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Kathmandu, NEPAL
Especial Package Program

ROYAL BARDIA NATIONAL PARK


 
BACKGROUND
A Reference
CLIMATE
FEATURE
BABAI VALLEY
PACKAGE PROGRAMS

BACKGROUND

Royal Bardia National Park is the largest park in the lowland Terai covering an area of 968 sq. km. The park situated in Nepal’s Western Terai was established to protect representative ecosystems and conserve tiger and its prey species. Initially, a small area was gazetted as the Royal Karnali Wildlife Reserve in 1976. When this area was protected, approximately 1500 people of the Babai valley were resettled outside the park allowing the vegetation and wildlife to flourish. In 1982, it was renamed as Royal Bardia Wildlife Reserve, and in 1984 it was extended to its current size. The reserve was given the status of a National Park in 1988. Greater One-horned Rhinoceros were translocated from Royal Chitwan National Park in 1986, 1991, and 1999.

In 1997, an area of 327 sq. km surrounding the park was declared as a buffer zone which consists
of forests and private lands. The buffer zone is jointly managed by the park and local communities.
Together they initiate community development activities and manage natural resources in the buffer
zones.


 
 
"View Asian wildlife from elephant-back at Nepal's Royal Bardia National Park. "
By: John Mock & Kim O'Neil 
What makes a visit to Nepal's Royal Bardia National Park particularly special is not just its large and intact habitat area and its isolated location, but also the presence here of one of the last known herds of wild elephants in South Asia. The herd, numbering less than two dozen, roams these remote jungles in western Nepal. The largest of the herd is affectionately called Thulo Hati, which means "big elephant" in the Nepali language. Seeing these wild elephants' greyish-white bulk rising above the morning mists and hearing them trumpet across the jungle clearing is one of the most remarkable wildlife experiences to be had on our planet.

To view these wild tuskers, you ride on the backs of specially-trained elephants, each guided by a driver, called a mahout. As you sit in a padded wooden platform on the elephant's back with your camera ready, your mahout steers the elephant through tall grass. Mists rise off the nearby river, and you spot a mother rhino leading her baby down to the river for a drink. Monkeys chatter and birds call in the nearby trees, signaling that an elusive Royal Bengal tiger is stalking deer through the high grass. It's a very special experience - a unique experience out at Royal Bardia - unlike any other wildlife setting in Nepal.

About Bardia -

The terai or lowland hills and valleys of southern Nepal, nowhere over 1,000 feet in elevation, extend all along the Indian border. The terai once supported a healthy wildlife population in a habitat of 25-foot high elephant grass and dense hardwood forests, but had very few people, due to virulent malarial mosquitos. Bardia was a royal hunting reserve of Nepal's Rana rulers from 1846 to 1950. In Nepal, wildlife lost whatever protection the royal hunting reserve conveyed when the Rana rule ended in the 1950's. A well-meaning malaria eradication program in the 1950's and 1960's opened the terai for settlement, and transformed about 75% of the native terai to agricultural land. Wildlife populations declined with the combination of increased settlement and widespread poaching. Bardia was declared a wildlife reserve in 1976, first measuring 134 sq miles and expanded in 1985 to 374 sq miles.

Today's Royal Bardia National Park is bordered to the south by the Babai River, to the north by the Siwalik or Churia Hills, to the west by the Girwa River (a tributary of the Karnali), and to the east by a section of the East-West Highway which bisects the park. The terai is only in the southwest corner of the park. Much of Bardia is on the southern slopes of the Siwalik Range where the hills rise to over 4000 feet. From the base of these hills, the park slopes gently over highly porous ground for several miles to the rivers of the Gangetic plain. At Chisopani Gorge, the swift-flowing Karnali River emerges from the Siwalik Range onto the broad plain and flows purposefully through the semi-tropical jungle. Where the river braids out, small riverine forested islands form. Wildlife frequent these oases - maybe you'll be as lucky as we once were to spot a wild elephant swimming trunk-deep across the river to reach the island.

A Glimpse of Bardia's Wildlife

The wild elephant (Elephus maximus) is present in Nepal in very small numbers. A herd of less than two dozen roams west Nepal, typically traveling between Sukila Phanta near Mahendranagar and Royal Bardia National Park. 

