Location: Bardia District Map
Area: 968 km²
Bardiya National Park, formerly known as Royal Bardia National Park, is Nepal's largest and most pristine protected area in the lowland Terai region. Spanning 968 square kilometers, it serves as a vital sanctuary for endangered wildlife, diverse ecosystems, and cultural heritage. Established to preserve the rich biodiversity of the subtropical forests and grasslands, the park offers a less commercialized alternative to more famous sites like Chitwan, attracting nature enthusiasts seeking authentic wilderness experiences. It is home to iconic species such as Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceroses, and Asian elephants, while also supporting local communities through eco-tourism initiatives.
The park's origins trace back to the mid-19th century geopolitical
shifts in the region. Until 1815, the area was part of Nepal, but it was
ceded to the East India Company under the Sugauli Treaty following the
Anglo-Nepalese War. For 45 years, it remained under British control
before being returned to Nepal in 1860 as a gesture of gratitude for
Nepal's assistance in quelling the Indian Independence Movement of 1857.
This restored territory, often called Naya Muluk or "new country," laid
the foundation for future conservation efforts.
Conservation formally
began in 1969 when 368 square kilometers were designated as the Royal
Hunting Reserve, primarily for elite hunting parties. In 1976, this was
upgraded to the Royal Karnali Wildlife Reserve. The area expanded in
1982 to become the Royal Bardia Wildlife Reserve, and in 1984, it
incorporated the Babai River Valley, leading to the resettlement of
about 1,500 local residents to allow natural regeneration. Finally, in
1988, it was gazetted as Royal Bardia National Park, marking its
transition from a hunting ground to a protected haven. Post-monarchy in
Nepal, it was renamed Bardiya National Park, reflecting the district's
name. This evolution underscores a shift from exploitation to
preservation, influenced by global conservation trends and Nepal's
commitment to wildlife protection.
Situated in the Bardiya District of western Nepal, the park lies in
the Terai belt, adjoining the eastern bank of the Karnali River and
bisected by the Babai River. Its northern boundary is defined by the
Siwalik Hills, while the southern edge is partially marked by the
Nepalgunj-Surkhet highway, which somewhat disrupts the ecosystem. To the
west, the Geruwa branch of the Karnali River forms a natural barrier,
and the southeast is bordered by the Babai River. Combined with the
adjacent Banke National Park, it creates a contiguous protected zone of
1,437 square kilometers, part of the larger Tiger Conservation Unit
spanning 2,231 square kilometers of alluvial grasslands and subtropical
moist deciduous forests.
The terrain is predominantly flat lowland,
with elevations ranging from about 150 to 1,441 meters at the Siwalik
crests. Rivers, oxbow lakes, and floodplains dominate the landscape,
fostering a mosaic of habitats. The climate is subtropical monsoonal,
with hot summers reaching up to 40°C in May and June, mild winters
dipping to around 10°C in December and January, and heavy rainfall
during the monsoon from June to September (averaging 2,000-2,500 mm
annually). This seasonal variation influences wildlife behavior, with
dry periods concentrating animals near water sources and monsoons
rejuvenating the vegetation.
Bardiya's biodiversity is exceptional, with approximately 70% of the
area covered in sal-dominated forests (Shorea robusta), interspersed
with grasslands, savannas, and riverine woodlands. The park hosts 839
recorded plant species, including 173 vascular plants: 140 dicots, 26
monocots, six ferns, and one gymnosperm. These form dense canopies and
understories that support a thriving ecosystem.
The fauna is equally
diverse, encompassing 642 species. Mammals number at least 53,
highlighted by flagship species like the Bengal tiger (with an estimated
population of around 60-70 individuals), one-horned Indian rhinoceros
(about 29 as of recent counts), wild Asian elephant, barasingha (swamp
deer), and the rare Gangetic dolphin in the Karnali River. Other notable
mammals include leopards, sloth bears, spotted deer, sambar deer,
barking deer, wild boars, and primates such as langurs and rhesus
macaques. Reptiles and amphibians total 23 species, including mugger
crocodiles, gharials (a critically endangered crocodilian with a small
population in the rivers), and various snakes and turtles. The
Karnali-Babai river system supports 125 fish species.
