Two Day Expedition at Bardiya National Park in Nepal

Unforgettable Journey to Bardiya National Park: Tigers and Wildlife Amidst Nature's Splendor

My recent trip to Bardiya National Park was nothing short of a dream come true. For the past ten years, working in the media and photography industry, I had heard countless stories about this remarkable place. Finally, the opportunity arose to explore its wonders firsthand, and I was filled with anticipation about what awaited me.

Embarking on a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, accompanied by a group of friends, our initial purpose was to work on a mural art installation project. This unique artwork focused on the floods caused by the Karnali River, the longest river in Nepal, which often ravages the Bardiya district. The devastating impact of the monsoon floods, resulting in the loss of homes and casualties, served as inspiration for our project.

After spending three days in Rajapur, we discovered that Bardiya National Park was just a few hours away. Intrigued by the prospect, I made the decision to visit the park. Arranging the necessary information by Dasrath a wildlife photographer, I came across an exceptional guide who possessed expert knowledge of tigers and was a skilled photographer himself. Excited by the frequent reports of tiger sightings, we set out on our journey, albeit with a tinge of apprehension.

The first day began with a safari jeep ride deep into the heart of the jungle. Guided by our experienced escort, we traversed the enchanting landscape, basking in the golden hues of the sunrise. The beauty of the jungle was accentuated by the melodious songs of birds, previously unheard by our ears. Along the way, we made numerous stops, reveling in the sight of various bird species, deer, and even a rhinoceros. From 6:30 am until 7 pm, we immersed ourselves in capturing the untamed beauty of the wilderness, yet, to our dismay, the elusive tigers remained unseen. Our guide, Deepak, mentioned that tiger sightings were often common but, unfortunately, this safari marked the first time in the season we were unable to spot one. As our tour was nearing its end, Deepak our guide noticed a rat scurrying through the jungle and assured us it was a symbol of good luck. However, even this auspicious sign failed to manifest the majestic feline we had hoped to encounter. Disappointment lingered within us, while friends and family back home, particularly the wildlife photographer who possessed extensive knowledge about wildlife, expressed astonishment at our misfortune. Alas, our wish remained unfulfilled.

Initially, I had planned to spend only a day in the park due to other commitments. However, driven by a lingering desire, I decided to extend my stay for one last attempt. Aware of the significant cost of the safari, I joined Deepak and Prabin, eagerly anticipating a mere glimpse of a tiger. With temperatures soaring around 38 degrees Celsius in the afternoon, tigers would often emerge to quench their thirst, presenting a few opportune spots for sightings. Around 11 am, our focus solely fixed on spotting these majestic creatures, and we explored all the designated locations. A distinct sense overcame me, a feeling that we had embarked on an alternate trail where the prospects seemed promising. Fueled by optimism, our guide requested the jeep driver to halt, declaring his intuition had heightened our chances. Attentive to the calls and sounds resonating from the depths of the jungle, it was the telltale signs of a nearby tiger. Trusting our instincts, we embarked on a 15-minute walk and arrived at a stunning vantage point atop a hill. From there, we could admire the grandeur of the Karnali River and the surrounding jungles. After about 20 minutes, Deepak, directed his gaze to the right, while my friend, Arun the driver, and I was engrossed in our phones, finally enjoying network connectivity. With little hope of a tiger sighting, we were caught off guard when our driver exclaimed, "Bagh bagh bagh!" which means "tiger tiger tiger" in Nepali. Shocked and exhilarated, we witnessed the magnificent creature with our own eyes. My friend Prabin and I hastily grabbed our cameras and started shooting non-stop for 25-30 minutes, completely absorbed at the moment. When the tiger disappeared into the jungle once again, we were filled with disbelief and joy, hugging each other in celebration. The previous day, all we had wished for was a mere glimpse, but now we had captured countless poses and cherished memories.

As if this encounter wasn't enough, our guide suddenly spotted another tiger, this time a female. Once again, we were astounded and resumed taking pictures as she gracefully entered the Karnali River for a refreshing bath on that hot day. What an extraordinary day it turned out to be! We patiently waited and continued capturing the mesmerizing scenes until both the male and female tigers eventually left. We remained at the spot for approximately four hours, seizing every opportunity to immortalize these awe-inspiring creatures. It was as if we had been granted a golden window of time for the sightseeing experience.

On our way back, while happily exploring the jungle, we were taken by surprise once more. When we were near the park's exit around 6:30 pm, we noticed two parked jeeps and the guides excitedly signaled each other, indicating the presence of a leopard. With bated breath, we cautiously approached the site, but unfortunately, we couldn't catch a glimpse of the elusive creature. However, after a few seconds, our eyes finally locked onto the elegant form of a common leopard. It was a breathtaking sight, and we reveled in our luck of witnessing three majestic cats in a single day. Returning to the hotel, we celebrated our success with a small but joyous gathering. That night, I had one of the most peaceful sleep, dreaming about the jungle and its captivating sounds. When I woke up the next day, I longed to venture back into the wilderness, but duty called, and I had to bid farewell to the park and head home to my family.

