Chitwan or Bardia?
Chitwan
or Bardia?
A short guide to help you choose!
If you ended up here, you are probably travelling in Nepal right now, or planning to, and want to discover the nepalese jungle…
And when it comes about wildlife in Nepal, a question usually arises: Chitwan or Bardia?
If you don’t have the time to visit both of them, you will have to make a choice.
While many choose Chitwan for practical reasons, Bardia finds itself much less crowded with tourists…
Let’s see together the main differences between these two beautiful national parks, to find out what is suitable for you.
Disclaimer: Before going further in the article, I want to be honest with you: my opinion is largely biased as I live in Bardia. But I will try my best here to expose the highlights of each park while being as neutral as possible.
Chitwan or Bardia?
Two parks with similarities...
Chitwan and Bardia are both located in the lowland region of Nepal, called Teraï. They both harbour a large biodiversity, and have many similarities in their histories as they both used to be a hunting playground for the royal family (read the history of Chitwan here and Bardia there!)
Each national park is home to the same wildlife, but their difference in vegetation does not necessarily make them conducive to the same animal encounters…
... and many differences!
Indeed, while Bardia is the largest national park of the Teraï, Chitwan is a better habitat for Rhinoceroses, especially thanks to its large wetlands. It is even possible to spot Rhinoceroses from the town on the edge of the park, Sauraha!
Whereas in Bardia, you will travel through big grasslands, riverine and sal forests, which will give you higher chances of spotting Bengal Tigers…
The untouched Tharu villages and the wilderness of the place are what makes Bardia so different.
Choosing between Chitwan and Bardia
Here are a few things to take into consideration while making your choice
The location
Not every traveler has the time for a long bus journey, or the budget for a domestic flight… And we cannot deny the fact that Bradia is very far from the main touristic places compared to Chitwan… (Find here the different ways to go to Bardia) That is why many choose Chitwan over Bardia, due to a lack of time or courage, which is totally understandable!
Yet, the remoteness of Bardia is also what gives it its value, as the whole area is still spared from mass tourism and has preserved its authenticity and its calm atmosphere. The untouched Tharu villages and the wilderness of the place are what makes Bardia so different.
More authentic or more modern?
I am not talking here about the animals or the jungle itself, but about the other things that people get to experience beside wildlife sighting:
Chitwan will offer you a more comfortable bubble, as Sauraha is more developped and westernised. You will find plenty of accommodations to sleep, many restaurants, bars and cafés, events, etc…
On the other hand, Bardia remains more wild and quiet, and with an authentic vibe. Desires for comfort will still be fulfilled, as most accommodation here have wifi, private bathrooms with hot shower, good beds, kitchen, etc…
You might not find a lot of “fancy” places for a drink, but while walking in the village, you will surely meet tons of kids waving at you, or local farmers with their goats and buffalos…
Same safaris?
While the main activities are possible both in Chitwan and Bardia (walking safari, jeep safari, etc…), both national park has unique opportunities.
For example, Chitwan offers the possibility to do a short canoe ride on the Rapti river where you can spot many crocodiles and birds.
As for Bardia, it is possible to experience spending a night in the jungle in a tree house to feel the wildlife differently…
But when it comes to “classic” activities, Bardia and Chitwan will offer you completely different experiences, due to the difference in vegetation and landscapes.
Bardia is like Chitwan, twenty years ago
In conclusion?
Define your expectations
The kind of traveler you are, and the type of adventure you are looking for will be the key to help you make your choice.
While Chitwan can be easier to travel to, some people will find the remoteness of Barida much more exciting!
As Nepalese like to say, “Bardia is like Chitwan twenty years ago”
But don't expect too much!
Whatever you choose, the advice I will give you is to not expect too much from both places.
I mean here that choosing Chitwan over Bardia will not guarantee you seeing Rhinos, as well as choosing Bardia will not guarantee you seeing a tiger… It’s also about luck, passion and patience!
In both case, only expect the beauty of the jungle and its tranquility…
Noémie Roche, February 2024