Bardiya National Park
In Nepali: बर्दिया राष्ट्रिय निकुञ्ज
Bardiya covers about 968 km² of sal forest, riverine grassland and the braided channels of the Karnali and Babai rivers. Its tiger population has risen sharply in recent surveys, and it also holds wild elephants, greater one-horned rhinos, swamp deer, gharials and the rare Gangetic dolphin.
It is far quieter than Chitwan. Guided walking safaris, jeep drives and rafting trips on the Karnali start from Thakurdwara, where Tharu-run lodges and homestays are clustered on the park's edge.
What to see and do
Spend full days on guided walking safaris along the Karnali and Geruwa rivers, waiting quietly at tiger hotspots. Jeep safaris cover the park's interior grasslands (phantas), and rafting or canoe trips on the Karnali offer chances of dolphins and crocodiles. Visit the crocodile breeding centre and the Tharu villages around Thakurdwara.
Good to know
Park entry permits are required and walks must be with licensed guides. March to May is hot but gives the best chance of tigers as animals come to the rivers. Lodges range from simple Tharu homestays to eco-resorts.
Quick answers
- Where is Bardiya National Park?
- Bardiya National Park is in Bardiya district, Lumbini Province, in the Terai belt of Nepal.
- What is the altitude of Bardiya National Park?
- About 200 m (656 ft) above sea level.
- How much does it cost to visit Bardiya National Park?
- For a 5-day trip from Nepalgunj, about NPR 10,000 (≈ US$74) per person on a budget, or NPR 20,500 (≈ US$150) with standard hotels and private transport — for two foreign visitors sharing, including transport, stay, food, entry fees. Nepali visitors on a budget: about NPR 8,500 per person. These are estimates; adjust them in the trip planner.
- How many days do I need for Bardiya National Park?
- Plan 3 nights there; with travel from Nepalgunj and back, about 5 days in all.
- Do I need a permit or ticket for Bardiya National Park?
- Foreign visitors pay about NPR 1,500 / US$11 to enter Bardiya National Park (SAARC visitors about half, Nepali citizens a small fee).
- When is the best time to visit Bardiya National Park?
- October–April; March–May best for tigers
- How do I get to Bardiya National Park?
- Fly to Nepalgunj, then about 2 hours by road to Thakurdwara. It is about 49 km (straight line) from Nepalgunj.
- What is Bardiya National Park called in Nepali?
- बर्दिया राष्ट्रिय निकुञ्ज
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