Bardia National Park Safari is a four-day feat through the vast expanse of Bardia and its time-worn villages. This trip is to the grassy plains of a former royal sanctuary, which shelters a vast array of wildlife and indigenous flora. The Bardia jungle safari tour is a fine assortment of natural and cultural attractions, including wildlife-watching adventures, classical folk dances, and exploration of the enriching Tharu culture.
- Embark on an immersive jungle safari across the Bardia National Park and witness its exotic wildlife, including spotted deer, Asian Elephants, and nilgai antelopes.
- Experience the rich diversity and uniqueness of Bardia. Learn about the Tharu community and their vibrant culture.
- Enjoy a bush walk into the riverine forests and look out for avian activity. Bird-watch an extensive number of bird species such as peafowl, jungle Prinia, striated grassbird, and Bengal florican.
You’ll encounter some of the most amazing wildlife on the Bardia jungle safari including the big three- Bengal Tiger spotting in Nepal, Asian Elephant, and one-horned rhino. Not just that, visitors to the Bardiya wildlife tour will also get to witness a breathtaking aquatic spectacle of fishes, gharial crocodiles, and Gangetic river dolphins.
Like the Chitwan National Park Safari, the Bardia National Park Safari also provides a chance to experience the unique culture and warm hospitality of the indigenous Nepalese people. It scouts visitors to the Tharu community so they can immerse themselves in the local culture and interact with people.
You’re treated to the magnificent display of traditional Tharu dance known as Lathi Nach or stick dance. Your visit to the local village of Thakurdwara at the park entrance will give you a taste of rural Nepalese life.
Our Bardiya National Park package begins with a short and scenic flight from the Kathmandu Airport (or any other airport in Nepal) to Nepalgunj, which lasts an hour. This comes with a picturesque view of the lowland Terai of midwestern Nepal and its wooded forests. Upon arrival, you’ll set out for Bardia and spend the evening in the comfort of your hotel.
On the second day, you’ll go on a full-day jungle safari into the Bardiya Nature Sanctuary. You’ll embark on a Jungle expedition in Bardiya, looking for as many wild animals as possible within the park. After that, you’ll make a quick stop at the crocodile breeding center to watch them in action and learn a thing or two about the program.
The day ends with a short tour of the Tharu Museum, which shines a light on the rural Tharu people and their vanishing culture. The museum gives you a chance to watch the traditional antiques up close and explore the local villages.
The next morning, you’ll go on a Bardiya forest safari for subtropical bird watching, including Bengal florican and bar-headed geese. You‘ll cruise on a dugout canoe, watch aquatic life, and feast on the local Tharu dance.
On the last day of the itinerary, you’ll return to Nepalgunj and take a flight back to Kathmandu. The return journey is equally rewarding with subtropical bushes and savanna along the way.
Why Choose Bardiya National Park for Your Next Safari
1. Rich Biodiversity and Unique Wildlife
Bardia National Park is one of Nepal’s largest wilderness areas with a rich ecosystem. It sprawls across 968 sq. km. in the lowland Terai, preserving more than 600 faunal species and unspoiled riverine forests.
The park provides shelter to various wild animals, including Indian Rhinos and Bengal tigers, which sets up a stage for marvelous views. It’ll also take you to the inland water of Karnali-Babai and its tributaries, which has been a source of life for many aquatic species and Gharial crocodiles.
2. Cultural Immersion
The Bardia Jungle Safari Tour isn’t just a wild escapade, but a cultural exploration of the Tharu villages. It’s an excursion along the local community, which gives you an insight into the life of the Tharu people and their well-preserved culture.
The trip will also take you to the Tharu Museum, where you can see the historical artifacts and relics of the Tharu community. It puts up the traditional Tharu home and their vintage old tools into display.
3. Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Encompassed by a vast woodland, Bardia National Park is every birdwatcher’s wonderland. Its diverse landscapes, ranging from savannah to riverine are home to 407 species of birds and migratory wanderers, who seek refuge at the sanctuary.
