There's more to do in Bardia than just Jungle Treks


While Bardia National Park is renowned for its jungle treks, there's more to Bardia than just trekking in the jungle in search of wild tigers. Certainly, there are no restaurants or "entertainment" venues there, but there are a few recreational attractions to explore around the park.

Rhinos at Bardia National Park
Rhinos at Bardia National Park

The most popular activities in Bardia usually involve visiting the various breeding centers followed by the Tharu museum. However, don't let the opportunity for a village walk or bicycle tour pass you by before leaving. It's a part of Nepal few get to see!

 


Jungle Treks in Bardia


Jungle treks are the most popular activity in Bardia National Park, ranging from half-day treks in the morning or evening to longer expeditions that include staying in community forest areas within the jungle.

Tourist taking photo in Bardia
From full-day treks to overnight jungle stays, Bardia offers a wide range of jungle activities.

Tiger sightings are a major draw for jungle treks in Bardia, along with the chance to see wild rhinos, elephants, and other wildlife. Remember, spotting tigers takes time and patience!

You can spend anywhere from one day to several weeks on jungle treks in Bardia. It's wise to negotiate prices in advance, and don't hesitate to ask for discounts if you plan to undertake multiple treks.

Combining jungle treks with a jeep safari can create the ultimate jungle experience, allowing you to venture deep into the forests of Bardia.

Be sure to read my full guide on jungle treks in Bardia for more information.


Boating in Bardia


Taking to the rivers around Bardia is a popular day trip for many. You'll get to see the jungle from a different viewpoint than on foot. Animals will largely ignore you and carry on as per normal.

The negative side of boating is that it can be expensive (upwards of $150) due to permits, and there is a very real danger of crocodiles in the water!


River Fishing in Bardia


For anglers, river fishing in Bardia is a popular activity. Golden mahseer and goonch are the most popular fish.

A permit must be acquired beforehand and all fish must be returned to the river.

Fishing equipment may be rented for USD $10 per day. You'll also need a fishing permit. See my guidebook to Bardia or my guidebook to Nepal for more details.



Bird Watching in Bardia


With hundreds of wild birds in Bardia, it has become somewhat of a bird watching paradise. Egrets, Black Ibis, Francolins, Lesser Whistling Duck, Hornbills, Kingfishers, Warblers, and hundreds more can be spotted.

Jungle guide by river in Bardia
Getting the right jungle guide for bird watching, wildlife watching, and jungle activities is important to get the most out of your stay in Bardia

It's important to know your birds before arriving. Only a few guides in Bardia are true experts at spotting birds. The guides recommended in my guidebook to Nepal have extensive experience.

If you just want to wander around outside Bardia National Park and bird watch, this is also possible. But do note that although most of the area is a National Park, the areas outside are often still dense with forest and dangerous animals.

If entering the National Park, a permit must be acquired beforehand.


Tharu Cultural Museum


Just inside the main gates to the National Park is the Tharu Cultural Museum. If you've never visited a Tharu village it's worth a quick look.

Inside the building are various Tharu cultural displays from agricultural equipment to everyday clothing and kitchenware.

Although the museum is within the National Park, it has a small separate charge but you don't need a park ticket to visit it.


Crocodile Breeding Center


The crocodile breeding center can be accessed from both inside the park and outside near the Elephant breeding center. There's a charge to view the crocodiles but it's rarely enforced.

The crocodile breeding center contains marsh huggers and gharial crocodiles. While the unusual looking gharial crocodiles are interesting, the breeding center is overpriced and quite small.


Elephant Breeding Center


To the south of Bardia National Park is the small Elephant Breeding Center.

Elephant at Bardia National Park
Elephant at Bardia National Park near the breeding center
Similar to the one in Chitwan, it contains elephants of various ages. Some are used for anti-poaching patrols; others are here due to injury and for breeding.

There is a small charge to enter, and although it is open all day, there are preferred times to visit. Full details in my guidebook.


Temples in Bardia


At Thakurdwara, there are several small temples and shrines. While they are quite new, the Shiva temple has a history dating back to the origins of Bardia.

There are no charges to visit any of these shrines or the main temple. Interestingly, the main Shiva temple is quite colorful and unique in Nepal. Due to its uniqueness, it's been digitally preserved in 3D by the Digital Archaeology Foundation.


Village walks & bicycling in Bardia


If you are looking for things to do away from the jungle, then visiting some of the local villages around Bardia National Park is a very thing to do by yourself.

Either by walking or by bicycle, you can head south from Thakurdwara until you reach the bridge, then take a left. Follow the path out to several local villages.

There are guides that will charge fees for tours to these villages, but do note the villages do not charge and do not get any of the money.

Here is my full online guide to Bardia National Park. Meanwhile, full details of all these things to do in Bardia National Park and more are available in my guidebook below.


 

Download my full guidebook to Bardia National Park


Are you looking to discover more about Bardia National Park? Look no further as I've written the most comprehensive travel guide to Bardia!


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