• Last Updated on Jan 21, 2024

Best Place to See Bengal Tiger In Nepal is priceless excitement of seeing the almost extinct animal on earth is simply fantastic. The best places to see the Bengal tiger in Nepal include Bardia National Park and Chitwan National Park afterward, among others.

Despite the decreasing population of tigers, which stands at approximately 3900, the excitement of seeing one of these rare creatures in their actual habitat is an unmatched experience. 

A trip to see the Bengal Tiger In Nepal is better than visiting a tiger attraction where animals are often maltreated. However, there is some positive news here, with the population of wild Bengal and Siberian tigers rising steadily over the past few years. 

Similarly, major improvements to tourist infrastructure within significant tiger habitat locations enable sighting one or more of these cats while minimizing disturbance. 

Nepal has one of the most suitable habitats for the survival of Bengal Tigers. These rare cats live in various habitats, including rich forests, large open fields, and winding waterways. Additionally, the country has made some excellent efforts in preserving Bengal tigers. The tiger number keeps on ascending following strict anti-poaching efforts, engaging society in supporting species protection, as well as protecting its habitats. 

 Evaluating these conservation efforts reveals why the tiger is important for the ecosystem. The topography diversity of Nepal is crucial because it enables many types of suitable tiger habitats. Wildlife tourists can visit different parts of Nepal, like the lower Terai plain, middle hills, or upper Himalayan meadows.

To view this endangered species, one should consider one of the best places to see the Bengal Tiger In Nepal, i.e., visiting Chitwan National Park. This area has been inscribed in the list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. The park hosts many species, making it a hub for animal lovers who want to encounter those beautiful beats.

Another attraction is Bardia National Park, which has not been explored much but is equally fascinating. The wildlife experience here will be enhanced by its location far from civilization, thus giving people chances to see the Bengal tigers and other animals living in their natural setting.

Finding Bengal tigers in their natural habitat is usually a challenge that takes time and clever decision-making. Experienced safari-goers advise morning and evening safaris because these mammals are usually most alert. The local guides who have in-depth understanding greatly improve the odds of seeing. The guides are usually the locals who live around the reserves. They know the tiger’s behavioral patterns and the surrounding ecosystem.

Their perspectives add more value to the safari and support the conservation philosophy of the area. In this guide, we will discuss the best places to see Bengal tigers in Nepal in their native settings.

Table of Contents

Bengal Tiger In Nepal 

Nepal's national Park is popular for its main attraction, which happens to be the Royal Bengal Tiger. According to the 2018 census, there are about 235 Royal Bengal tigers. The other name for royal Bengal tigers is Panthera tigris. The Bengal tiger is a subtype of the cat species dominant in Nepal, Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, and Bhutan. Today, more than 2500 Royal Bengal Tigers exist in India among the available regions.

Tigers with orangish coats and dark strips have become symbols of beauty, strength, and conservation. Six tiger subspecies have arisen through an evolutionary process. The origin of the tigers may be dated two million years when their ancestors moved out of Africa to Asia. Eventually, the bigger animal was divided into nine subspecies, and six survived. One includes the multiple tiger species, including the Royal Bengal Tiger. It is a part of the 50% of the global tiger populace.

The royal Bengal tiger is the world's biggest cat, and they live for 18 to 25 years. Similarly, the Bengal tiger is one of the largest and heaviest animals. These include tigers of any weight ranging from about 249 pounds up to more than five hundred pounds, with some weighing around four hundred and twenty pounds. Nonetheless, their female is tiny, measuring hardly 310. 

The Bengal tiger, with its distinctive orange coat and black stripes, is regarded as one of the world's most notable large Cat species. They live in several Asian countries, and Nepal plays an important role in their protection. Before looking for the best places to see the Bengal tiger in Nepal, one must look at the characteristics, habitat, and conservation activities of the Bengal tiger before one's trip. 

Royal Bengal Tiger’s physical characteristics

There isn’t even a pair of Bengal Tigers that look the same. Each Bengal Tiger has its stripe pattern. Each tiger on earth is unique as it has stripes that can be easily counted when tallying the tiger population as part of a census. These are a few shades of yellow to light orange and dark brown to black stripes. The tigers’ coats come in various colors, including white.

