Probably the best place to see Bengal tigers, these big cats are the special highlight of Bardia National Park. There is a healthy population of wild elephants and one-horned rhino along with 30 species of mammals that live here. Bardia has more than 250 species of birds, including the endangered Bengal florican and sarus crane. You can also spot the endangered Gharial and marsh mugger crocodiles and Gangetic dolphins in the rivers as you go on rafting and canoe trips.

The Tharu people have a very rich cultural heritage with many unique traditions and religious beliefs. Divided into different groups, they live across the Terai: in the east, the Morang Kochila Tharu people in Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari districts; in Udayapur and Saptahari there are the Kochila Tharu; in the central and mid-western Terai are found the Kotharia or Dangaha Tharu; and in the far western region of Kailali and Kanchenpur are found the Rana Tharu. The Tharu people are shy farmers who are believed to have migrated hundreds of years ago from India. Indigenous to the Terai, before the eradication of malaria in the lowlands, they made up most of the population in the region. Since the 1950s, they have been joined by people from other parts of the country. However, you can always tell who is local, as the mud walls of their traditional houses are one colour.  

IMPACT

Bardia Community Homestay (Dalla) was established in 2011 with the support of WWF. Sadichhya Shrestha, Miss Nepal 2011, who was also the goodwill Ambassador of Nepal Tourism Year 2011 and young conservation ambassador of WWF Nepal, starting with 11 households, which now has grown to 23 due to its popularity with visitors.

ABOUT THE HOMESTAY

Dalla is a small village where you can find Bardia Community Homestay. Run by the women with assistance from their husbands, guests are welcomed by their hosts to stay in their simple mud-built huts that form part of the traditional family home. You enjoy your own private space but are never far from the family environment. Your accommodation is quite rustic and most of the toilets are outside, just a few steps away from your room. Your rooms come equipped with mosquito nets.

HIGHLIGHTS

Located next to the community forest, close to Bardia National Park, there are many activities you can do.

Community Forest Tree House

The tree house is a great way to watch unobserved the wildlife that lives in the community forest. For the intrepid who are not afraid of things that go bump in the night and fancy a night in the jungle, you can spend the night up here too.

Jeep safari

Close to the national park entrance, you can venture further in this, the largest national park in the Terai by jeep. You are taken deep into the park where you have a good chance to see tiger, wild elephants, one horned rhino and many other animals.

Jungle walk

For those who are not afraid to get closer to nature, you can walk in the jungle with a guide who will point out the things you might miss from a jeep. You can follow the tiger paw prints, see the scratch marks on the trees, and visiting the animals’ favourite haunts, you stand a good chance to see this elusive cat, along with many other animals and birds.

Rafting

The mighty Karnali River flows down from Tibet and by the time it reaches Bardia, it flows gently through the national park, offering a good way to see the water birds and animals that come to the river to drink and swim.

Bicycle exploration

Ideal for cycling, the flat terrain provides an easy way to explore the village and venture into the surrounding countryside.

Tharu cooking

The Tharu cuisine is quite different to that of other ethnic groups. You are welcome to try some of the local dishes, like water snails and even rat! You are very welcome to join the family in cooking too.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Bardia: Rustic living at Dalla’s Tharu Community by Marianne Heredge

Tiger Hunting in Bardiya – Marianne Heredge

A Homestay In Nepal Changed My Life – Michelle Welsh

10 Good Reasons to go to Bardia – by Marianne Heredge

Diary of a visit to Bardiya Community Homestay