You'll be keeping a keen eye out for signs of their presence - uprooted trees or trees stripped of their foliage, as well as their tracks and droppings.

The endangered Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) is an elusive nocturnal hunter. The Great Indian One-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is the largest of three species of Asian rhinoceros. The rhinoceros population in Nepal's Royal Chitwan National Park once represented one fifth of the world's total population. Scientists, concerned that an epidemic could kill them all, decided to bolster the herd's chances for survival through a relocation program. In 1986, they moved rhinos from Chitwan 200 miles to Bardia, a suitable habitat that had no native rhinoceros. 
Bardia also boasts the greatest number of deer species in Nepal. The six deer species found in the park are: chital or spotted deer (Axis axis) with its ubiquitous white spots on a brown coat; hog deer (Axis porcinus), similar to but smaller than chital; sambar (Cervus unicolor), the largest deer on Indian subcontinent with a shaggy coat and thick antlers; swamp deer; barasingha (Cervus duvauceli); and reddish-colored barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak), the park's smallest deer. 

Other large mammals are: gaur (Bos gauris), the largest wild oxen in world; wild boar (Sus scrofa), an omnivorous black-coated creature with large tusks; the agile sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), a shaggy black bear with a distinctive white "V" on its chest; blue bull or nilgai (Boselephus tragocamelus), the largest antelope on the Indian subcontinent; and Himalayan tahr. Serow (Capricornis sumatraensis) and goral (Nemorhaedus goral), two goat-antelope members, are also found. Small mammals include: Langur monkey (Presbytis entellus); Rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta); jackal (Canis aureus); three species of cats (jungle, leopard, and fishing); yellow-throated marten; mongoose; and Indian otter. 

Two species of crocodiles swim in the Karnali, Girwa, and Babai Rivers - the blunt-snouted marsh mugger (Crocodiluss palustris) and the fish-eating gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) with its long thin snout. These creatures share the water with the fresh-water Gangetic dolphin (Platanista gangetica). The Karnali also supports the great mahseer, which weigh up to 90 lbs, an angler's prize catch. 

Birds are the park's most conspicuous fauna with over 300 resident and migratory species. Avid bird-watchers will want to visit the park in November or from February to April when migrants arrive, depart or pass through. 

The hard-to-find book "Birds of Nepal" by Robert S Fleming, Sr. et al is the definitive field guide. 

Daily Activities at Bardia

The highlight for visitors is daily wildlife viewing on elephant back - typically shortly after dawn and again in the late afternoon. 

Much wildlife viewing is also done on game drives, which enable you to cover a large area. You may even be lucky enough to spot a tiger walking down a dirt road. You can also climb up to high viewing platforms or machans to watch quietly as wildlife come and go from grasslands. Blinds set up in the jungle are great places for photography. The abandoned village site of Bhagora Phanta is one of the park's best viewing areas. From the tented camp you can float in rafts down the Girwa River for exceptional birdwatching as fresh-water Gangetic dolphin (Platanista gangetica) play around your raft and crocodiles rest along the banks. The camp staff meets you for a picnic lunch along the river and as you step out of the raft you may see to see a tiger's fresh pug marks (tracks) on the sandy beach like we did. Wherever you go and whatever you do, highly experienced naturalists and shikaris (wildlife trackers) escort you for jungle exploration. At the elephant camp adjacent to the lodge you can learn about the care and feeding of an elephant, and see how they are trained. If you like to be more active, you can take a day hike on trails along the Karnali Gorge, an old trade route, where you meet local people - some may be transporting salt on goats' backs from the plains of India to the high Himalaya. Evenings are filled with lectures, story-telling and informal talks by the naturalists. If you're feeling really adventurous, the naturalist can take you barefoot along trails devoid of even the tiniest twig to a blind where you might spot tiger under the cover of darkness. 

 


CLIMATE

The park has three distinct seasons, each providing a unique experience. From October through early April the weather is dry. The days are warm, and the nights are cool and pleasant. From April to June the temperatures warm up, peaking upto 45°C in May. The hot sticky days give way to the monsoon rains that lasts until September.

