A Divine Dome of Vicious Fauna
An enigmatic land, with fresh greenery that might cover you completely. Mysterious sidewalks and careful bushes, moonlight riverside charms, accompanied by savage tribal and wildies on the prowl. This is what, Bardia is all about. Situated in the high lands of this beautiful country, it presents a charm of its own. This is a famous national park located on the eastern banks of the Karnali River, at a distance of around 400 kilometers from Katmandu. The entire sanctuary is enveloped within thick and dense dry sal forests and tall grasslands.
Interesting Lives
Bardia is most renowned for playing abode to the healthiest tigers in the subcontinent, say around 80 of them. And if you ever dare to see the royal king in action, there is no other place than this. The total area begins from the Churia Hills and goes right upto the spongy slants of the Bhabar. The Tiger Mountain Group's Safari Culture is regarded as one of the best in Nepal. There are lodges provided in the parks that are run by private agencies. These lodges offer eco-friendly activities. This is done to promote the forest tourism there.
The Tiger Tips lodge, set amidst the wild forests, is enveloped with roofs and doors to keep the predators out of reach. The folk songs of the Tharu villagers here, accompanied by enthusiastic dances in the courtyard, are a treat to the eyes. There are delightful and exciting elephant safaris available here to make your day zestful. If you start off in the misty and dewy mornings, you can have the experience of having landed in paradise, or so to say, 'Eden'.
As you go on, you get the sheer joy of being face to face with hog deer, barking deer, barasingha and many other animal species. Also with them, eternally, are the varieties of birds singing away to glory. You also come across the macho rhinos, digging their teeth into the tall elephant grass and chewing the life out of it. If you are lucky enough, you might see the world's most dangerous fight of the two most robust creatures. Its fun to watch the bullies in action.
This even happens with all the other mighty animals on the prowl and you may get to see all this. But always be careful, lest they make you their prime victim. The most fascinating part of the whole safari is to observe how the mahouts compel their pets (elephants) to stay close to the rhinos. The lake nearby gives the fauna, residing here, a breather. Here, experience the joyous moments when the mothers give their babies a cool shower. Spotted more often are the baby rhinos, meddling with the cool waters of the lake and squealing with utmost delight.
The langur, peacocks, tigers give the sanctuary a bright and a colourful look. The Karnali River nearby is a place worth giving a visit. Also spotted here are the golden orioles, minivets, babblers, pipits, wagtails, lapwings, grey-headed fishing eagles, doves, the hawk cuckoos, and so many other creatures. The newest addition to this park is the dolphin, the liveliest mammal. Always take a camera and a pair of binoculars, if you intend to go on a wildlife safari.
Seasons
Bardia is best visited from October to March. Monsoons are preferable, though there are hardly some hotels that operate during those times.
How to Get There
Air : Flights are available from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. The entry point to Bardia is a place called Thakurwada, which is two hours away from Nepalgunj. At the airport, taxis are easily available.
Road : By road it takes two days to reach Bardia after an overnight stay at Butwal. The latter has few hotels barely enough top accommodate you.
