July 28, 2025

Bardia National Park, located in western Nepal, offers one of the most authentic and raw wildlife filming experiences in South Asia. Unlike the more popular Chitwan, Bardia receives fewer visitors, making it ideal for documentary filmmakers seeking undisturbed jungle landscapes and elusive animals—especially the Bengal tiger.

Whether you’re filming a conservation series or an atmospheric travel film, Bardia’s remoteness and biodiversity deliver a powerful backdrop. Here’s everything you need to know before planning a shoot in this park.

Why Choose Bardia for Wildlife Filming?

  • High density of Bengal tigers with more frequent sightings in certain zones than in Chitwan.
  • Less tourist pressure, making it easier to capture wildlife without crowd interference.
  • Untouched landscapes, including riverine forests, grasslands, and sal forests.
  • Home to Asiatic elephants, swamp deer, otters, gharials, mugger crocodiles, and over 400 bird species.
  • Access to Tharu community buffer zones for cultural and conservation-related narratives.

Filming Permits and Legal Requirements

Filming inside Bardia National Park requires:

  • Filming permission from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC)
    • Apply at least 30 days in advance through a registered local agency or fixer.
    • Include your crew list, gear manifest, synopsis, and intended filming dates.
  • National park entrance fee and filming fee
    • Separate costs for crew entry, camera equipment, and any drone use.
  • Drone regulations
    • Strictly prohibited without separate permissions from both DNPWC and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN).
    • Wildlife-focused drone use is generally discouraged or denied due to animal disturbance risks.

When to Film in Bardia

  • Best Season: February to May (dry season) – higher visibility, wildlife congregates around water.
  • Secondary Window: November to January – cooler temperatures, but thicker jungle growth may hinder visibility.
  • Avoid: June to September – monsoon season causes flooding, poor road access, and leech-heavy trails.

Getting There and Getting Around

  • By Air:
    • Fly to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu (1 hour).
    • From Nepalgunj, it’s a 2.5–3 hour drive to Thakurdwara, the main entry town near the park.
  • By Road:
    • Overland travel from Kathmandu takes 12–14 hours via Kohalpur.
  • In the Park:
    • Access by foot, jeep safaris (with guides), or river rafts in buffer areas.
    • Gear porters or local assistants may be needed in off-road filming zones.

Filming Support & Crew Logistics

  • Local fixers and guides are essential—not just for logistics, but also for animal tracking and local coordination.
  • Camera traps and hides are allowed with special permission and location vetting.
  • Accommodation options in Thakurdwara range from eco-lodges to homestays.
  • Power and charging are limited in some areas; bring solar backup or extra batteries.

Working with Local Communities

The Tharu people live in the buffer zones surrounding Bardia and often collaborate on conservation efforts. Their villages offer rich opportunities for:

  • Community forest filming
  • Human-wildlife coexistence stories
  • Traditional fishing, farming, or rituals related to the forest

Always seek consent and inform community leaders before filming in villages or during ceremonies.

Common Wildlife Targets for Film

SpeciesStatusNotes
Bengal tigerEndangeredOften filmed near the Babai Valley or Karnali River
Asiatic elephantEndangeredBest seen in the western section of the park
Swamp deer & hog deerVulnerableFound in grasslands
Gharial & mugger crocodileCritically endangered & commonFilmed along rivers
Gangetic dolphinEndangeredRare, in the Karnali River system
BirdsOver 400 speciesEspecially active in early morning

Ethical Filming Tips

  • Never film animals near bait or interfere with their natural behavior.
  • Stay silent and maintain distance to avoid disturbing nesting or hunting patterns.
  • Use long lenses instead of drones where possible.
  • Always hire local guides who understand animal behavior and park boundaries.