Bardiya National Park serves as the center of attraction for all wildlife lovers. Located in the lowlands of the Terai and about 540 km from Kathmandu, it’s comparatively less visited than its counterpart, Chitwan National Park.
Here’s an interesting thing: sometimes, random deer, peacocks, and even tigers roam across the road itself. And the sight might be witnessed while driving through the forests of Bardiya. It clearly shows why the possibility of spotting wildlife increases here.
This Altitude Himalaya 4-day Bardiya tour package doesn’t just offer a luxurious stay but also promises to give you the best experience within the Babai Valley!
From morning and late afternoon jeep safaris to gliding through the Karnali River on a canoe, we offer only the best of Bardiya. You’ll even walk through dense sal forests, enjoy an unforgettable sundowner, and socialize with the local Tharu community.
We’re pretty sure this package won’t let you down. Read along to learn more about the experiences and activities you’ll be up to.
Explore Bardiya’s Wilderness on Jungle Jeep Safaris
Bardiya National Park is the largest national park in the lowland Terai, covering approximately 968 sq km. Hence, there’s no better choice than taking a jungle jeep safari if you wish to explore its diverse flora and fauna across different parts of the region.
Since a single jungle jeep safari isn’t enough to fully appreciate the beauty of Bardiya’s forests, Altitude Himalaya’s package includes two private rides. We also ensure that your guided journey (with a naturalist) takes you through different regions of the national park.
Passing through the sal forests, there’s a high chance that the jeep ride will offer you the opportunity to witness rare wildlife you’ve never seen before. So, make sure to take as many pictures as you go.
Discover Aquatic Life on a River Safari
While the jungle safari gives you a glimpse of the wild animals, the river safari lets you discover the rare aquatic life of Bardiya National Park.
As you glide through the Karnali River in a hand-carved boat, your guide will talk you through the history of the place. You’ll even spot the endangered Gharial and Marsh Mugger crocodiles.
In Altitude Himalaya’s last expedition, we even got a glimpse of the endangered Ganges River Dolphins, known as ‘Susu’. It’s a rare sight indeed, but our expert crew can help you reach the spots where they’ve been most active in the past.
The river safari is organized in the late afternoon, which increases the chances of birdwatching. Also, as we approach sunset, the colors in the sky make the surrounding view surreal, which is perfect for photography.
A Visit to Elephant Breeding Center
The Elephant Breeding Center in Bardiya National Park is the best place to observe and learn about the giant mammals up close. This center is all about conservation, especially the ones that are being protected and domesticated in efforts of helping with reproduction efforts.
Get ready to spot mothers with their calves, peacefully grazing and learning their everyday lives. If you’re lucky, you might even see baby elephants being fed and trained by mahouts.
It’s surely going to be an educational retreat. So, be sure to be respectful of the elephants’ space. While visitors can interact from a safe distance and watch their routines, we don’t suggest feeding random food to the elephants.
Instead, you can seek information from the naturalist ot the caretakers to learn more about Bardiya’s approach to elephant conservation.
Learn About Gharials at Crocodile Breeding Center
Located very close to the Elephant Breeding Center, this wildlife safari tour in Bardiya also takes you to the Crocodile Breeding Center. Here, you’ll take a close-up look at two of Nepal’s rarest reptiles, the gharials and the mugger mash crocodiles.
You might have spotted some of them during the river safari, but here, you’ll learn more about their conservation and how these reptiles breed. The center has helped keep the ecosystem balanced by raising the number of these endangered species in the Karnali River.
Here, you’ll mostly learn about the differences between crocodile species, their roles in the ecosystem, and the threats they face today!
Sundowner at Karnali Riverside
Imagine watching the sun dip below the horizon in the Terai region of Nepal with a chilled drink, surrounded by your favorite people, and reflecting on the moments from the wildlife safari. This truly becomes the highlight of the day, doesn’t it?
What’s even more fun is that you’ll be treated to light evening snacks prepared by the luxury hotel, right on the banks of the Karnali River.
Just sit back and relax. This is exactly the kind of peace and luxury you deserve on your Nepal vacation.
Immerse Yourself in a Walking Safari
To get an even more immersive experience inside Bardiya National Park, a walking safari is the way to go!
On this thrilling trip, you’ll be joined by a naturalist who will guide you through the dense Bardiya forests, taking you to spots where wildlife is most active. However, it’s essential to take proper precautions and follow your guide’s instructions.
The walking safari is also a favorite activity for birdwatching in Bardiya. You can stop at various points to spot both migratory and endangered birds, like herons, egrets, and the black-necked stork.
As you’ll be walking in the early evening around dusk, it’s the best time to spot leopards and other big cats. Don’t be surprised if you come across claw marks on trees left by tigers sharpening their claws.
Connect with Local Communities in Bardiya
Since you’ll be visiting the rural side of western Nepal, you certainly wouldn’t want to miss out on the culture and lifestyle of the people here. Most of those living in Bardiya belong to the indigenous Tharu community.
They are the ones deeply involved in wildlife conservation efforts and the growing tourism in Bardiya. So, it would truly be a meaningful gesture to visit their village and offer a simple ‘thank you’ message.
We’re pretty sure their hospitality will even invite you into their traditional homes, giving you an even deeper understanding of their way of life. Just be respectful and make them feel appreciated with simple and kind gestures.
Experience a Traditional Tharu Cultural Program
Don’t worry if you weren’t able to dive deeper into Tharu culture. The resort you’re staying at also offers a Tharu cultural program in the evening for its guests.
With that, you’ll get to witness their unique dances, music, and folk stories. The one-hour cultural dance program features Hurdunguwa and traditional stick dances.
This isn’t just an ordinary program, really. It’s a powerful way to continue and preserve Tharu culture, empower women, and promote local tourism. So, Altitude Himalaya suggests not missing out on this experience.
Similar Package you might like: Bardiya Tiger Tracking Tour