FEATURES

The park offers a variety of expererinces in its vast undisturbed wilderness. About 70% of the forest
consists of sal trees with a mixture of grassland and riverine forest. Sal leaves are used in festivals and
religious offerings. The park is home to endangered animals such as the Bengal tiger, wild elephant,
Greater one-horned rhinoceros, swamp deer, and black buck. The other endangered species include
gharial crocodile, marsh mugger and Gangetic dolphin. Endangered birds found in the park are-Bengal florican, lesser florican and sarus crane. More than 30 different mammals, over 200 species of birds and several species of snakes, lizards and fish have been recorded in the park’s forest, grassland and river. In addition to the resident species, several migratory birds visit the park.

An elephant ride provides a different view of the park as one can go off the main trail. Morning or
late afternoon is the ideal time to go on a ride. Be advised to carry a comprehensive first-aid kit including medicines for intestinal problems. There is a community health post at Thakurdwara. The wireless radio communication facility at the park headquarters could be used in emergency. If you are traveling by private vehicle make sure that you have ample amount of fuel. You can spend your nights at the lodges surrounding the park. These lodges provide services to tourists.


BABAI VALLEY

The Babai valley extending from Parewaodar to Chepang (bridge) was included in the park in 1984.
The pristine valley is characterized by rich biodiversity. The major vegetation and forest type are wooded grassland and the riverine forest. The translocated rhinoceros from Chitwan were reintroduced in this valley. The luxurious forests in the east of the park also provide a good habitat  and corridor for several wildlife species. The Karnali river is home to the endangered Gharial crocodile and Marsh mugger. The blue waters also provide habitat for the endangered Gangetic
dolphin. Large Mahasheer, a game fish, is considered an excellent catch. The fast flowing waters also provide excellent rafting expeditions that can stop in the park. Riverine forests dot the shores of the river creating prime habitat for birds such as Herons, Egrets, Black- necked stork, and Little pratincole.

A stroll through the local villages will be a rewarding experience. The Tharu ethnic group is native to this area. Traditionally they are subsistence farmers and practice their own tribal religion. Handicrafts made by the community members could be bought as souvenirs.

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Package Program for Royal Bardia National Park
Program #1: 2 Night / 3 Days - Royal Bardia National Park Exploration
Program #2: 3 Night / 4 Days - Royal Bardia National Park Exploration
Program #3: 4 Night / 5 Days - Royal Bardia National Park Exploration
 
 
Especial Package Program is available

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Program #1: 2 Night / 3 Days - Royal Bardia National Park Exploration

Day-1
On Your arrival at Nepalgunj Airport or Ambasa Stand, our staff will receive you.
You will then be transferred to our Lodge where you will be offered refreshment
& be given a briefing on our lodge & its facilities. After being given your programmes for the day, your room will then be allocated to you.
15.00 - Village tour to a nearby ethnic Tharu village where you will learn more about the life and lifestyle of the Tharus.
20.00 - Dinner

Day-2
06.30 - Breakfast.
07.30 - Elephant Safari. An excellent opportunity to see Asian Elephant, Great One Horn Rhinoceros, Spotted Deer or Chital, Hog Deer, Barking Deer, Samber, Swamp Deer or Barasingha, Nilgai or Bull, Black Buck, Wild Boar, Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Wild Dog, Golden Jackal, Striped Hyena. You will also encounter many other smaller mammals that have made Bardia their home.
13.00 - Lunch.
15.00 - Jungle walk. An excellent opportunity to see the wild animals, small mammals, birds and waits in the Tower (Machan) to have the wild sightseeing, accompanied by our experienced naturalists and wild life tracker. Excellent photographic opportunities are plentiful.
19.00 - Tharu cultural dance.
20.00 - Dinner

Day-3
06.30 - Breakfast.
07.00 - Bird watching. An excellent opportunity to see a great many species of birds found in Bardia.
12.00 - Lunch
13.30 Departure for onward journey.


