Bardiya National Park is the largest and most pristine national park in Nepal’s lowland Terai region. Located in the far western part of the country, it spans 968 sq. km and is a critical part of the Terai Arc Landscape, which connects to the Banke National Park and extends to the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary in India. The park was originally established as a Royal Hunting Reserve in 1969 and was designated a national park in 1988 with the primary goal of protecting its representative ecosystems and the habitats of tigers and their prey.
Landscape and Climate
The park’s landscape is a diverse mosaic of ecosystems. Approximately 70% of the park is covered by sal forest, with the remainder consisting of a mixture of wooded grasslands, savannah, and riverine forests. The park is bordered on the west by the Karnali River and bisected by the Babai River. The northern boundary is demarcated by the Siwalik Hills.
The climate in Bardiya is subtropical, with three distinct seasons:
- Winter (October to early April): The weather is dry, with warm days and cool, pleasant nights.
- Summer (April to June): Temperatures rise significantly, often peaking at up to 45°C. This hot, dry period is considered one of the best times for wildlife viewing as animals gather at water sources.
- Monsoon (July to September): The season is characterized by hot, humid, and sticky days, with heavy rainfall making some areas of the park inaccessible.
Flora and Fauna
Bardiya National Park is a biodiversity hotspot. It has a rich floral diversity with 839 species of plants, including a variety of grasses and trees like Shorea robusta (sal) and Dalbergia sissoo.
The park is famous for its concentration of endangered and rare wildlife. It is particularly known for having Nepal’s second-largest tiger population.
- Mammals: The park is home to 53 species of mammals. Key species include the Bengal tiger, greater one-horned rhinoceros, Asian wild elephant, swamp deer, blackbuck, and Gangetic dolphin. Other notable animals include leopards, sloth bears, wild boars, and various deer species like spotted deer and hog deer.
- Birds: A paradise for birdwatchers, the park boasts over 400 species of birds, including endangered ones like the Bengal florican, lesser florican, and sarus crane.
- Reptiles and Aquatic Life: The Karnali-Babai river system and its tributaries provide a habitat for 125 species of fish and various reptiles, including the endangered gharial and marsh mugger crocodiles.
Activities
Bardiya National Park offers a range of activities for visitors seeking a wilderness experience:
- Jungle Safari: This is the most popular activity, allowing visitors to explore the park by jeep or on foot with a guide. It provides an excellent opportunity to spot wildlife.
- Jungle Walks: Guided walking tours offer an intimate experience of the park’s terrain and a chance to get closer to the jungle environment.
- River Activities: Visitors can go rafting or canoeing on the Karnali and Babai rivers, where they might spot Gangetic dolphins, crocodiles, and various water birds.
- Birdwatching: The park’s diverse habitats and numerous bird species make it an ideal destination for dedicated birdwatchers.
- Cultural Experiences: The park’s buffer zone is home to the indigenous Tharu people. Visitors can engage in cultural programs, stay in community homestays, and learn about the Tharu community’s unique traditions, art, and way of life.
- Breeding Centers: The park also features a small crocodile breeding center and an elephant breeding center.
