Banke National Park: Tiger Conservation in Nepal's Western Terai
Banke National Park is a key tiger conservation area in western Nepal, linked to Bardia National Park and protecting critical wildlife corridors in the Terai plains.
Banke National Park: Protecting Nepal's Tiger Corridors
Banke National Park (550 sq km) was established in 2010 in Nepal's mid-western Terai, directly south of Bardia National Park. Together, the two parks form one of the most important tiger conservation landscapes in South Asia.
Why Banke Matters
- **Wildlife corridor** — Banke connects Bardia with protected areas in India, creating a transboundary landscape essential for the movement and genetic diversity of tigers, elephants, and other large mammals.
- **Growing tiger population** — as conservation efforts succeed, tigers are increasingly using Banke as they expand from Bardia.
- **Biodiversity** — the park protects tropical and subtropical forests, grasslands, and riverine habitats.
Wildlife
- Bengal tiger, leopard, wild elephant
- Spotted deer, sambar, barking deer, wild boar
- Gharial and mugger crocodile in the rivers
- Diverse birdlife including various raptors and waterbirds
Visiting
Banke is one of Nepal's newest and least-developed national parks for tourism. Facilities are basic but growing: - Jeep safaris with local guides - Nature walks - Community-based ecotourism programmes
Getting There
The park is accessible from Nepalgunj (1-2 hours by road). Flights from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj take about 1 hour.
Banke represents the future of conservation in Nepal — a park where protected areas connect, giving wildlife the space it needs to thrive.