Royal Bardia National Park
The Royal Bardia National Park is situated on the eastern banks of the Karnali River, about 400-km west of Kathmandu. The park is 968 sq. km in area and extends from the Churia hills southward to the gentle slopes of the 'Bhabhar'. The western end of the Bardia is bounded by numerous waterways of the Karnali River, which have created many large and small gravel islands. A mosaic of grassland and forest of acacia, sisam and the large buttressed silk cotton trees cover these islands and much to the lower ground.
Bardia is the home of a wide variety of animals, many of which live in and around the National Park. Spotted deer, Black buck, Hog deer, Samber deer, Wild boar, Swamp deer, two species of Monkeys, Wild elephants, Crocodile, Dolphin and Blue bull are found here. More than 350 species of birds have been recorded in Bardia, truly a bird watcher's paradise.
Getting There:
Via Land: Direct bus from different parts of the country.
Via River: Rafting on the Karnali River.
Via Air: Daily flights from Kathmandu to Nepaljung (1 hr) and jeep transfer from the airport to the hotel (2.5 hrs)
Koshi Tappu wildlife Reserve
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Camp the very first luxury 24 bedded safari tented camp within Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is one of the exclusive wildlife camps that offers a unique experience to view almost400 species of bird life and some of the very rare wild games. Staffed with knowledgeable local naturalist and "sikaris" , the camp is most comfortable, safe and haven for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The camp consists of 12 large deluxe safari tents with easy twin beds and simple modern toilet amenity including hot and cold shower facility. The restaurant with fully stocked bar is located centrally on the thatched "Golghar" both Nepali and western cuisine is served which are simple and tasty.
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve first Gazettes back in1976 was mainly established to protect the rare wild water buffaloes. The area of the reserve extends 175 sq. km. to the north of one kilometer long barrage that spans the Koshi river. The vast expanse of water created by the barrage, marshes, lagoons, mudflats and arable land that lie around it offers an outstanding wetland which has about to created one of the best and finest bird watching sanctuaries in Asia.
One of the most rewarding and greatest assets of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Park is that it offers ample scope for nature walks. For those with curiosity and perseverance, walking within the reserve on foot is the most profitable way of exploring the grassland, river lagoons and woodlands and vicinity of the barrage, just a short drive away. True adventure seekers can combine white water rafting down the Sun Koshi river to reach and stay at Koshi Tappu Camp.
The best time too visit this fabulous wildlife reserve is between October to March when much of the migratory and local birds can be sighted by the barrage and many of the river channels. Numerous Himalayan peaks including the Makalu I (8,463 m), the fifth highest mountain in the world can be seen during the clear time of the year.
The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is accessible by air, surface and river. The journey by air is just 45 minutes flight to Biratnagar from Kathmandu and then a mere one and half hours drive to the camp. Also rafting down for 8-10 days on the wild stretches of the Sun Koshi River is another exciting way to reach the destination. The third option would be the scenic drive through the meandering countryside road of about 500 km. That takes almost 10 hours from Kathmandu.
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Camp also makes an exciting alternative destination of r visitors who have already visited Royal Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park. Also for mountaineers and trekkers heading of returning from Arun / Makalu and Kanchenjunga region. It also serves as ideal location to break journey while en-route to Sikkim & Darjeeling and Bhutan and have a brief relaxing stay. We recommend minimum 2 nights or longer stay to appreciate and observe what park has to offer at its maximum.
Activities:
We offer many options and activities to give full opportunities to view the wildlife at its best. The exploration of the wildlife is constantly with the trained local naturalist and "shikaris" who are seasoned wildlife experts.
Morning jungle treks by the river lagoons and wetlands provides excellent opportunity to sight bird life, deer and herds of water buffaloes. And chance of sighting Gangatic Dolphins, marsh muggers and endangered Ghaarial crocodile. We also have the chance to visit and study the unique village settlements of Tharu community. |