Little wonder, the park spoils you with rare glimpses of Bengal florican, white-rumped vultures, and bar-headed geese. You can also spot other bird species such as saurus crane, lesser Florican, and striated grassbird, so don’t fear missing them out.
4. Recreational Adventure
Bardia National Park is one big playground for outdoor enthusiasts to watch the wildlife and enjoy some fun activities. You can canoe on the Karnali-Babai River to watch mugger crocodiles and rhinos, who come to fetch water. Apart from that, you can go river rafting, which is optional but fun.
How much does it cost for the Bardia Jungle Safari Tour?
The cost for Bardia National Park Safari starts from USD 1200 per person. The fee covers the cost of your accommodation, transportation, tour guide, and entry fee to Bardia National Park.
Of course, the cost isn’t standard and varies depending on the length of the tour. The duration of your stay has a big say on your accommodation and food, which builds up the cost.
Nonetheless, it saves you enough to splurge on the local delicacies and souvenirs.
Itinerary
Bardiya National Park Safari, Best Tiger Spotting in Nepal Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 - Fly to Nepalgunj and Drive to Bardia
Wake up early and take a morning flight to Nepalgunj. This will take about an hour, but the aerial view of changing landscapes with sweeping rivers will keep you occupied all along the way.
On arrival, you’ll embark on a two-hour drive to Bardia, enjoying the spectacular view of charming towns and unspoiled wilderness. Upon reaching the city, you’ll have dinner and spend the night at a four-star hotel.
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation Type: 4-Star Hotel
Day 2 - Full-Day Jungle Safari
After breakfast, you’ll join our guide for an epic wildlife safari in the Bardiya National Park. You’ll jeep ride the dirt trail while keeping your eyes peeled on the bushes. It’s just a matter of time before you’re rewarded with a rare sight of amazing creatures like the Bengal Tiger, Barasingha, and fishing cat.
Once the safari is done, you can grab your lunch and have it amidst the serene atmosphere. In the afternoon, you’ll visit the crocodile breeding center to watch different species of crocodiles and turtles. Later, you’ll go to Tharu Museum to get an insight into the local culture and people.
After an exciting day, you’ll return to your hotel and enjoy the evening dinner with the group. You can rest well now and recoup energy.
Meals: BLD
Accommodation Type: 4-Star Hotel
Day 3 - More Exploration, More Fun in Bardia National Park
Today, you’ll explore the Bardia National Park and discover the wildlife that exists within. Early morning, you’ll venture off the community forest to go birdwatching. On the way, you’ll have a chance to spot elusive birds like pale-footed bush warbler Bengal florican,bar-headed geese, and striated grassbird.
In the daytime, you’ll cruise the Karnali River in a canoe to witness mugger crocodiles, along with Indian rhinoceros and other reptiles that inhibit on the river bank. If you’re lucky, you may even spot Gangetic Dolphin which rarely comes into sight
You’ll finish the day by watching a cultural show that highlights the magnificent customs and traditions of the Tharu people. Then you’ll enjoy some delicious Nepalese dishes for dinner before taking a rest.
Meals: BLD
Accommodation Type: 4-Star Hotel
Day 4 - Departure
After breakfast, you’ll leave the hotel and drive back to Nepalgunj. From there, you’ll catch a flight to Kathmandu, which takes about an hour. Upon arrival, we’ll drive back to your hotel and finish the adventure.
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Map And Altitude Chart
Bardiya National Park Safari, Best Tiger Spotting in Nepal Map and Altitude Chart
Interactive Map
Cost Details
Inclusions & Exclusions
What’s Included
- Pick up from Nepaljung airport and drop to Nepalgunj airport after the tour
- 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
- 3 nights Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge accommodation
- Jungle Safari Transport
- All the activities as per the itinerary
- A qualified & licenced jungle safari guide
- Entrance fees for the national park and other entrance fees
Addons: flight fare from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and return ( Available on add-ons section)
What’s Excluded
- Lachohalic drinks at Tiger Tops Resort
- Tipping for safari staff
- Land transport to the National park
Reviews
Client’ Testimonials and their Experiences
M
Unforgettable Nepal tour.
