Banke National Park, established in 2010, is Nepal’s youngest national park, created to enhance the conservation of endangered species and serve as a critical wildlife corridor within the Terai Arc Landscape. Though lesser-known than Chitwan or Bardia, Banke has become a vital habitat for Bengal tigers, elephants, and other rare species, linking Bardia National Park with Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary in India.

Overview

• Location: Banke, Dang, and Salyan districts, Mid-Western Nepal

• Established: 12 July 2010

• Area: 550 square kilometers

• Buffer Zone: 343 square kilometers

• Altitude Range: 153 to 1,490 meters

• Nearest City: Nepalgunj (main access point)

Key Highlights

• Integral part of the Terai Arc Landscape (TAL), promoting regional biodiversity and cross-border conservation

• Wildlife corridor linking Bardia National Park and Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary (India)

• Increasing sightings of Bengal tigers, elephants, and leopards

• Diverse ecosystems ranging from Sal forests and grasslands to riverine habitats

Biodiversity and Ecosystems

Despite being relatively new, Banke National Park boasts impressive biodiversity with a rich mix of forest, shrubland, wetlands, and grassland habitats.

Fauna

• Flagship Species:

  • Bengal tiger

  • Asian elephant

  • Leopard

  • Sloth bear

  • Four-horned antelope

  • Gaur (Indian bison)

  • Wild boar

  • Nilgai (blue bull)

• Birds: Over 300 species, including:

  • Great hornbill

  • White-rumped vulture

  • Indian peafowl

  • Eagle species

  • Jungle fowl

• Reptiles & Amphibians:

  • Indian python

  • King cobra

  • Monitor lizard

  • Various frogs and turtles

Flora

• Dominated by Sal (Shorea robusta) forests, mixed hardwoods, and riverine vegetation

• Grasslands rich in native species like Imperata and Saccharum

• Vital habitat for medicinal plants and natural herbs used by local communities

Conservation Importance

Banke National Park was established to:

• Expand habitat range for endangered species, especially tigers and elephants

• Serve as a biological corridor between Bardia National Park (Nepal) and Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary (India)

• Reduce pressure on overused protected areas like Chitwan and Bardia

• Promote community-based conservation and tourism

Community and Cultural Context

• Surrounding communities include Tharu, Magar, Chhetri, and Dalit groups

• Dependence on forest resources is high, which has led to community-focused management approaches

• Local buffer zone programs promote eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and forest stewardship

Tourism and Activities

Banke National Park offers a quiet, authentic experience for wildlife enthusiasts, researchers, and adventurous trekkers.

Activities

• Jungle safaris (currently limited but expanding)

• Wildlife tracking (tiger and elephant sightings are increasing)

• Birdwatching tours in wetland and forest zones

• Nature photography and botanical exploration

• Community homestays for cultural experiences in buffer zone villages

Best Time to Visit

• Winter (October–March): Ideal for wildlife viewing and birdwatching

• Spring (March–May): Forests in bloom, active wildlife

• Monsoon (June–September): Rich vegetation, but limited accessibility due to rain

Getting There

• By Air:

  • Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (1 hr), then drive approx. 1 hour to park entrance

• By Road:

  • From Nepalgunj or Kohalpur via East-West Highway

  • Accessible from major cities like Dang and Tulsipur

• Permits Required:

  • Banke National Park Entry Permit

  • Available at the park entrance or from DNPWC offices

Conservation Challenges

• Poaching and illegal logging remain threats, though anti-poaching patrols have improved

• Human-wildlife conflict in buffer zones, particularly with elephants and wild boar

• Encroachment and overgrazing threaten habitat quality

• Need for tourism infrastructure and visibility to boost eco-tourism potential

Conservation Successes

• Tiger population in Banke is steadily rising, as shown by camera trap surveys

• Enhanced transboundary cooperation with Indian authorities for corridor management

• Local engagement in community forests and buffer zone committees has strengthened conservation outcomes

Fun Facts

• Banke is often referred to as the “Gift to Earth” by WWF Nepal, symbolizing its role in global conservation

• One of the few national parks established after the declaration of the Terai Arc Landscape initiative

• Hosts both tropical and subtropical species, making it a hotspot for ecological diversity

• A great destination for low-impact tourism and wildlife research

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