jungle lodge · Bardia National Park
Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge
A small safari lodge at Thakurdwara on the edge of Bardia National Park, about two hours by road from Nepalgunj airport. Cottage rooms in Tharu-inspired style, a rewilded estate, mostly solar power and naturalist-led jeep, walking and river safaris make it the most comfortable base in Bardia.
Tiger Tops is the company that pioneered jungle lodges in Nepal, starting in Chitwan in the 1960s, and its Karnali Lodge is its western outpost. The lodge sits at Thakurdwara on the south-western edge of Bardia National Park, about two hours' drive from Nepalgunj airport. Rooms are in low cottages, with en-suite bathrooms, local materials and textiles inspired by Tharu designs, set around gardens and a dining area where meals use vegetables from the lodge's own organic farm.
The lodge has rewilded part of its land and runs almost entirely on solar power. Its naturalists lead jeep safaris in open-top Land Rovers, walking safaris, river trips on the Karnali for dolphins and crocodiles, birdwatching and visits to nearby Tharu villages. Tiger Tops does not offer elephant rides. Many Bardia lodges close or scale back during the monsoon, roughly mid-June to late September, so confirm the lodge's opening dates for your trip; check current status before you travel.
Why we use it
- Experienced Tiger Tops naturalists who know Bardia's tigers and river channels well
- Comfortable cottages with an organic farm kitchen at the park edge
- A conservation-minded lodge with no elephant riding and mostly solar power
Questions
Where is Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge?
It is at Thakurdwara in Bardia district, on the south-western edge of Bardia National Park in western Nepal. The nearest airport is Nepalgunj, about two hours away by road, with flights of about one hour from Kathmandu. The lodge arranges transfers from the airport.
What activities does Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge offer?
Naturalist-led jeep safaris in open-top Land Rovers, walking safaris, river trips on the Karnali to look for Gangetic dolphins and crocodiles, birdwatching and visits to Tharu villages, plus time on the lodge's farm and grounds. Park fees and some activities may be charged separately; check when you book.
When is Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge open?
Confirm with the lodge for your dates. Many Bardia lodges close or scale back during the monsoon, roughly mid-June to late September, when rivers flood and park tracks close. The best months to stay are February to May for tigers and October to January for cooler weather. Check current status before you travel.
Trips
Trips that use Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge
Chitwan & the Teraimax 1,400 mChitwan and Bardia Tiger Journey
Eight nights across Nepal's two great tiger parks. Three nights at Meghauli in western Chitwan for rhino and big grassland, a night …
Chitwan & the Teraimax 1,400 mThe Terai East to West Overland
Twelve nights across the whole Nepal Terai by private car: from the wetlands of Koshi Tappu in the far east, through Maithil …
Far West & Karnalimax 1,400 mBardia and Shuklaphanta Safari
Seven nights across the two national parks of Nepal's far western plain. Four nights at Bardia for tigers, the Karnali and Tharu …