BARDIYA NATIONAL PARK OF NEPAL
Bardiya National Park is one of the largest and undistributed national parks of Nepal located at the terai land covering an area of 968 km square. This National Park was established in 1988 and named the Royal Bardia National Park.
At the east of Bardiya lies the bank of Karnali River that bisects the Babai River in Bardiya District. The crest of Siwalik Hills covers the northern territory. The Nepalgunj — Surkhet Highway passes through this National Park on the southern border and lies the human settlements on the western territory.
HISTORY OF BARDIYA NATIONAL PARK
In 1869, Bardiya was only a Royal Hunting Reserve with an area of 368 km square. Even before that, the land was proclaimed by East India Company with the treaty of Sugauli.
India returned the land after 45 years when Nepal took part in the Indian Independence movement in 1857. It was then considered as the Royal Karnali Wildlife Reserve till 1982 and proclaimed as Royal Bardia Wildlife Reserve in 1984.
In 1988, finally, the land was named Bardiya National Park and still is a National Park with an extended area up to 968 km square. Over 1500 citizens living in that area were shifted somewhere else to make the place prime habitat for wild animals.
VEGETATION
Bardiya National Park is covered by riverine forest, grassland, and savannah on over 70% of the land. Inside this National Park, 839 species of flora are preserved that include 173 vascular plants, 140 dicots, six fern, one gynosperm, and 26 monocots species.
FAUNA
In this wide range of natural habitat, 643 faunal species are found with a comfortable livelihood. Those species include 125 species of fish in the Karnali-Babai river with a small number of gharials, crocodiles, and reptiles.
MAMMALS
Most of the wildlife animals of Nepal are found in Bardiya National Park as over 53 species of mammals that include rhinoceros, elephants, Bengal tiger, swamp deer, etc.
HERE ARE 5 THINGS YOU MUST DO WHILE VISITING BARDIYA NATIONAL PARK
1. ELEPHANT SAFARI
Elephant riding is the best method to explore every corner of the dense forest without worrying about being attacked by other animals. It is one of the wonderful experiences you should have during the visit of any National Parks.
Along with the ride of giant Elephant, you will get the chance to explore other wild animals like rhinoceros, tiger, crocodile, deer, etc. which would worth your Elephant safari.
2. JUNGLE WALK
Walking on foot instead of riding the Elephant or Jeep would be the best thing to explore the wildlife flora and fauna. This will increase the thrill and adventure while watching the wildlife animals and birds closer than you expected.
Holding a camera and walking along with your guide and fellow friends would be the lifetime opportunity to remember.
3. RAFTING IN KARNALI
Not a rafting you might be thinking, but its a calm and relaxing boating that floats down the Karnali river providing you the beautiful scenery of natural habitat. You will be able to spot birds and water animals during the raft.
Other wild animals like Elephants, deer, rhinos, etc. might be spotted during their thrust for water. Also, traveling across the National Park on the water would be itself a fantastic moment. So, never forget to have rafting in the Karnali river.
4. THARU CULTURAL DANCE
Surely, you would take days to complete your Bardiya National park tour. You will enjoy the National Park during day time, and at night time, you can have a different cultural experience with Tharu people.
They are the local people residing near the area where you can have your quality time exploring their cultures and hospitality. Tharu people would perform you their traditional dance providing their information on livelihood in the forest area.
5. EDUCATIONAL TOURS
Bardiya National Park consists of great history itself and accordance to the educational field, and it is a great place for educational tours to let our new generation learn about the National Park and the species present there.
This National Park has several animal breeding centers, especially of Elephants, in which children would get the opportunity to learn. Even the crocodile breeding center is also available in Bardiya. Additionally, children would get to know about Tharu cultures, which they must have been reading on their textbooks.
The touring guides will clarify even more regarding the National Park for their better understanding and knowledge.
6. CAMPING IN JUNGLE
If you resist camping at the Bardiya National Park then, it sure is possible and absolutely safe. The organizers manage all the camping trips in the community forest where the wild animals are also seen.
You can experience the ancient moment of livelihood surrounded by the dense forest. Camping on such a place at the bank of the Karnali river would definitely be the memorable and adventurous nights of your life.
BEST TIME TO VISIT BARDIYA NATIONAL PARK
It is better to have information about the climate and condition before you travel anywhere. The environment of Bardiya National Park has a sub-tropical monsoon climate.
The climate remains hot during March to June, average monsoon climate during July-October, and remains cold during October- February. You can choose your favorable climate and visit the National Park whenever you feel its good for you.
