Conservation Info >> Protected Areas > Bardiya National Park

Initially, a small area was gazetted as the Royal Karnali Wildlife Reserve in 1976. 1500 households of the Babai valley was resettled outside the park allowing the vegetation and wildlife to flourish. In 1982, it was renamed as Royal Bardiya Wildlife Reserve, and in 1984 it was extended to its current size. The reserve was given the status of a National Park in 1988. It is the largest national park in the lowland Terai covering on 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. Greater One-horned Rhinoceros were translocated from Chitwan National Park in 1986, 1991, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002.

An elephant ride provides a different view of the park as one can go off the main trail. Morning and late afternoon is the ideal time to go on a ride. Karnali River is the suitable home for Gangetic dolphin. Babai valley is a majestic place to visit where flagship Rhino, tiger, elephant can be observed in the wilderness site.

The major vegetation and forest type are wooded grassland and the riverine forest. The Babai valley extending from Parewa odar to Chepang (bridge) was included in the park in 1984. The pristine valley is characterized by rich biodiversity. 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 water also provides excellent rafting expeditions that can stop in the park. Riverine forests along with the shores of the river creating prime habitat for birds such as Herons, Egrets, Black-necked, stork, and little pratincole. The Tharu ethnic group is native to this area. Traditionally they are subsistence farmers and practice their own tribal religious. Handicrafts made by the community members could be bought as souvenirs.

It 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, are peaking up to 45 degree centigrade in May. The hot sticky days give way to the monsoon rains that lasts until September.

Flora and Fauna

It offers a variety of experiences in its vast undisturbed wilderness. About 70% of the forest consists of Sal trees with a mixture of grassland and riverine forests. Sal leaves are used in festival and religious offering. The park is home to endangered animals such as the Royal 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 that 30 different mammals, over 230 species of birds and several species of snakes, lizard 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.