According to our guide, Dipak Rajbanshi, recent counts indicate that there are approximately 125 tigers within Bardiya National Park. Tiger sightings, although rare, have increased in recent times due to the growing population of both tigers and visitors. I inquired about the changes in the jungle over the past decade, questioning whether the impact on the animals had been positive or negative. Dipak assured me that the situation had improved significantly, with more frequent animal sightings, which was undoubtedly a positive development. While leopard sightings had been scarce in recent times, this was the first sighting in a long while, leaving us all beaming with delight. I also learned that some individuals spend significant amounts of money, often hundreds of thousands of rupees, and even months in the jungle, in hopes of catching a glimpse of a tiger, only to be left disappointed. Reflecting on this, I shared a smile with my friend, appreciating our remarkable stroke of luck in extending our stay and avoiding a lifetime of regret.

Visiting Bardiya National Park and witnessing the raw beauty of its wildlife had been a life-changing experience. It reinforced my deep appreciation for nature and the need to protect these fragile ecosystems. Bardiya National Park not only fulfilled my childhood dream but also left an indelible mark on my soul.

As I returned home to my family, I couldn't help but share the tales of my adventure in Bardiya National Park. The photographs we had taken became cherished memories, allowing us to relive the thrill and excitement of encountering the tigers, leopards, and birds. Friends and family marveled at our incredible luck, unable to believe the extraordinary encounters we had experienced within a single day.

The impact of our trip extended beyond personal fulfillment. It ignited a newfound passion within me to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation and the need to protect these endangered species. I shared my photographs, stories, and experiences with others, hoping to inspire a sense of wonder and a desire to preserve these natural treasures for future generations.

Bardiya National Park stands as a testament to the beauty and diversity of Nepal's natural heritage. It serves as a sanctuary for not only tigers and leopards but also a myriad of other wildlife, including rhinos, elephants, deer, and numerous bird species. The efforts of conservationists, park rangers, and local communities are crucial in safeguarding this invaluable ecosystem.

In the years to come, I hope that Bardiya National Park continues to thrive and provide a safe haven for its inhabitants. I dream of a future where more people appreciate the importance of conservation and actively participate in preserving these fragile ecosystems. Through responsible tourism, sustainable practices, and collective efforts, we can ensure that future generations can also have the privilege of witnessing the wonders of Bardiya National Park.

My journey to Bardiya National Park will forever remain etched in my memory, a testament to the power of dreams, perseverance, and the remarkable beauty of nature. It reinforced my belief that sometimes, the most extraordinary experiences come to fruition when we least expect them.

A Bengal tiger arrives at the Karnali River for a bath on a hot day inside Bardiya National Park at Bardiya, Nepal on Friday, May 12, 2023.

A peacock is pictured along the pathway inside Bardiya National Park at Bardiya, Nepal on Friday, May 12, 2023.

A fawn crosses a path to get across the jungle inside Bardiya National Park at Bardiya, Nepal on Friday, May 12, 2023.

A herd of spotted deers cross a path to get across the jungle inside Bardiya National Park at Bardiya, Nepal on Friday, May 12, 2023.

Woolly-necked storks sit on the branches of a tree inside Bardiya National Park at Bardiya, Nepal on Friday, May 12, 2023.

A streak-throated woodpecker sits on the branch of a tree inside Bardiya National Park at Bardiya, Nepal on Friday, May 12, 2023.

An Asian green bee-eater sits on the branch of a tree in the jungle inside Bardiya National Park at Bardiya, Nepal on Thursday, May 11, 2023.

A black-hooded oriole collects bark stripes to weave a nest in the jungle inside Bardiya National Park at Bardiya, Nepal on Thursday, May 11, 2023.

Gray langurs rest on a tree in the jungle inside Bardiya National Park at Bardiya, Nepal on Thursday, May 11, 2023.

A chital looks on in the jungle inside Bardiya National Park at Bardiya, Nepal on Thursday, May 11, 2023.

A red-wattled lapwing wanders in the jungle inside Bardiya National Park at Bardiya, Nepal on Thursday, May 11, 2023.

A woolly-necked stork takes flight in the jungle inside Bardiya National Park at Bardiya, Nepal on Thursday, May 11, 2023.

Barasingha remains in the jungle is seen inside Bardiya National Park at Bardiya, Nepal on Thursday, May 11, 2023.

A crested serpent eagle sits on a tree in the jungle inside Bardiya National Park at Bardiya, Nepal on Thursday, May 11, 2023.

Sambar deers look on in the jungle inside Bardiya National Park at Bardiya, Nepal on Thursday, May 11, 2023.

A greater one-horned rhino taking a bath on the Karnali river in the jungle inside Bardiya National Park at Bardiya, Nepal on Thursday, May 11, 2023.

A shikra feeds on its prey on top of a tree in the jungle inside Bardiya National Park at Bardiya, Nepal on Thursday, May 11, 2023.

Barasingha, known as swamp deer along with chital, known as spotted deer wander the jungle inside Bardiya National Park at Bardiya, Nepal on Thursday, May 11, 2023.

A white-throated kingfisher sits on the branch of a tree in the jungle inside Bardiya National Park at Bardiya, Nepal on Thursday, May 11, 2023.

A chital, known as spotted deer looks on as its fawn drinks milk in the jungle inside Bardiya National Park at Bardiya, Nepal on Thursday, May 11, 2023.