We take one of the regular daily flights from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, in the vast southern plains of Nepal. Upon arrival at the Nepalgunj airport we head west for two hours by vehicle to Bardia National Park, arriving in time for a late lunch at our jungle style lodge. In the afternoon rangers will give you a full explanation of the surrounding environment, the wildlife that calls the area home and all about tomorrow’s safari. This evening we will be treated to a traditional Tharu dances before dinner.

Today we have a full day of jungle safari activities! Our excursions include early morning elephant rides, sitting in a padded platform as your mahout guides your elephant through the jungle. Imagine the morning mists rising over the river and grasslands as you spy a mother rhino leading her baby down to the river for a drink. Monkeys chatter and birds call in the nearby trees, signalling that an elusive Royal Bengal Tiger is stalking deer through the high grass. This very special experience is truly unique out at Royal Bardia – unlike any other wildlife setting in Nepal. After lunch we take a wildlife walk and a canoe ride on Rapti River, which borders the northern side of the park, the banks of which are home to sun-bathing ‘mugger’ crocodiles and the unique long-nosed ‘gharial’ crocodiles.

Today we wake up early ready for another day of getting to know the Bardia National Park. Before breakfast we meet some of the winged residents of the park with a bird watching walk where we have the chance to spot endangered birds such as the Bengal florican, lesser florican and sarus crane. After breakfast we can take a walk to the wildlife observation tower followed by a jeep safari to try and spot the rare black buck. After lunch we will visit one of the nearby Tharu villages to learn about the human history and cultural heritage of this amazing area. his evening we will relax and enjoy the atmosphere of the jungle in our home away from home.

This morning we can have one last elephant safari before breakfast and then we bid farewell to the jungle and head east to Nepalgunj for our return flight to Kathmandu. If we had more time here we could indulge in some rafting on the Karnali river, or trekking to Churia hills where snow capped mountains can be seen and which offer beautiful sunrise and sunset.