Ram and his team organised an excellent tour. Ram went out of his way, we went to Bardiya National Park to track Tigers, when we didn’t see any after 2 days he arranged and changed our flights that we could stay longer. I will recommend Sublime Trails for anyone.
Malie and Anthoon from South Africa
Essential
Know Everything Before You Go Bardiya National Park Safari, Best Tiger Spotting in Nepal
When is the best time to take a Bardia Jungle Safari?
Bardia has pleasant weather year-round, so any time is a good time for the jungle safari tour. However, if you seek a warmer climate with better wildlife views, spring (between March and May) is the time to go on a tour.
The season is largely dry and humid, increasing your chances of spotting wild animals and birds. Visitors can find a significant presence of wildlife around the water sources or in the bushes, searching for hunt. Remember, April and May are the hottest months in the calendar, with temperatures reaching up to 40 Degrees Celsius.
Autumn is another safari season, although it’s much cooler and milder. There may be some light rainfall at the beginning of this season, but nowhere near the extent of monsoon. The season is partially dry so you can easily catch a glimpse of animals while they are basking or hydrating themselves.
Even the smaller animals attract attention during the autumn tour as the vegetation tends to die. Moreover, you can get up close to the animals like elephants, deer, rhinos, and tigers as they wander through the thin bushes.
Taking a jungle safari tour in winter can be equally fun, especially in the daytime with warm weather and clear skies. You can enjoy some lovely sunshine and breathtaking landscapes. Birdwatchers will be overjoyed to witness a cluster of migratory birds like the Bengal florican, Northern Shoveler, peafowl, and Saurus crane.
Although it’s possible to go on a jungle safari in summer, we don’t recommend it due to the possibility of blazing heat and downpours. There’s frequent rainfall at this time, making it impossible to get good visibility.
The monsoon also brings a lot of rain, providing enough water for the wildlife. As a result, most waterholes are abandoned during the season. The tall thick forests also make it harder to spot the animals.
Accommodation
Bardia has a wide range of accommodation options for visitors willing to go on a jungle safari tour. There are plenty of lodges, homestays, and guesthouses, right outside the vicinity of the park, which are super affordable and convenient.
This is the same for the four-star hotel, where you’ll stay during the jungle safari tour. The upscale hotel in Bardia provides a high-end service for food and accommodation. It takes care of your all essentials with comfort in mind.
They offer a well-facilitated room with an air conditioning system and an attached bathroom. Most of these hotels are equipped with a hot shower and swimming pool, where you can relax and catch a break from the blazing heat.
What to bring on the Bardia Jungle Safari Tour?
Preparing for a Bardia National Park Tour isn’t intimidating as long as you know, which essentials to bring and what to leave behind. Of course, you need to consider weather when packing these items, since Bardia stumbles across every climate. It’s important to get things right the first time so here are a few recommendations for the trip, that is insightful and streamlined.
- Lightweight clothing: Bardia has warm weather in general, so it’s easy to understand the necessity of light clothes.
- Insect repellent: It’s required to protect against insect bites.
- Sun protection: Weather-appropriate sun hat and sunscreen are essential to withstand UV rays.
- Water Bottle: Bring a reusable water bottle to hydrate yourself.
- Extra cash: Extra cash is recommended if you need to buy drinks and souvenirs.
- Travel documents: Your passport, wallet, and other essential items.
- Comfortable footwear: A pair or two of sturdy walking shoes will come in handy during the tour.
- Prescription meds: A prescribed medication is needed just in case the worst happens or your health deteriorates.
- Camera and charger: Bring a portable camera to capture fond moments and magnificent wildlife.