Has brown rings on its yellow-orange tail. However, unlike the other white tigers with blue eyes, Bengal tigers have yellow irises.

Tigers found in Bardia national parks are mostly orange or reddish-orange, and the stripes are bold and uneven, with black and white areas appearing on the belly area and the inner parts of the legs.

  • Lifespan–They lead a life span of 10 to 15 years.
  • The average body weight of male and female Bengal tigers is about 225 kg and 135 kg, respectively.
  • The height of a male Bengal Tiger is about 9 feet, while that of the female Bengal Tiger is approximately 8 feet.
  • Teeth – they boast of extraordinary dentition spanning up to 2.7 inches.
  • Tails: They have tails measuring 33 to 60 cm long.

What do Bengal Tigers Eat?

Tigers are carnivorous and eat Deer, Antelopes, wild boars, and guars.

A tiger that consumes about 40 kilograms at a time is uncommon. They know how to hunt, and in a way, they are born killers. This kills the prey in an instant by employing a technique that is used for catching.

Tigers mostly hunt during nighttime. Though poor climbers on trees, Royal Bengal Tigers can climb for food as they are very dedicated to their prey. They are strong enough to pull several tons of weighted buffaloes through pure force.

Royal Bengal Tiger Behaviour

  • The Royal Bengal tigers have a ferocious nature and prefer an isolated living style, apart from the wintertime, during which one is likely to find three or four of them together.
  • Similarly, Bengal Tigers are good runners and can swim very well.
  • Tiger silently attacks their prey.
  • You will most likely see them in swamps, mangroves, or grasslands.
  • In most cases, they do not have to wait for any specific season, and the mating rate becomes high during winter.
  • When pregnant, Royal Bengal tigers deliver a litter of 4-5 cubs that mature in three months.
  • Royal Bengal Tigers are very sharp, and they never forget their faces. They are better remembered than even human beings and other animals. 
  • Curiously, these tigers do not roar while fighting with each other. Instead, the only sound it makes is soft hissing and fluffing.

Why Is Nepal Favourable for Bengal Tiger Class

Embracing Biodiversity: A Haven for Bengal Tigers

The majestic Bengal tigers live in Nepal's diverse topography and plentiful natural ecosystems. Lush jungles, winding rivers, and rolling land provide an ideal habitat for these mysterious animals. The combination of such different types of environments being close together makes Nepal, mainly Bardia National Park, the top destination in the world for spotting a Bengal Tiger.

Conservation Efforts: A Commitment to Wildlife Protection

Nepal has taken the lead in wildlife conservation for years, especially in preserving the Bengal tiger’s habitat. The number of Tiger populations has significantly increased through strict anti-poaching measures and the establishment of the local Tiger Force team that also involved nearby communities. Most importantly, Bardia National Park has come to represent Nepal’s conservation efforts for the world.

Bardia National Park: Apex in Bengal Tiger Adventures.

An exclusive location for a wildlife experience, mainly sporting Bengal Tiger, is Bardia National Park in the plains of western Nepal. Grasslands, sal forests, and winding rivers give rise to various floral and faunal species in this ecological place. The beautiful scenery creates a wonderful setting for the remarkable Bengal tiger safari.

Safari Adventures: Navigating the Wilderness

Traversing through the Savannah plains of Bardia National Park is entering the home ground of the tigers of Nepal. This is because seasoned naturalists guide visitors who watch the elephants in action in their natural environment. Seeing a Bengal Tiger against the green vegetation rekindles a real adventurous spirit in one’s soul.

Abundant Prey Base

Another important thing that makes it an attractive destination for the species is Nepal's abundance of food resources. Nepal has national parks and wildlife reserves with many prey species, giving the big cats a steady food supply. Bengal tigers maintain a healthy ecosystem, ensuring equilibrium with their prey.

Strict Conservation Measures

Nepal has adopted strict policies on wildlife conservation that have yielded positive results. The government works closely with different conservation authorities. Moreover, it established a strong anti-poaching scheme and habitat protection programs. Such common and combined efforts are not for conserving only the Bengal tiger but for preserving the whole ecosystem.

Prime Tiger Habitats

Several designated protected areas of Nepal are set aside as prime habitat for the Bengal Tiger. Some places are being maintained to provide safety for these dangerous creatures, including the Bardia National Park and the Chitwan National Park, where numerous measures are being taken. The Bengal Tigers find undisturbed breeding grounds in these areas, ensuring their population continues to exist.

