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The Royal
Bardiya National Park covers 968 sq. km./ 363 sq. mi. of the Terai
in Nepal's far-West, and is the largest and least-disturbed
wilderness area in the Terai. It provides an excellent habitat for
over 30 different mammal species, including the endangered Royal
Bengal Tiger, One-horned Rhinoceros, Wild Elephant, Swamp deer, and
Black buck. The Great One-horned Rhinoceros was successfully
reintroduced to Bardiya from Chitwan in 1986. Herds of elegant black
buck in the open grassland are a stirring sight unique to Bardiya.
Other common animals found in the Park include the leopard and
lesser cats, the blue bull (Nilgai), several species of deer, the
langur and rhesus monkeys, sloth bear, and the wild boar. The open
grasslands within the Park, locally known as phantas, are ideal for
game viewing.
The Karnali, one of Nepal's largest rivers, forms the western
boundary of the park. The endangered Gangetic dolphin is often seen
in its waters. Other endangered riverine species include the
fish-eating Gharial and Marsh mugger crocodiles. The Karnali also
offers excellent fishing for masheer, a large freshwater perch. Over
250 species of birds have so far been recorded in the Park,
including the endangered Bengal and Lesser Floricans, Silver-eared
Mesia, and the Sarus crane.
The lodges in the Park offer comprehensive wildlife tours of three
or more days, inclusive of accommodation, meals, wildlife
activities, park entry fee, etc. There are a host of options to
explore the jungle, accompanied by resident naturalists and guides:
elephant-back safaris, canoe rides, jungle walks, bird-watching
tours, and jeep drives. A two-night stay is the minimum to
experience Bardiya, and for wildlife enthusiasts, staying an extra
day is worthwhile. The lodges operate round-the-year except during
the Monsoon (June - September) when most lodges are closed.
The quickest way to get there is to fly from Kathmandu to Nepalganj,
where lodge staff will meet you for the 2 hour drive to camp.
Bardiya is also accessible by road from Kathmandu or Pokhara, a
12-14 hour drive from Kathmandu and 8-9 hours from Pokhara.
October to
April
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Park Charges
(in Indian Rupees) |
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Indian |
Foreigners |
Entry Fees |
40.00 |
350.00 |
Vehicle |
100.00 |
100.00 |
Video Camera |
2500.00 |
2500.00 |
NIL
Tips & Important Information |
NIL
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Bardiya Jungle Cottage
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Rhino Lodge Bardiya
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Wild Nepal with Taj (18 Days)
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