Overview
At Tiger Tops the product is the jungle. Karnali Lodge sits on the periphery of Bardia National Park, far from Kathmandu's bustle — a journey of adventure and a chance to reconnect with nature. Lodges are simple and in keeping with the local environment. This suggested 4-day programme covers arrival with dusk jeep safari, Karnali river and afternoon jeep safari, a full jungle day with hides, and departure via Nepalgunj. Activities depend on season and weather; custom programmes are welcome.
Trip Highlights
- Two-hour transfer from Nepalgunj across Terai towns and the Babai River
- Dusk jeep safari when tigers hunt in cooler hours
- Hand-carved boat safari on the Karnali for gharial and marsh mugger
- Afternoon Land Rover safari for rhino and Bengal tiger chances
- Full jungle day with walking hides among sal forest and birdlife
- Naturalist interpretation of Bardia fauna and flora
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
AccommodationTiger Tops Karnali Lodge
Met by a Tiger Tops representative with refreshments and transferred to Karnali Lodge — about a two-hour drive. En route: Terai towns, fields and forests; near the lodge cross the Babai River where marsh mugger crocodiles may bask. Hot Nepali lunch on arrival. Afternoon dusk jeep safari (about 2½ hours) into the national park for tiger and leopard; an experienced naturalist provides in-depth knowledge of Bardia fauna and flora. Evening cocktails around an outdoor fireplace, then dinner in the Ghol Ghar.
Day 2: River and jeep safari
AccommodationTiger Tops Karnali Lodge
Breakfast al fresco under mango trees — fresh fruit, yoghurt, eggs and bacon. River safari on the Karnali: hand-carved boat through rapids and calm water, watching for birdlife, endangered gharial and marsh mugger. Nepali-style lunch at the lodge; hammock time optional. Late afternoon jeep safari in classic vintage Land Rovers when animals are more active — deer, birds, monkeys, one-horned rhinoceros and good chances of Royal Bengal tiger.
Day 3: Jungle Day
AccommodationTiger Tops Karnali Lodge
Early breakfast, then walking boots and bamboo stick for a full day with packed lunch. Land Rover into the heart of the park — jeep and on foot scouting undergrowth for big cats. Jungle paths under sal trees, orioles and hornbills; settle in a hide with tea for rhino, jungle cat or more. Further jeep touring of habitats and wildlife. Dusk is strong for leopard and other cats; watch for tiger claw marks on trees. Cool-box stop and canopy light on the return — last chance for sloth bear or wild boar. Dinner at the lodge.
Day 4: Departure
Nepalgunj
Leisurely breakfast, then about a two-hour drive to Nepalgunj airport in time for the scheduled light aircraft flight back to Kathmandu.