Unique Biodiversity: Beyond the Bengal Tiger

Of course, we will talk about Nepal's whole biodiversity this time, though our blog focuses on Bengal Tigers. It is a biodiversity hotspot, housing different flowers and animals. 

Nepal's Unique Weather

Because of Nepal's vast geography, various climates depend on the altitude. The country has seasons ranging from the lowlands to the towering Himalayas. This diversification blends well with the requirements of Bengali Tigers' instincts and habits.

Moreover, Bengal tigers can do well at a certain temperature, which can be found in Nepal. Moderate temperatures in different areas of Nepal create a comfortable physical and physiological climate for these huge cats.

Another crucial element for Bengal tigers is rain because they depend on food availability in the environment and the ecological systems. Tigers live in Nepal because it rains in many different parts of the country, resulting in dense forests with flowing rivers, making the environment ideal for them.

Nepal's various ecosystems, including subtropical forests and alpine meadows, present Bengal tigers with numerous feasible habitat choices. The diversity is good for the tigers and the environment since it helps increase biodiversity and maintain a stable ecosystem.

Best Places to Spot Bengal Tiger in Nepal 

There are two prominent places in Nepal where one can glimpse a tiger: Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park. We organize jungle safaris, especially on sighting the Bengal tigers in both parks, accompanied by our experienced guides who know the tiger's habitat and manners.  

Bardia National Park is more popular due to its higher number of Bengal Tigers. According to The National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), Bardia National Park currently shelters around 125 Bengal Tigers. 

The increased population also provides more chances of seeing the Tigers. Here are more places in Nepal to spot the Bengal tiger below. 

Bardia National Park 

Bardia National Park is among Nepal's biggest and least disturbed national parks, where you can encounter the Bengal tiger very close by. Established in 1988, it covers an area of around (968 km 2). The Bardia National Park is the top spot for viewing Royal Bengal Tiger. In addition, this region is called the land of Bengal tigers. 

This National Park is said to have close to 125 tigers. Generally, compared to Chitwan, there are very few tigers in Bardia National Park. However, you are more likely to see them here as the area is less crowded than Chitwan National Park. 

You have many options for seeing Bardia National Park and some Royal Bengal Tigers. You can have either a Jeep Safari or a Jungle Safari. To see all of that, if your time is short, you should go for a jeep safari. If not, a jungle safari would be the most appropriate way to explore Bardia National Park. Compared to a jeep safari, you have a higher chance of seeing wild tigers during a jungle safari.

We are among the best organizing companies for Jungle safari, and our packages are concentrated mainly on seeing the Bengal tiger in Bardia National Park.

Try our Bardia National Park package tour, which focuses on seeing Bengal tigers. Select the 3-night, 4-day safari in Bardia National Park that is specially made to ensure you see them. The extended time will allow you sufficient opportunity for tiger viewing and, thus, making your game an enriching experience. Our package comprises various programs customized according to your preferences for a memorable natural vacation.

Opt for the best safari tour in this Park and have a high chance of spotting the Bengal tigers in their natural environment in Bardia National Park with our 3 Nights 4, 4-day Bardiya Safari Trip.

.The jungle safari also offers a sense of adventure and excitement. Bardia National Park is recommended for people with great warmth to catch a glimpse of the tigers, although it is difficult. You will have to take a long and painful journey through the thick forest with just one glimpse of the tiger. With tigers aside, it is possible to explore numerous wild creatures. These could be rhinos, elephants, deer, etc. If you cannot see the royal Bengal tigers, these would be worth it.

How to Reach Bardia National Park: 

There are two ways to reach Bardia National Park: 

By Air: Fly to Nepalganj and drive to Bardia

Duration: 50-minute flight and 3-hour drive

The best option for reaching Bardia from the capital city of Nepalgunj would be flying to Nepalganj and having a private transfer the rest of the way. Several flights depart daily from the domestic terminal of Tribhuvan Airport, and within one hour, you’ll be in Nepalganj. Upon arrival in Nepalganj, book a ride directly to Bardia.

