharu Cultural Museum, the Karnali River, and the Babai River. The town of Thakurdwara is also a popular destination for shopping and dining.
There is a designated parking area for visitors to Bardiya National Park near the entrance gate. The parking facility is secure and supervised by park staff.
Visitors to Bardiya National Park are required to adhere to strict rules and regulations to ensure the safety of the wildlife and the environment. Some of the key rules include maintaining a safe distance from animals, not feeding the wildlife, and following the instructions of park guides at all times.
Bardiya National Park can be reached by road from major cities in Nepal, such as Kathmandu and Pokhara. The nearest airport to the park is Nepalgunj Airport, which is about 2 hours away by road. Visitors can also take a bus or hire a private vehicle to reach the park entrance.
Accommodation options near Bardiya National Park include lodges, resorts, and homestays that cater to different budgets and preferences. It is advisable to book accommodation in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.
Overall, Bardiya National Park offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of Nepal in a pristine and untouched environment. Whether you are a nature lover, wildlife enthusiast, or adventure seeker, a visit to Bardiya National Park is sure to be a memorable experience.