Bardiya National Park

GETTING LOST IN THE JUNGLE OF BARDIYA NATIONAL PARK

Being a country rich in the Himalayas, Nepal is also widely known for wide variety of flora and fauna which are mainly found in national parks for conservation. These national parks are home to rarest of animals, birds and plants in the world. Along with the Chitwan national park, there are other ten national parks in Nepal. One of them is Bardia National Park.

Established in 1988 as the Royal Bardia National Park, Bardia National Park is a protected area, covering an area of 968 kilometer square. This national park is located in the southern lowlands of terrain. Covering the most part of the Bardia district it is adjoined with the Karnali region in its East. The northern border is formed by the crest of Siwalik Hills and the southern border is formed by the Nepalgunj- Surkhet highway, more than giving a border or protection to the park, this highway is actually disrupting the wildlife of this park. In the western part of the park, a natural boundary is formed with the human settlement by Geruwa River which is also the part of Karnali River.

This park was initially established with the purpose to save the animal species that were decresing in number particularly tiger and its natural prey. 1400 people were removed from the area to give larger space to the species. A buffer zone and a community forest was formed to reduce the increasing number of poaching of animals at that point of time. Without the human interference, government and the officials of this park were able to increase the number of animals residing in this park.

Until the mid-nineties, no any travelers were allowed to enter the park and enjoy the view of the animals. The whole experience of viewing the animals is totally different from that of the Chitwan national park as it seems so closer and nearer to the nature and the wildlife. The vegetation here includes 70% of forest with the mixture of grassland, savannah and riverine forest. A wide range of gymnosperms, dicots and vascular plants can be observed from here. Also the flora and fauna is vast and undisturbed. This park is home to endangered species like one horned rhinoceros, royal Bengal tiger, wild elephant, swamp deer, and black buck. Along with the endangered gharial crocodile, marsh mugger and Gangetic dolphin, this park is a home to lots of other endangered birds as well including Bengal Florican, lesser Florican and Sarus crane. There are lots of lodges where you can enjoy the Tharu culture, their dance and their tradition. I would strongly suggest you to keep a first aid kit with you and make sure you have  excess of fuel if you are travelling in your private vehicle. Many people believe that Bardia national park is in its path to be one of the premier eco- tourism destination in Asia. The place where the park is located is the transport link between India and Nepal.

Tiger being the national animal of India, India has started a whole campaign in conserving tiger as the population of the tiger is drastically decreasing. Bardia National Park has been able to do that and the number of tigers are increasing here in a huge numbers as well.

So next time you plan a trip to Nepal and if you want to explore the wildlife photographer in you, make sure you visit this beautiful park along with the Chitwan National park.

Do not worry about your fooding and accomodation. Highlander Nepal will guide you all the way from your arrival to your return flight back home.