Bardia National Park

This largest National Park in lowland Nepal covers an area of 968 sq.km and it was established in 1976. Originally named 'Royal Karnali Wildlife Reserve', its purpose is to protect ecosystems, tiger and its prey species. In 1988, it was given the status of the National Park. 

Bardia is situated in western Terai region. It extends from dry and forresty Churia hills southward to the porous, open grasslands of Bhabhar, knows also as 'Phantas'. The latest are home of many larger mammals (such as spotted deer), thus are the best places to view them. 

Among the most famous inhabitants are the majestic Royal Bengal tiger and the Greater one-horned rhinoceros. There are also leopards and smaller jungle cats, sloth bear, hyena, wild dog, jackal, two species of monkeys (Langur and Rhesus macaque), small herds of Asian elephants, crocodiles (rare Gharial and Marsh mugger species), endangered Gangetic dolphin and the sub-continent largest antelope species called Blue bull (or Nilgai). In total, Bardia is home to 53 mammal, 25 reptile and 121 fish species. 

A true bird-watchers paradise with over 400 species, the area of river Karnali and Babai Rivers attracts also a large number of wintering waterfowl. Most popular residents are herons, kingfishers and wall creepers, but there are also endangered Giant hornbill, Sarus crane, Black stork, Bengal flerican and lesser florican. 

Bardia is also having more than 300 butterfly species (over half of Nepal's population), as well as snakes and amphibians such as Indian rock python and King cobra. There are also more than a dozen species of lizards and frogs.

Around 70% of the park is covered with forests. Wide rande of vegetation of 839 floral species includes acacia, sisam and large silk cotton trees. In spring, the latest blooms with scarlet flowers.