The park was originally established as a royal hunting reserve before becoming a national park in 1988.
Bardiya is one of the few places in Asia where wild elephants can be observed migrating in herds during the monsoon season.
The Karnali River within the park is one of the last remaining habitats for the endangered Ganges River Dolphin.
The park contains over 250 species of birds, including the rare Bengal Florican and Sarus Crane.
Blackbuck antelopes were successfully reintroduced to the nearby Blackbuck Conservation Area, which is managed under the park's umbrella.
The park's buffer zone is managed by local communities to balance wildlife conservation with sustainable agriculture.
Bardiya National Park is the largest protected wilderness area in the Terai region of Nepal, covering 968 square kilometers. It serves as a critical sanctuary for the endangered Bengal tiger and the greater one-horned rhinoceros. The park landscape features a combination of Sal forests, expansive grasslands, and riverine floodplains along the Karnali and Babai rivers. It is widely considered the best location in Nepal for viewing wild tigers in their natural habitat. Visitors can explore the park through guided walking safaris, jeep tours, or rafting expeditions on the Karnali River. The park also hosts a significant population of wild Asian elephants and the rare Gangetic dolphin in its river systems. Conservation efforts here have successfully increased the tiger population density over the last decade. The area is home to the indigenous Tharu community, whose culture is integrated into the visitor experience. It remains one of the least developed and most pristine wildlife areas in South Asia.
The elevated watchtowers located near water holes in the core area provide the best vantage points for photography.
Hire a local naturalist guide, as their ability to track animal footprints and interpret jungle sounds is essential for spotting wildlife.
Wear neutral-colored, lightweight clothing to blend into the forest environment and minimize disturbance to wildlife.
Stay strictly within designated walking areas and follow your guide's instructions regarding distance from large mammals.
Avoid visiting during the peak monsoon season (July to September), when heavy rains make many trails impassable and increase the risk of malaria.
Park accessibility is significantly restricted during the monsoon season due to flooded roads and river levels.
Avoid loud noises and sudden movements; do not feed wildlife or leave any litter behind.