Avian life is
prolific, with 407 bird species recorded, making it a birdwatcher's
paradise. Key species include the endangered Bengal florican, lesser
florican, sarus crane, white-rumped vulture, peafowl, bar-headed goose,
grey-crowned prinia, jungle prinia, pale-footed bush warbler, aberrant
bush warbler, striated grassbird, golden-headed cisticola, and
chestnut-capped babbler. Rare sightings, such as the rusty-spotted cat
in 2012 and fishing cat in 2017, add to the park's allure.
Bardiya plays a crucial role in Nepal's conservation strategy,
particularly for tigers and rhinos under the Tiger Conservation Unit
framework. Rhino conservation began with translocations from Chitwan
National Park in 1986, relocating 58 individuals by 2000. Populations
peaked at 67 in 2000 but declined due to poaching, dropping to 22 by
2008 and vanishing from the Babai Valley. Enhanced security measures,
including anti-poaching patrols and community involvement, helped
rebound the count to 29 by 2015.
The park addresses human-wildlife
conflicts through buffer zones, where communities benefit from
eco-tourism revenue and participate in monitoring. Initiatives include
habitat restoration in resettled areas, which has allowed grasslands to
regenerate into prime tiger and rhino habitats. Collaboration with
organizations like the World Wildlife Fund supports monitoring via
camera traps and ranger training. Efforts also focus on protecting
riverine species, such as gharials through breeding centers, and
mitigating threats like habitat fragmentation from highways and illegal
logging.
Tourism in Bardiya emphasizes sustainable, low-impact experiences,
with no accommodations inside the park to minimize disturbance. Visitors
typically stay in Thakurdwara village near the entrance, where
eco-lodges and homestays offer rooms for 1,000-1,200 Nepalese rupees per
night, often including meals like traditional dal bhat. Access involves
buses from Kathmandu (14-16 hours), Pokhara (12-14 hours), or Lumbini
(10-12 hours) to Ambassa, followed by a short ride to Thakurdwara;
lodges can arrange pickups.
A park entry fee of 1,500 rupees per
person per day is required, and all activities mandate a licensed guide
for safety. Popular pursuits include guided jungle walks (half- or
full-day, 1,500-4,000 rupees, involving forest treks and river crossings
for wildlife spotting), jeep safaris (20,000 rupees per vehicle,
penetrating deeper areas with stops at watchtowers), and river rafting
or canoeing on the Karnali (15,000-25,000 rupees, ideal for viewing
crocodiles and dolphins amid mild rapids). Birdwatching thrives during
dawn or dusk excursions, while visits to the elephant and crocodile
breeding centers provide insights into conservation breeding programs.
Cultural experiences encompass exploring Tharu villages, museums
showcasing indigenous tools and homes, or cycling through rural areas.
Ethical guidelines discourage elephant rides due to animal welfare
concerns.
The optimal visiting period is mid-September to
mid-December or February to mid-June for pleasant weather;
October-November coincides with festivals like Dasain and Tihar. Late
dry season (May-June) boosts tiger sightings as animals gather at
waterholes, though heat is intense. Monsoon months are avoided due to
flooding and mud.
Despite successes, Bardiya faces ongoing threats. Poaching remains a
risk, as evidenced by past rhino declines, driven by demand for horns
and hides. Human-wildlife conflicts escalate, with incidents like tiger
attacks in 2021 killing ten people, leading to relocations of
problematic animals. Climate change exacerbates flooding and habitat
shifts, while infrastructure like highways fragments corridors. Invasive
species and overgrazing in buffer zones also pose issues, requiring
continued community engagement and international support.
In summary,
Bardiya National Park exemplifies Nepal's dedication to balancing
biodiversity conservation with cultural and economic benefits. Its
untamed landscapes and abundant wildlife offer profound opportunities
for immersion in nature, underscoring the importance of protected areas
in safeguarding Asia's natural heritage.