The Royal Bardia National Park, situated in the mid-far Western region, is the largest and most unspoiled wilderness area in the Terai, covering an area of 968 sq.km. The park, a sub-tropical jungle, is thickly forested by sal trees and carpeted with grass, savannah and riverine vegetation. The north is bordered by the Churia hill range, the west by the Karnali river, while the Babai river cuts its course almost through the middle of the park. On the southern fringe of the park are the villages of the unique and indigenous Tharu people of Western Nepal. Considered as one of the most picturesque national parks in Asia, it teems with rich and diverse flora and fauna.

The park is home to more than 30 different mammals, including the langur and rhesus monkeys, civets, hyenas, wild dogs, sloth bears, otters, blue bulls, deer and wild boars. It is a regenerated habitat for endangered animals like the tiger, rhinoceros, wild elephant ( the park harbours the biggest wild tusker in Asia) and black buck, Gharial and marsh mugger crocodiles the great game fish-masher and the Gangetic dolphin cavort in the river waters. The unique birds which number over 350 species include cormorants, egret, storks, geese, jungle fowls, king-fishers and endangered species such as the Bengal florican, silver-eared mesia and the saurus crane thus making the park truly a bird watchers paradise.

Within the park are several open grasslands (plants) where game viewing is excellent. Many of the forest tracks throughout the park also offer excellent game viewing. And when you can take in the sights and sounds of the wild without necessarily having to give up on your creature comforts, what more could you ask for…?

CLIMATE
The Park has three distinct seasons, each providing a unique experience. Form October through early April the weather is dry. The days are warm, and the nights are cool and pleasant. From April to June the temperatures warm up, peaking up to 450c in May. The hot sticky days give way to the monsoon rains that lasts until September.

FLORA AND FAUNA
The Park offers a variety of experiences in its vast undisturbed wilderness. About 70% of the forest consists of sal trees with a mixture of grassland and riverine forests. The Park is home to endangered animals such as the Bengal tiger, wild elephant, Greater one-horned rhinoceros, and swamp deer. The other endangered species include gharial-crocodile, marsh mugger and Gangetic dolphin. Endangered birds found in the park are Bengal florican, lesser florican and sarus crane. More than 30 different mammals, over 230 species of birds and several species of snakes, lizard and fish have been recorded in the park's forest, grassland and river. In addition to the resident species, several migratory birds visit the Park,

An elephant ride provides a different view of the Park as one can go off the main trail, Morning and late afternoon is the ideal time to go on a ride. Karnali River is the suitable home for Gangetic dolphin. Babai valley is a majestic place to visit where the chances of sighting of tiger, elephant are high.

BABAI VALLEY AND KARNALI
The Babai valley extending from Parewaodar to Chepang (bridge) was included in the Park in 1984. The pristine valley is characterized by rich biodiversity. The major vegetation and forest type are wooded grassland and the riverine forest. The translocated rhinoceros from Chitwan were introduced in this valley. The luxurious forests in the east of the Park also provide a good habitat for several wildlife species. The Karnali River is home to the endangered Gharial crocodile and marsh mugger. The blue waters also provide habitat for the endangered dolphin. Large mahasheer, a game fish, is considered an excellent catch. The fast flowing water also provides excellent rafting expeditions that can stop in the Park. Riverine forests dot the shores of the river creating prime habitat for birds such as herons, egrets, blacked necked stork and the little pratincole.

A stroll through the local villages will be a rewarding experience. The tharu ethnic group is native to this area. Traditionally they are subsistence farmers and practice their own animistic faith. Handicrafts made by the community could be brought as souvenirs.

HOW TO GET THERE
You can take a bus from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj or a flight to Nepalgunj. Buses are available from here to Amreni. Direct buses are now available from Kathmandu to Amreni; from where local transportation is available to Park headquarter.

FACILITIES
A community health centre including a telephone service is available at Thakurdwara. An information centre, tharu museum and a captive breeding centre for crocodile are available for visitors. There are quite a number of hotels adjacent to the Park headquarters