Explore the countryside and meet the Tharu people
Bardia National Park is surrounded by beautiful countryside where you can meet friendly local people. Bardiya is mainly inhabited by the indigenous Danguara Tharu people. They have their own language, customs and traditions.
A Tharu house is constructed with reed and bamboo, covered with a layer of mud and dung. The Tharus are self-supporting and live from farming and fishing. Many households keep buffaloes, goats, chickens and pigs. This is a place where time stands still. There are various ways of exploring the countryside. You can also join the locals with farming, fishing, dancing and cooking or join our family during the many festivals. Rice plantation (Mid-June till beginning of July) is an experience not to be missed! Have a look at the activities you can experience and please contact us for more information.
Duration: 1 -4 hours
Wander around on the countryside and soak in the peace and serenity. We are more than happy to join you, but if you prefer to explore this beautiful area on your own, we can provide maps and directions. Short and longer walking and bicycle trails will lead you through small villages, rice fields and along the river. You can relax in the shade of the trees in the villages.
Duration: 2 hours – full day
A motor or jeep tour is a great way to explore the countryside and the area around the Karnali river. A trip of 2 hours takes you over country lanes along rice fields and authentic Tharu villages. A day tour takes you along the southern side branches of the Geruwa / Karnali river. Near the Indian border you will search for the rare Ganges River Dolphin. You can also visit the former summer house of King Mahendra named ‘Tikapur Garden’ and the village of Chisapani, famous for its impressive bridge over the Karnali river and the delicious fresh fish.
During a motor tour you can sit on the backside of the motor together with your guide or you drive the motorbike by yourself. A jeep tour is very suitable for more than two persons.
Duration: 3 – 5 hours
By jeep, motorbike or bicycle you can make a tour on the countryside and visit small villages like Dalla and Kailashi, rich in Tharu culture. The locals are happy to welcome you and you will learn more about their daily life. Enjoy a delicious Tharu lunch at a local home and go for a jungle walk in the community forest with good chances to spot rhinos and birds.
Duration: 1 – 2 hours
The local people try to keep their traditions alive. They like to dance and to make musique during festivals like Tihar, when many people perform in our garden. The local Tharu dance group likes to perform for you anytime in the evening in our garden. The dance symbolizes many aspects of their life in nature. A beautiful and colourful show! Besides watching, you also have the opportunity to join them.
Duration: 1 hour to half day
De Tharu life has a rich history and many old habits and traditional farming methods are still in use. You are welcome to join them to plant the rice, (mid-June till end of June), harvest the rice (October) and harvest the wheat (February), go fishing or wash the buffalo. A guide will take you on a walk through the countryside and will tell you all about the farming methods and agricultural produce, fishing and livestock farming.
Adding colour to the lives of Nepali’s are a number of festivals throughout the year, which they celebrate with special food and dancing. We celebrate festivals like Dashain (Nepal’s biggest annual festival, lasts for 15 days around September-October) and Tihar (festival of lights, around October-November) with Budhi’s family. You’re welcome to join us!
Duration: 2- 3 hours
Nepali food has been influenced by Indian and Tibetan styles of cooking. The regular Nepali meal is dal (lentil soup), bhat (boiled rice) and tarkari (curried vegetables), often accompanied by achar (pickle). Curried meat from chicken, goat or pork is very popular, but is saved for special occasions, as it is relatively more expensive.
In a cooking class at our home or at a Tharu home, you learn how to make a good Dal Bhat, curried vegetables Tharu food or Momo’s.
The Tharu women are very talented in making baskets which they carry on their head to transport goods. The baskets are made of bamboo or grass. Most baskets have natural colors and are decorated with flowers or Tharu symbols like peacocks or deer. We help the women the sell their various products. By bringing home this original souvenir you support the financial empowerment of the women in our village.