By Road: Via Local Bus or Private Vehicle

Many buses travel from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj every day, which will take around twelve hours. Please note that this is not a more convenient "tourist bus" for the journeys from Kathmandu to Pokhara or Pokhara to Chitwan. It's just a local bus. They tend to be uncomfortable because they are not likely to have an air conditioner, could play loud music, and are normally overcrowded.

Local bus departs from Kathmandu and takes the road of the Prithvi Highway. The hills, farmland, and the meandering rivers depict beautiful landscapes. Then, as you head towards Muglin, you will turn south to the Terai (the plains bordering India), passing through Narayangarh, Butwal, and many other towns in Terai. From Nepalganj, you’ll have to take further journeys towards Bardia (Thakurdwara). Several local buses go back and forth between Nepalgunj and Thakurdwara throughout the day.

Chitwan National Park 

Chitwan National Park in Nepal is a UNESCO world heritage site. The Park was the first national Park in Nepal, created in 1973, and in 1984,  the Park was included in the World Heritage Site Heritage list. With a total area covering 360 sq m, it is famous as the home of the Bengal tigers after Bardia National Park. 

Another famous tourist destination in Nepal that is renowned worldwide is Chitwan National Park, a popular animal viewing center.

Chitwan National Park is a famous place in the world for Jungle safaris. The Park boasts over 50 kinds of mammals, about 55 amphibians and reptiles, and more than 525 birds that can be seen during a jungle safari trip within the Park's borders. Taking part in the jungle safari or spending time in Chitwan National Park can be fun for anyone who loves bird/animal watching and research.

On a trip to Chitwan National Park, one can see the "endangered" Bengal tiger, which makes the Jungle trip special. Tigers are seen roaming in the Nepali National Park in small clustered packs and sometimes alone. Regarding the number of tigers, Chitwan National Park can be deemed a good second place after Bardia National Park, where there are about 128 tigers (according to Nature Conservation (NTNC). The National park lies in Sauraha in Chitwan, which falls within the lowlands of the Nepalese Western Terai region.

Although visiting Chitwan National Park has a high chance of sighting many tigers, the chance is still less than that of Bardia National Park. Here are our most popular Chitwan Jungle safari packages in Nepal: 

How to Reach Chitwan National Park:

By Air: Fly from Kathmandu to Bharatpur and Drive to National Park 

Duration: 20 minutes and 30 min drive

Bharatpur is an air gateway to Chitwan National Park, about ten miles from Sauraha. Many daily flights between Kathmandu and Bharatpur take about 20 min after you go air.

By Road: Via Local Bus or Private Vehicle or Tourists Bus

Duration: 5+ hours

The Chitwan National Park is approximately 60 miles from Kathmandu; it should not take more than five hours, even on a bad day, to reach there via road. The drive is scenic through the Trisuli Valley and down the hillsides of steep forests and dotted farming villages. At Mugling, the road turns southwards towards Terai. Travelers can also travel to Chitwan by tourist buses. These tourist buses depart from around Thamel early in the morning and get to Sauraha after five hours. 

Parsa National Park

In 1984, Parsa National Park was enlisted as a wildlife reserve. The area of the buffer zone was declared in 2005 to be about 285.30 sq km. In 2015, an additional area of 128 km was added, and its status changed to that of a national park in 2017

Parsa National Park hosts a reasonable number of endangered species, including Royal Bengal Tigers, Wild Asian elephants, Sloth bears, and Leopards, respectively. Other living things found here include blue bull, Sambar, hog deer, striped hyena, jungle cat, palm civet, and many more.

However, the chances of spotting Bengal tigers are minimal in Parsa National Park, as there are only 19.

How to Reach There: 

One can access Parsa National Park using a road. This is just at the gate entrance of the Kathmandu – Hetauda -Birgunj highway. Buses are available from Kathmandu, and it takes six to seven hours via road to reach Parsa National Park. Instead, a flight to Simara will take 15-20 minutes, and then another 15 minutes to drive you to the national park headquarters.

Banke National Park

Banke National Park has an area of around 550 sq km and a surrounding buffer zone of 343 sq km. It was established on 12 July 2010. The national park contains part of Nepal's Banke, Dang, and Salyan districts. The wide variety of biodiversity in the national Park made it acknowledged as a “souvenir to the earth” even before its conversion into the National Park.

