Bardia National Park, located in the remote western Terai of Nepal, is a true wilderness gem for those seeking an authentic and off-the-beaten-path jungle safari experience. As the largest and least disturbed protected area in the Terai, Bardia offers incredible opportunities to observe some of the rarest and most endangered wildlife species in their natural habitat. If you're dreaming of a place where nature thrives undisturbed and tigers still roam freely, a Bardia jungle safari is the perfect adventure.
Unlike the more visited Chitwan National Park, Bardia sees far fewer tourists, allowing for a more peaceful and immersive wildlife experience. The park covers over 968 square kilometers of dense sal forest, open grasslands, and riverine ecosystems, all nourished by the mighty Karnali River. This vibrant landscape is home to over 400 species of birds, 30+ mammal species, and countless reptiles and aquatic life.
For wildlife lovers and photographers, Bardia is the best place in Nepal to track Royal Bengal tigers in the wild. This is the only park in Nepal where visitors have the opportunity to go on a tiger-tracking safari. While sightings are never guaranteed in nature, Bardia offers one of the highest chances to observe these majestic cats up close. Alongside tigers, the park is also inhabited by one-horned rhinoceroses, Asian elephants, blackbucks, swamp deer, sloth bears, and endangered species like the Gharial crocodile, marsh mugger, and the Gangetic dolphin—Nepal’s rare freshwater dolphin.
Days in Bardia begin early, with bird-watching walks at dawn, when the forest comes alive with vibrant calls and colors. As the sun rises, you may head out on an elephant ride or jeep safari, offering deeper access to the park’s thick vegetation. A visit to the Crocodile Breeding Center and an afternoon exploring more of the park’s flora and fauna give you a well-rounded experience of Bardia’s ecosystem.
Evenings in Bardia are peaceful and culturally rich. After a full day in the jungle, relax with a traditional Tharu cultural performance, a chance to connect with the indigenous community that has coexisted with the jungle for centuries. The Tharu people are known for their vibrant dances, distinctive houses, and deep knowledge of the forest.
Traveling to Bardia National Park from Kathmandu or Pokhara is easy and scenic. Most travelers fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, followed by a 2-3 hour drive to the park. Alternatively, overland travel by private vehicle or tourist bus is also possible, although it takes longer. If you're looking to combine your jungle adventure with treks in western Nepal, Bardia is well-connected to Rara Lake, Khaptad National Park, and Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha.
We recommend pairing this trip with other nature-focused experiences like the Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour or tranquil stays in Tharu villages near the national park.
The ideal season for a Bardia jungle safari is between October and April, when temperatures are moderate, skies are clear, and the animals are more active around water sources. The months of March and April, in particular, are perfect for tiger sightings, as vegetation is dry and visibility improves. During the monsoon season (June to September), access may be limited due to rain and flooding, though the forest becomes lush and vibrant.
A typical Bardia Jungle Safari Tour spans 2 to 3 days, including all jungle activities, full board meals, and accommodation at eco-lodges or forest resorts. From bird-watching and jungle walks to elephant-back safaris and crocodile-watching by the riverside, the experience is carefully curated for nature lovers. Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses to comfortable mid-range resorts, all managed by locals who are deeply passionate about conservation and hospitality.
If you’re lucky, you may spot a Royal Bengal tiger crossing a grassland or bathing near the riverbanks—an unforgettable moment that defines the Bardia safari experience.
Our guide will meet you at your accommodation and drive you to Kathmandu airport flight to Nepalgunj. After roughly 36 kilometers from Nepalgunj, you will be brought to a resort, where you will be served refreshments and given an overview of our lodge and its facilities.
Bardia National Park offers a good opportunity to witness Royal Bengal Tigers and other wild wildlife. You will also come across numerous more small beings that have made Bardia their home. Lunch will be a packed lunch. you can also visit the Crocodile Breeding Center located near the National Park's entrance.
We will now return to Kathmandu via airplane or other transport provided by our company.
