Over 2,800 Tourists Visit Bardiya National Park During Dashain and Tihar

Over 2,800 Tourists Visit Bardiya National Park During Dashain and Tihar

Bardiya, Lumbini Province — During Nepal’s major festivals Dashain and Tihar, Bardiya National Park welcomed a total of 2,883 visitors, with the majority being domestic tourists, according to park officials.

Senior Assistant Conservation Officer and Information Officer Sarojmani Paudel reported that among the visitors, 2,193 were Nepali nationals, 558 were foreigners, and 133 were from SAARC countries.

Annual Visitor Trends:

  • In fiscal year 2081/82 (2024/25), the park recorded 28,068 visitors, an increase of over 2,000 compared to the previous year.
  • In 2080/81 (2023/24), the park saw 19,010 Nepali, 1,540 SAARC, and 7,518 foreign tourists.

Why Bardiya? Bardiya National Park is renowned for its tiger population and remains a top destination for both domestic and international wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors often engage in jeep safaris, guided walks, and explore nearby attractions.

️ Challenges & Insights: Dharmaraj Ghimire, operator of Bardiya Tiger Resort, noted that political instability led to the cancellation of 40% of foreign bookings. However, the festive season brought a satisfactory turnout of Nepali tourists.

Access & Facilities: The main entrance to the park is through Thakurdwara, which offers ample hotels and transportation services. Tourists typically enter via the park headquarters located there.

Growing Regional Interest: Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, Chair of the Bardiya Ecotourism Development Forum, observed a rise in SAARC visitors and expressed hope for increased arrivals during the winter season.

Wildlife Highlights: According to Officer Paudel:

  • Estimated 125 tigers
  • Around 120 elephants
  • 38 rhinos, some of which have migrated to India’s Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary

Beyond the Park: Outside the park, there are over 30 hotels and 20 homestays. Tourists also visit:

  • Khata Corridor (biological route)
  • Dalla and Pattharbojhi villages
  • Gharial and crocodile breeding center
  • Tharu Cultural Museum
  • Enclosures housing blind rhinos and problematic tigers

Bardiya continues to be a beacon of conservation and eco-tourism, blending natural beauty with cultural heritage.