Terai Arc Landscape (TAL), an additional component of where tigers can naturally inhabit, also includes Banke National Park. This national Park has been established as one of the measures to conserve the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger found in Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and Bhutan.

Hidden in the tranquillity of Banke National Park, only 21 Bengal tigers reside here. Therefore, due to the smaller numbers of Bengal Tigers, the best place to spot Bengal tigers is indeed the Bardia National Park. Though their numbers have decreased, Banke’s tigers still play a significant part in nature among the beautiful surroundings. This sanctuary promises peace and tranquillity for those who love the beauty of untamed nature.

While overshadowed by Bardia and Chitwan, 21 Bengal Tigers are hidden in Banke National Park’s tranquillity. It’s an added advantage that this Park is not commonly known and provides an exclusive wildlife experience. Though the number of these tigers has dwindled, the tigers of Banke are important to the ecosystem in which they live amidst lush greenery. This is a little-known sanctuary where one will find peace. It beckons people who appreciate the mystery of unspoiled natural beauty.

How to Reach There:

There are regular flights and buses from Kathmandu to Nepaljung. Nepaljung is roughly 1-hour drive West where the Park is situated. It will take you about eight hours on the bus (270 km) from Mahendranagar to the headquarters of Banke National Park and seven hours (250 km) from Dhangadi.

Suklaphanta National Park 

The Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve is found in the Far-Western Development Region of Nepal. Initially, the reserve was a hunting ground. It became a Royal Hunting Reserve in 1969.

The faunal diversity is equally rich in the reserve. There are more than 53 species of mammals, including swamp deer (Cervus duvaucelli). There are also important mammals like the wild elephant (Elephas maximus), the Roy Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris), the One-horned rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), and the Black-buck.

In total, there are 2170 Swamp deer in the herd. This is the largest population of this species in the world. It has an estimated 25-30 wild elephants, an endangered species, as inhabitants. The Park boasts about 35 Royal Bengal Tiger endangered species, which prey on the spotted deer and swamp deer, which are very common in the area. Transfer four rhinos to Suklaphanta to create a viable local population of this species. At present, seven Rhinos are doing well in the reserve.

How to Reach There: 

Travelers could make their way to Shuklaphanta National Park, which would take them approximately 8 km from Mahendranagar. Traveling from Kathmandu to Suklaphanta National Park via Dhangadi and Mahendranagar is possible.

Best Time to See Bengal Tiger in Nepal 

Bardia National Park

The park provides an all-year solace to nature lovers, but the time of your visit influences your chance of meeting a tiger.

February to July: Ideal time for tiger sightings

During summer, as the temperatures rise, the Bengal Tigers come out for drinking sites, providing an advantage to enthusiasts. On the other hand, the harsh sun can be a challenge, and visitors must plan appropriately.

One can witness the tigers actively engaged in February through July. Tigers visit water sources more often during these months, making it an interesting sight for wildlife lovers.

September to December: A better alternative

Summer provides the best wildlife viewing. However, visitors need to dress appropriately for high temperatures. This should provide adequate sun protection and hydration, ensuring a comfortable and safe experience.

Those looking to avoid the harsh sun should consider September until December because that time is a little cooler. The alternative timeframe presents an equally fulfilling wildlife encounter.

Visiting Bardia National Park towards the latter part of the year is usually better since it saves the tourists from the intensity of the summer sun. This makes exploration easier and gives it a better feeling.

Tigers are, however, relatively inactive in the cold months. Still, many kinds of wild species and the unique behaviors seen now are very exciting because they prefer comfort over summer intensity.

Chitwan National Park: 

Winter morning and night temperatures can be extremely cold, but the afternoons that average 20 to 25 degrees Celsius are pleasant for Bengal tiger viewing in Chitwan National Park. In January and February, they trim the grass in the jungle, and the visibility of the tigers and other animals is greatly enhanced. For example, if you visit a national park, you might see tigers even a few meters away.

Moreover, Chitwan experiences pleasant temperatures and beautiful evenings, the last phase of Nepal’s fall, starting mid-September and ending in November. The reason for traveling to Chitwan during the fall season is that it is mildly hot without excessive sweating, and there is a lot of tour activity.

