Wildlife and Culture in Bardia
Bite-sized trip
We have partnered with the local community homestay for this trip so alongside wildlife spotting you'll immerse in the local culture and give back to the local community.
Day 1 – Arrival into Bardia
After a short flight from Kathmandu, you will be collected from the airport and driven to Bardia – Nepal’s largest national park – which will take around 3 hours. It’s a long journey but well worth the effort! It’s known as one of the best places in Nepal to spot Bengal Tigers.
You’ll be staying at Bardia Forest Resort in a cosy cottage complete with air conditioning and a private bathroom. There will be time to settle in before dinner prepared from locally sourced ingredients.
The activities you take part in whilst in Bardia are arranged with Bardia Community Homestay, which is part of the Community Homestay network. This innovative social enterprise supports a network of community homestays throughout Nepal. Their aim is to connect travellers with rural communities and provide a unique opportunity to immerse in real Nepali life, whilst bringing a sustainable source of income to local communities.
Day 2 – In search of the Bengal Tiger
The following morning, you’ll have an early breakfast before heading into the park on a jeep safari. The park is home to a variety of wildlife including elephant, swamp deer, gharial crocodile and over 250 species of bird. Keep your eyes peeled for the endangered tiger, and equally elusive one-horned rhino.
In the afternoon you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the traditions and culture of your hosts – the Tharu people – an indigenous ethnic group who live in the Terai region of Nepal. There will be the chance to try on traditional Tharu clothes and share a traditional meal prepared by the community. These activities aim to raise awareness and honour the Tharu’s rich cultural heritage.
Tonight (and tomorrow night) you’ll be staying at the Bardia Community Homestay in a private room, with a mosquito net and fan. Western style toilets are in a separate building but not far away. There are no hot showers, but your host will provide a bucket of hot water on request.
Day 3 – Jungle walk & cooking class
After breakfast, you will head out for a jungle walk with your local host. Get ready for an exciting adventure as you walk towards Machhan (jungle tower) and collect native vegetation for dinner along the way! Your host will make sure you know which plants are safe to collect and how to harvest them respectfully and sustainably.
Day 4 – Departure from Bardia
This morning bid farewell to your hosts as you enjoy a final breakfast and head off to your next destination. Leaving with not only fantastic memories, but a sense of the impact you have had by supporting such a fantastic cause and heart-warming organisation.
Accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
Stay at Bardia Community Homestay
Instead of staying overnight at Bardia Forest Resort, it’s possible to stay at Bardia Community Homestay. Your accommodation will be in a local home, in a private room, with a mosquito net and fan. Western style toilets are in a separate building but not far away. There are no hot showers, but your host will provide a bucket of hot water on request. It’s an adventure but also a wonderful way to give something back directly to the local community.
