Bardia National Park, established in 1988, is Nepal’s largest and most undisturbed national park, covering about 968 square kilometers in the far-west Terai region along the eastern bank of the Karnali River. It extends from the Churia hills southward to the Bhabhar slopes, featuring diverse ecosystems including sal forests, grasslands, and riverine habitats. This vast wilderness is vital for wildlife conservation and ecological balance.

Home to over 839 plant species and 642 animal species, Bardia National Park supports 53 mammals and 407 birds. It boasts unique wildlife such as Bengal tigers, greater one-horned rhinoceros, black buck, swamp deer, wild boar, and the rare Gangetic dolphin. The park’s rivers attract water birds like herons and kingfishers, making it a rich sanctuary for endangered species and a natural paradise for wildlife enthusiasts.

Originally a royal hunting reserve, Bardia was declared a national park to protect its critical ecosystems and endangered species habitats. The park is a prime location for jungle safaris, boat rides on the Karnali River, and nature walks. It also plays a significant role in community conservation efforts, contributing both to biodiversity preservation and sustainable ecotourism in Nepal’s Terai region.