Trip Start and End Point
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
DATES | STATUS | PRICE | SPACE LEFT | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Start date: 21-May, 2025
End date: 23-May, 2025 |
Guaranteed | USD 550 |
2
|
Book Now | |||
Start date: 05-Jun, 2025
End date: 07-Jun, 2025 |
Guaranteed | USD 550 |
2
|
Book Now | |||
Start date: 17-Jul, 2025
End date: 19-Jul, 2025 |
Guaranteed | USD 550 |
2
|
Book Now | |||
Start date: 01-Aug, 2025
End date: 03-Aug, 2025 |
Guaranteed | USD 550 |
2
|
Book Now | |||
Start date: 03-Sep, 2025
End date: 05-Sep, 2025 |
Guaranteed | USD 550 |
2
|
Book Now | |||
Start date: 29-Oct, 2025
End date: 31-Oct, 2025 |
Guaranteed | USD 550 |
3
|
Book Now | |||
Start date: 09-Nov, 2025
End date: 11-Nov, 2025 |
Guaranteed | USD 550 |
2
|
Book Now | |||
Start date: 20-Nov, 2025
End date: 22-Nov, 2025 |
Guaranteed | USD 550 |
2
|
Book Now | |||
Start date: 02-Dec, 2025
End date: 04-Dec, 2025 |
Guaranteed | USD 550 |
2
|
Book Now | |||
Start date: 17-Dec, 2025
End date: 19-Dec, 2025 |
Guaranteed | USD 550 |
2
|
Book Now | |||
Bardia National Park is the largest and least disturbed protected area in Nepal’s Terai region. Unlike Chitwan National Park, Bardia offers a more serene and less crowded experience, making it ideal for wildlife enthusiasts looking for a peaceful jungle safari. The park is particularly famous for its Royal Bengal tiger sightings, along with other endangered species like rhinoceroses, elephants, and Gharial crocodiles.
Yes, Bardia is one of the few places in Nepal where you have a high chance of spotting a Royal Bengal tiger in the wild. While sightings are never guaranteed, the park’s low visitor traffic and diverse habitat increase the chances of tiger encounters, especially during jeep safaris and elephant rides.
The best time to visit Bardia National Park for a safari is from October to April. During these months, the weather is moderate, wildlife is more active around waterholes, and visibility is optimal. March to April is particularly popular for tiger sightings, as the vegetation becomes sparse and wildlife congregates near rivers and watering holes.
A typical Bardia Jungle Safari includes a variety of exciting activities such as birdwatching, elephant rides, jeep safaris, visits to the Crocodile Breeding Center, and nature walks to explore the park’s diverse flora and fauna. You’ll also get to experience local Tharu cultural performances in the evening, adding a cultural dimension to your safari adventure.
To reach Bardia National Park from Kathmandu, you can fly to Nepalgunj and then drive for approximately 2-3 hours to the park. Alternatively, you can opt for an overland journey by private vehicle or tourist bus, which will take around 12-14 hours. From Pokhara, you can also fly to Nepalgunj and proceed with the same transfer.
Bardia offers a range of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses to comfortable mid-range resorts and eco-lodges. Most accommodations are located near the park, providing easy access to safari activities. These places are often run by locals who are deeply involved in conservation and provide a genuine jungle experience.
Yes, Bardia is considered a safe destination for tourists. The park is well-maintained and managed by experienced guides and rangers who ensure your safety during safaris and activities. Always follow the safety instructions provided by your guides, particularly during wildlife encounters.
During a Bardia jungle safari, you can expect to see a wide variety of animals such as the Royal Bengal tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, wild elephants, blackbucks, swamp deer, sloth bears, Gharial crocodiles, marsh mugger crocodiles, and even the rare Gangetic dolphin. Birdwatchers will also enjoy spotting over 400 species of birds in the park.
Yes, most travel agencies offer customizable safari packages to suit your preferences. You can choose the length of your stay, specific safari activities, and even combine your Bardia trip with other destinations like Chitwan or Rara Lake for a broader experience of Nepal’s natural beauty.