Royal Bardia National Park

Location : Covering an area of 968-sq. km., Royal Bardia National Park is situated in the mid-Far Western Terai, east of the Karnali River.

Seasons : The park's climate is affected by the summer monsoon. The best times to visit are between October and early April when weather is warm and dry. From April onwards the temperatures rise, peaking at around 45degree Celsius. In May pre-monsoon thunderstorms start and continue until late September.

The Park : Royal Bardia National Park is the largest and most undisturbed wilderness area in the Terai, providing excellent habitat for the following endangered species.

Endangered Animals : Rhinoceros, Wild elephant, Tiger, Swamp deer, Black buck, Gharial crocodile, Marsh mugger crocodile, Gangetic dolphins.

Endangered Birds : Bengal Florican, Sliver-eared Mesia, Sarus Crane, and lesser Florican.

More than 30 different mammals, over 250 species of birds and many snakes, lizards and fish have been recorded in the park's forests, grasslands and river habitats. The more commonly seen are:

Mammals : Languor Monkey, Rhesus monkey, Common leopard, Jungle cat, Fishing cat, Large and small Indian civets, Palm civet, Hyena, Wild dog, Jackal, Sloth bear, Otter, Porcupine, Bandicoots, Blue bull (Nilgi), Sambar deer, Hog deer, Barking deer, Wild boar.

Birds : Flycatchers, Babblers, Sun birds, Drongols (7 species), Eurasian thicknee ruddy, Shell duck, Warblers, Bulbuls (5 species), Woodpeckers (10 species), Barbets (4 species), Bee-eaters (4 species), Kingfishers (4 species), Parakeets (4 species), Doves (5 species), Pigeons (3 species), Red-wattled lapwing, Common peafowl, Red jungle fowl, Merganser duck, Black-necked stork, White-necked stork, Painted stork, Egrets (4 species), Herons (5 species), Cormorants.

The Geruwa, a branch of the Karnali River, forms the park's western boundary, while the crest of the Churia range (Siwalik Hills) demarcates the northern limits. Along the southern edge a forest road forms the boundary; in the east the Nepalgunj-Surkhet road forms it. Part of the very scenic Babair River valley is includes within the park. The approximately 1500 people who lived in this valley have been resettled else where in Bardia District. Since agriculture creased in the Babai valley, the regeneration of natural vegetation is increasing rapidly, making it an area of prime habitat for wildlife.

About 70% of the park are covered with dominantly sal (Shorea robusta) forest with the balance of mixture of grassland, savanna and riverine forest. The altitudes vary from 152 meters on the Terai 1441 meters at Sukarmala on the crest of the Churia range.

2 Nights 3 Days at Royal Bardia National Park
Tentative Programme