Bardiya Jungle Safari Tour - 5 days

Wildlife to Expect in Bardiya National Park

Okay, so you want to know about Bardiya? Forget what you think you know about national parks for a second. This place is different. It’s wilder, somehow. You step in, and it’s like the volume of the world just dials down, and you start hearing things, you know? The rustle in the bushes, the distant bird calls. It’s got this old soul, Bardiya.

And the animals! Seriously, the tigers. They say there are around 125 adults just doing their thing. And when you see one, if you’re lucky enough and patient enough, it’s not like seeing a picture. It’s this presence, this raw power. Your heart just thumps. Then there are the rhinos. Big, beautiful, ancient-looking things, just chilling. They brought ‘em back here, and boy, are they happy. And the elephants! Wild ones, maybe a hundred or so, moving through the trees like ghosts sometimes. It’s proper goosebump stuff.

But it’s not just the big guys. You’ll be wandering, or maybe bouncing along in a jeep, and suddenly there’s a whole family of swamp deer–barasingha, they call them, just looking at you. Or you’ll hear a funny snort, and it’s a wild boar crashing through the undergrowth. You see these cheeky Hanuman langurs everywhere, acting like they own the place, which, well, they kind of do. And leopards and sloth bears are around, shyer, but that just makes it more special if you spot one. And just a hop away, they’ve got this special spot for the last of Nepal’s blackbucks. It’s like they’re trying to hold onto every precious piece of wildness.

The rivers, too, they’re alive. You might see a gharial croc – the ones with the skinny snouts, proper dinosaurs – sunbathing next to a beefier marsh mugger. And yeah, snakes are around, big pythons sometimes. You might even see lizards and frogs just going about their day. And if you’re quiet on the Karnali River, you might just, might, see a Gangetic dolphin pop up. It’s like a little wink from the river itself. And the fish! So many kinds, you wouldn't believe.

Bird, you’ll be in heaven. Over 400 types! You’ll hear them before you see them. Those big, funky Bengal floricans and the graceful Sarus cranes. Eagles are cruising overhead. It’s a concert, from morning till night.

And all this is happening in these huge sal forests – they cover most of the park and make you feel tiny – and these wide-open grasslands that stretch for ages. Smells amazing, too, especially after a bit of rain. They say there are over 800 kinds of plants, from the tall grasses to little flowers and herbs, that the local folks know all about.

Honestly, if you want that real, unfiltered, 'less people, more nature' vibe, Bardiya’s your place. It’s not just about ticking off a list of animals; it’s about the feeling you get being there. It’s raw, it’s real, and it kind of gets under your skin in the best way possible. You come back a bit different, I reckon."

Best Time to Tour

Autumn (October to April) 

If you're all about spotting wildlife, this is generally your golden window. Think of it like this: it's the dry season. That means the skies are usually clearer, and more importantly, the grass isn't a towering jungle, so the animals can't hide as easily. They're just more out there, doing their thing.

Spring (March to May)

If you can handle a bit of a sweat-fest, March through May can be pretty amazing, especially if you're dreaming of seeing a tiger. It gets seriously hot, so everyone gets thirsty, including the big cats. They'll be heading to the waterholes to cool off, which makes those spots a tiger magnet. So, a bit toasty, but potentially very stripy!

Winter (December to February)

Winter's got its charm. We're talking cool, crisp mornings, maybe a bit of mist hanging in the air – makes for some seriously atmospheric photos. The animals might be a bit like us on a chilly morning, slow to get moving. So, you might need a little more patience, especially early in the day.

Monsoon (June to September)

Look, the monsoon makes everything incredibly green and lush, which is beautiful in its own right. But, and it's a big 'but' for wildlife watching, all that rain can make things tricky. Parts of the park might be flooded and totally out of reach. Trying to go on a safari when it's pouring and muddy? Not exactly ideal. So, if spotting animals is your main goal, this probably isn't the time to go.

How to Reach

By Air

If you're a bit short on time or just can't be bothered with a mega-long road trip, this is your ticket. You'll hop on a little plane in Kathmandu. Grab a window seat and enjoy the magnificent view from the window of plane. You'll land in a place called Nepalgunj. From Nepalgunj, it's another couple of hours or three in a vehicle. So, you fly, then you drive a bit, and you're there. Quick and relatively easy!

By Road from Kathmandu

For the true adventurers, this is where the real stories start. Imagine you, a bus, and the open road from Kathmandu. Now, we're talking a good 12 to 15 hours. You might feel tired, but hey, you'll see the country unfold. It's one of those experiences, and it makes your journey very memorable. And if you're already wandering around western Nepal, maybe checking out Pokhara's lakes or the birthplace of Buddha in Lumbini, you can swing by the park from there. It makes for a cool, winding adventure through that side of the country.

Food and Accommodation on Tour

Bardiya Jungle Safari must have been your safari if, while in a jungle world, you felt that there should be one. Luxury lodges and eco-resorts have been picked for your stay, as they are known for far better services set in a jungle environment. A wilderness type of accommodation, all set in dense forests, exudes serenity with all the modern amenities, thus providing the best shelter after a day full of thrilling adventures.

Each morning greets you with the chef's preparations, and hardly would a pang of hunger from breakfast, lunch, or dinner dare to show up. Most of the dishes at the lodge restaurant range from continental to local, and the choice is yours. 

A trip to the nearby Tharu village is a treat for many. Both guests and hosts get to eat Tharu food. You are visiting the ancestral traditions of the native Tharu people, including wild seasonal vegetables, herbs, and some strange recipes. 

For the adventurous eater, "Ghongi" is a local Tharu specialty that must be tried; it is made with freshwater snails. It is a rewarding and flavor-filled experience that every meat lover should not miss out on if he or she ever gets a toiling spirit.

All accommodations are booked through our trusted travel partners, ensuring a smooth experience and top-class hospitality. When you travel with us, you can be confident that your stay will have the most comfortable, safe, and unforgettable moments in the balance of wilderness and luxury.

Permits and Entry Requirements

• Park Entry Fee: Required for all visitors – around NPR 1,500 (~$12) for foreigners, valid for a day.

• Local Guides: Compulsory, and honestly, you’ll want one – they know every track and rustle.

• Restricted Area Permits: Not needed unless you're venturing beyond Bardiya into remote conservation zones.

You can buy permits on arrival at the park entrance or through your lodge.

What to Bring

• Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing
• Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots
• Wide-brimmed hat or cap for sun protection
• Sunglasses & sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Reusable water bottle
• Binoculars
• Camera with a zoom lens
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Personal medications and a basic first-aid kit
• Headlamp or flashlight
• Daypack or small backpack for safari outings
• Power bank
• Snacks or energy bars for long safari drives
• Copies of your passport, visa, and permits