Bardia National Park

Bardia National Park covers 968 km² in the remote far-western Terai and is Nepal's largest and most pristine national park. It is home to around 50 Bengal tigers, over 100 one-horned rhinoceroses, wild elephants, Gangetic dolphins in the Karnali River, and hundreds of bird species. Unlike the heavily touristed Chitwan, Bardia receives only a fraction of the visitors — making wildlife sightings and the jungle experience feel genuinely wild. Jeep safaris, canoe trips on the Karnali, and multi-day jungle walks with experienced naturalist guides are the main activities. The best approach is by overnight bus or flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (1 hour), then a 3-hour drive to Thakurdwara village.