Nepal’s Wildest Adventure — Bardia National Park
During my Easter break in Nepal, I wanted a wildlife experience that felt familiar yet different, so I thought of heading to visit Bardia National Park — an often-overlooked reserve I’d heard so much about but had never explored.
Finally, being able to get to Bardia, I spent 4 nights chasing (and spotting) everything from tigers to elephants, I came to realise how unexplored and unnoticed this place is. With most tour companies’ itineraries focusing on the so-called “Golden Triangle of Nepal” that includes the cultural city of Kathmandu, the lake town of Pokhara, and a wildlife safari at Chitwan National Park, it is a shame that this gem of a place, Bardia, has fallen under the radar of many visitors.
Access to Bardia NP, though situated in West Nepal — away from the main tourist trail — is easier than most travellers think. With frequent daily flights from Kathmandu to choose from, the best option was taking the early morning hour-long flight to the town of Nepalgunj, followed by a scenic two-hour drive to the resort in time for lunch. This worked perfectly, logistically, allowing time to settle in, followed by doing one of the late afternoon activities assigned by the resort.
Having had a first-hand experience with wonderful memories and a bucket list item ticked off, this is why I believe Bardia sits at the top of Nepal’s must-visit national parks:
Vegetation at Bardia is mostly tall grassland, floodplain, and riverine forest (apparently a great habitat for tigers), and chances of tiger sightings here are much higher than in any other national park in Nepal. In other parks like Chitwan NP, most guides and guests focus on looking out for one-horned rhinos, and tiger sighting is a rare bonus. In brief, if you’re thinking of tiger spotting in Nepal, think Bardia!
With the park open to visitors from dawn to dusk, you can head out on safari when it suits you, rather than planning your safari around strict entry and exit times. This gives you an option to do a full-day safari with lunch or coffee breaks at these jungle picnic spots. Alternatively, it’s possible to split your safari into morning and afternoon sessions, with time to relax or take a siesta back at your lodge in between.
With numerous jeep trails throughout the park (imagine it as a roundabout with several exits), experienced drivers and guides decide which route to take based on recent sightings, animal calls, and guests’ interests. This means you don’t have to trail behind dozens of other jeeps on a single road or track, as often happens in many tiger reserves across the region.
For those keen on getting the unique experience of staying inside the park, a full-service tented camp stay by the riverside can be arranged. This is done with the help of the wonderful resort support and kitchen staff who are looking after you, while you look out for wildlife or enjoy nature at its best.
WHERE TO STAY?
Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge:
This well-known eco-luxury jungle lodge situated at the edge of Bardia National Park (with its own access gate to the Park) is one of the most sought-after stays, and for good reason. With comfortable, rustic-style cottages, a kitchen supplied by its own vegetable garden, a pool for downtime, and attentive staff, it’s an ideal base to experience the jungle in comfort.
Bardia Nature Lodge:
Bardia Nature Lodge is a family-owned property set close to Bardia National Park and are committed to the environment and the local community. Each room set across cottages and towers are thoughtfully made to limit the impact on the environment, made in Tharu style, using traditional building methods, this is a perfect stay to be one with nature and enjoy the beautiful surrounding views.