Spring and summer are hot, with temperatures reaching their highest in May, June, July, August, and September. Frequently, one can see the creatures of the Park trying to cool down in lakes, rivers, or water holes. During such days, the sun shines bright and can be extremely hot, with a maximum temperature of 40°C.

In particular, even the town of Sauraba gets flooded quite often during severe storms/rainfall, and therefore, many accommodations have to close permanently for the rest of the season. This season is usually not populated by animals, and only leeches are here.

Bardia National Park VS Chitwan National Park

Basis 

Chitwan National Park

Bardia National Park 

Highlights

  • On safari, watch out for spot one-horned Asian rhinoceros and, if luck is on your side, ‘the Royal Bengal Tiger.’

  • Go around Tharu village to find out about their culture and traditions.

  • Bardia is known to have pure wilderness as its safaris are not crowded; hence, they are more genuine.

  • Riverside forests, wetlands, and grasslands all make the Park more biodiverse.

  • Bardia National Park is ranked among the best areas in Nepal for bird watching since it is abundant with bird species and is a better place to see the Bengal tiger than Chitwan National Park.

Entrance Fees: 

A foreigner has to pay the current 2000 Rupees cost of a Chitwan National Park permit. 1000 rupees for SAARC. 150 rupees for Nepali.

All activities in Bardia National Park demand the payment of the Park’s entrance fee of Rs. 1500 per person per day). 

Location: 

Chitwan National Park is located in southern central Nepal and is only a few hours' drive away from the capital city of Kathmandu. The Terai region is south of Nepal, which accounts for its attraction to domestic and foreign travelers.

Bardia National Park is in western Nepal and more distant than Chitwan. Traveling to Bardia takes longer and is seen as a rather quiet and pristine area.

Size:

Chitwan National Park is wider and spans much of the Terai area. It comprises many varied ecosystems as a result of its largeness. But it is smaller than Bardia National Park. 

The Park is comparatively larger than Chitwan national park, which doesn’t diminish its ecological significance. Here, the visitors enjoy a more intimate feeling, less crowded and more personal, with more chances of spotting Bengal Tigers. 

Total Area: 

952.63 km2 (367.81 sq mi)

968 km2 (374 sq mi) 

Vegetation

Chitwan vegetation includes mainly tropical and subtropical growth with savanna grasslands, riverside vegetation, and deciduous forests. The varied landscape provides a suitable environment for many plants and animals. 

The physical geography of Bardia consists of riparian forest, grassland, and miombo wood. These ecosystems blend uniquely and create a rare stage for wildlife lovers.

Accessibility

Tourists find Chitwan more accessible than any other national park. The Park, not far from Kathmandu, makes transportation easy, whereas the surrounding infrastructure is more modernized, presenting options for accommodation and amenities.

Since it is situated in the west, Bardia is relatively more difficult to get to in terms of travel time and infrastructure. Nevertheless, this is part of what draws people looking for a quieter and less busy wildlife adventure.

Wildlife

Chitwan is famous for its population of one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, leopards, elephants, and a wide variety of bird species. It also has a dense concentration of wildlife, and sightings are relatively easier due to the well-established tourism infrastructure.

Known for its diverse wildlife, Bardia is home to Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, spotted deer, swamp deer, and various species of birds. The Park is less crowded, providing a more authentic wildlife experience.

Cost

Chitwan provides the budget and the luxurious accommodations. Safari fees and costs of other activities are generally higher compared to Bardia.

Bardia is normally cheaper compared to Chitwan in general. The accommodations, safari costs, and other activities are usually cheaper, making the destination ideal for the budget traveler.

Peace Activities

Chitwan has got more activities as it was developed more for tourism. Visitors can also have safari, canoe rides, walks in villages, and cultural performances to give them a mixture of adventure and cultural aspects.

Bardia is famous for its peaceful natural environment that attracts nature lovers. Here, visitors can partake in bird watching, nature walks, and cultural encounters with the local Tharu people.

Crowd Levels

  • The Chitwan National Park is one of Nepal’s famous wildlife destinations and gets more tourism than other parks. There are more crowded conditions during the high season.

  • Spotting a tiger is a bit harder in Chitwan because of the high level of crowd in the area. 

  • Unlike Chitwan, Bardia National Park has comparatively less tourist traffic. The Park is in a remote area that attracts minimal crowds, offering peaceful and elite wildlife interactions. 