Note: Schedule and timing are change as per season.
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Program #2: 3 Night / 4 Days - Royal Bardia National Park Exploration

Day-1
On Your arrival at Nepalgunj Airport or Ambasa Stand, our staff will receive you.
You will then be transferred to our Lodge where you will be offered refreshment
& be given a briefing on our lodge & its facilities. After being given your programmes for the day, your room will then be allocated to you.
15.00 - Village tour to a nearby ethnic Tharu village where you will learn more about the life and lifestyle of the Tharus.
20.00 - Dinner

Day-2
06.30 - Breakfast.
07.30 - Elephant Safari. An excellent opportunity to see Asian Elephant, Great One Horn Rhinoceros, Spotted Deer or Chital, Hog Deer, Barking Deer, Samber, Swamp Deer or Barasingha, Nilgai or Bull, Black Buck, Wild Boar, Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Wild Dog, Golden Jackal, Striped Hyena. You will also encounter many other smaller mammals that have made Bardia their home.
13.00 - Lunch.
15.00 - Jungle walk. An excellent opportunity to see the wild animals, small mammals, birds and waits in the Tower (Machan) to have the wild sightseeing, accompanied by our experienced naturalists and wild life tracker. Excellent photographic opportunities are plentiful.
19.00 - Tharu cultural dance.
20.00 - Dinner

Day-3
06.30 - Breakfast.
07.00 - Bird watching. An excellent opportunity to see a great many species of birds found in Bardia.
13.00 - Lunch
14.00 - Jeep Drive. An excellent opportunity to see wild animals and you will also encounter many other smaller mammals that have made Bardia their home.
20.00 - Dinner

Day-4
06.30 - Breakfast.
07.00 - Bird watching. An excellent opportunity to see a great many species of birds found in Bardia.
12.00 - Lunch
13.30 Departure for onward journey.


Note: Schedule and timing are change as per season.
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Program #3: 4 Night / 5 Days - Royal Bardia National Park Exploration

Day-1
On Your arrival at Nepalgunj Airport or Ambasa Stand, our staff will receive you.
You will then be transferred to our Lodge where you will be offered refreshment
& be given a briefing on our lodge & its facilities. After being given your programmes for the day, your room will then be allocated to you.
15.00 - Village tour to a nearby ethnic Tharu village where you will learn more about the life and lifestyle of the Tharus.
20.00 - Dinner

Day-2
06.30 - Breakfast.
07.30 - Elephant Safari. An excellent opportunity to see Asian Elephant, Great One Horn Rhinoceros, Spotted Deer or Chital, Hog Deer, Barking Deer, Samber, Swamp Deer or Barasingha, Nilgai or Bull, Black Buck, Wild Boar, Royal Bengal Tiger, Leopard, Wild Dog, Golden Jackal, Striped Hyena. You will also encounter many other smaller mammals that have made Bardia their home.
13.00 - Lunch.
15.00 - Jungle walk. An excellent opportunity to see the wild animals, small mammals, birds and waits in the Tower (Machan) to have the wild sightseeing, accompanied by our experienced naturalists and wild life tracker. Excellent photographic opportunities are plentiful.
19.00 - Tharu cultural dance.
20.00 - Dinner

Day-3
06.30 - Breakfast.
07.00 - Bird watching. An excellent opportunity to see a great many species of birds found in Bardia.
13.00 - Lunch
14.00 - Jeep Drive. An excellent opportunity to see wild animals and you will also encounter many other smaller mammals that have made Bardia their home.
20.00 - Dinner

Day-4
06.00 - Breakfast.
06.30 - Drive to rafting point.
08.00 - Rafting start. Whitewater rafting and scenic float trips through exciting rapids, deep gorges forested hillsides and remote villages. An excellent opportunity for bird watching. Pack lunch provided.
20.00 - Dinner

Day-5
06.30 - Breakfast.
07.00 - Visit to crocodile breeding center.
12.30 - Lunch
13.30 - Departure for onward journey.


Note: Schedule and timing are change as per season.

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Home Birds in Nepal
Trekking in Nepal Himalayas!!! Royal Chitwan National Park
Wildlife Exploration Royal Bardia National Park
White Water Rafting in Nepal Rivers Koshi Tappy Wildlife Reserve
Especial Package Program Photo from Nepal


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