National park · Nepal
Bardiya National Parkबर्दिया राष्ट्रिय निकुन्ज
Enter Bardiya National Park for $10‑$15 (NPR 1,200‑1,800) per person, then choose a short jeep safari (30 min) or a full‑day jungle walk; visit Oct‑Mar for dry trails and wildlife.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
968 km² (374 sq mi)374 sq mi (968 km²)
approximate
Established
1988
Best months
Oct–Dec
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 9
- South Asia ↗Trekking regions, border districts and several Indian states need separate permits on top of the visa; check the permit before you book transport into them.
- South Asia ↗Remove shoes (and in many Jain and Hindu temples, leather) before entering; cover shoulders and legs; ask before photographing people or rituals.
- Nepal ↗Get visa information only from the Department of Immigration; visa-service lookalike sites charge extra, and the rules differ by nationality.
- Nepal ↗At stupas walk clockwise; at temples and homes remove shoes where there is a rack or a raised floor; cover shoulders and knees.
- Nepal ↗Carry Nepalese rupees in small notes: many stalls, taxis and tea shops are cash-only, and shops rarely take foreign notes.
- Nepal ↗Strikes (bandh) and protests can close roads without notice: check the news and your hotel the night before any airport or highway day.
- Western Tarai ↗April to June is 35–40 °C and humid; sightseeing is best before 10:00 and after 16:00.
- Western Tarai ↗Distances look short on the map; the Mahendra Highway is two lanes with trucks and buses, so allow 40–50 km/h average.
- Western Tarai ↗Bardiya and Chitwan require a permit and a licensed guide for walks; arrange at the park gate or through your lodge.
At a glance
- Country
- Nepal
- Area
- 968 km² (374 sq mi)374 sq mi (968 km²)
- Surface area is reported as 968 km²; some sources split land and river zones, but the total remains 968 km² (check).
- Established
- 1988
- Best months
- Oct–Dec
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Birgunj
Bardiya National Park protects a large Terai forest and wetland corridor in western Nepal, home to tigers, elephants, rhinos, river dolphins and many bird species.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1988.
Size and age
968 km² (374 sq mi)374 sq mi (968 km²) · national park since 1988
Surface area is reported as 968 km²; some sources split land and river zones, but the total remains 968 km² (check).
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Birgunj.
Why go
- Large Terai forest with tigers, elephants, rhinos and river dolphins.
- One of Nepal's biggest protected wetlands and wildlife corridors.
When to go
- JanGo
- FebGo
- MarGo
- AprCaution
- MayCaution
- JunCaution
- JulAvoid
- AugAvoid
- SepAvoid
- OctBest
- NovBest
- DecBest
- JanDry, cool
- FebDry, cool
- MarDry, mild
- AprHot, early rains
- MayHot, rising heat
- JunHot, pre‑monsoon
- JulRainy season
- AugRainy season
- SepRainy season
- OctDry, comfortable
- NovDry, cool
- DecDry, cool
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, greater one‑horned rhino, gharial, river dolphin, hornbillsAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Migratory waterfowlOct–Mar | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Thakurdwara entrance | Main gate, visitor office, basic facilities. | Open with entry ticket. |
| Jeep safari area | Designated tracks for guided wildlife drives. | Guided only; hire at gate. |
| River dolphin zone | Karnali River stretch for boat watching. | Boat tours from Thakurdwara. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates are approximate centre of the park.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (per person) | NPR 1,200–1,800 | person | 2026 estimate (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry permit or guide
Park rules
- Guides
- Required for jeep safaris and boat trips.
- Camping
- Not allowed inside the park; stay in Thakurdwara or nearby lodges.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited; use designated cooking areas.
Where to stay
Near the park
Thakurdwara guesthouses
Basic rooms, often with meals.
Near the park
Bardia Wildlife Resort "Paradise"
River‑front lodge with balcony views.
Safety
Heat medium
Wild animal encounters low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Park entrance reachable by road; short walks from parking.
Visiting lightly
- Support lodges that employ local staff and use solar power.
- Choose guides with wildlife‑conservation training.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Bardiya National Park?
Entry is about NPR 1,200‑1,800 per adult (≈$10‑$15); children pay half. Prices are 2026 estimates.
What are the best hikes in Bardiya National Park?
The park focuses on jeep safaris and river boat trips; there are short jungle walks near the gate (2‑3 km) suitable for most visitors.
When is the best time to visit Bardiya National Park?
October to March offers dry, cooler weather and the highest wildlife visibility.
Do I need a guide for a jungle walk?
Guides are required for any off‑road safari or boat trip; short walks from the gate can be done without a guide.
Are there accommodations inside the park?
No overnight stays are allowed inside; nearby lodges in Thakurdwara provide rooms.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Bardiya National Park
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