  • Since there are fewer tourists, spotting a tiger in Bardia is assumed to be higher. Being a calm environment, the park has a better and improved habitat that can lead to spotting a tiger and other wildlife.

Guides

The guides in Chitwan are equally educated and skilled.

There have been well-knowledgeable local guides who know the wildlife and ecosystems of the area around the Park. 

No of Bengal Tigers

Chitwan is a widely known conservation area with at least 128 Bengal tigers. However, the chances of spotting them are very rare compared to Bardia national Park. 

About 125 Bengal tigers live in Bardia National Park. And it might be easy to spot them because tourists far less populate the Park.

Jungle Activities

Many activities are available in Chitwan, such as elephant safaris, jeep safaris, canoe rides, and jungle walks. This Park has a more advanced infrastructure with different ways of exploring it.

Activities in the jungles of Bardia comprise jeep safaris, elephant safaris, bird watching, and nature walks. Being in an untouched wilderness is heightened because the Park is less crowded.

Accommodations

  • Chitwan offers accommodations such as hotels, lodges, and resorts for those at different prices and taste levels.

  • The accommodation places can be more focused in Chitwan, thus providing a busier environment with increased interactions among travelers.

  • Some resorts in Chitwan include pools and cultural programs that turn the stay into a resort-like.

  • Bardia has several options for accommodation, ranging from cheap lodges to very nice resorts. Visitors can sleep at tented camps, riverside resorts, or eco-lodges.

  • Most of the accommodation available in Bardia is meant to harmonize with the wilderness to enhance the wildlife theme.

  • Lodges at Bardia usually offer a tranquil and exclusive atmosphere where people can escape civilization and enjoy what nature offers.

Food Choices: 

  • In Chitwan, there are different styles of restaurants that serve different kinds of foods. Visitors will encounter Nepalese and foreign cuisines around and inside the Park.

  • Due to the increased tourist population in Chitwan, various dining choices exist, comprising both local and modern cuisines.

  • Some guests in Bardia could be provided with the option of tasting traditional Thai foods, thus contributing to the overall cultural aspect.

 

Foods in Bardia are sometimes mixed with local and foreign meals. Several lodges and camps in Bardia use organic, locally grown ingredients and give visitors a genuine taste of Nepali cuisine.


 

Chances of Viewing Bengal Tigers

However, the case with tigers in Chitwan National Park differs because of the heavy tourist traffic.

The Park offers quite a peaceful setting, and you might even come across one of these giants roaming freely.

FAQS

1. Where is the best place in Nepal to see Bengal tigers?

Chitwan National Park is considered the best place in Nepal for Bengal tiger sightings.

2. How can I increase my chances of seeing a Bengal tiger in Nepal?

Engage in guided jungle safaris and be patient; dawn and dusk are prime times for tiger activity.

3. Do I need a guide to see Bengal tigers in Nepal?

Hiring an experienced guide for a safer and more informative safari experience is advisable.

4. Are there any restrictions on the number of visitors in tiger habitats?

There are restrictions on the number of safari vehicles allowed in certain areas to minimize disturbance.

5. Can I see Bengal tigers in other national parks in Nepal?

While Bardia Natio al. Park is the most popular, Chitwan National Park also offers opportunities for tiger sightings.

6. What wildlife species, besides tigers, can I expect to see in these parks?

Parks like Chitwan and Bardia have diverse wildlife, including rhinos, elephants, leopards, and bird species.

7. Is there any specific code of conduct for visitors during tiger safaris?

Yes, follow guidelines provided by park authorities, such as maintaining a safe distance and avoiding excessive noise.

8. Are there accommodations for tiger enthusiasts within or near Chitwan National Park?

Yes, lodges and resorts in Sauraha and Meghauli provide comfortable accommodations for visitors interested in tiger safaris.

9. How long should I plan my visit for the best chance of seeing tigers?

A stay of at least 2-3 days increases the likelihood of encountering Bengal tigers during safari excursions. 

Dipak Pande

Dipak Pande

Dipak starts to step up from potter, guide, and trekking leader to the company owner. Sometimes he share his experience with others as well as wrote in local travel news. Most of time he spend his time on mountain and his company.