Banke National Park Nepal Postcard

Banke National Park, established in 2010, is Nepal's newest national park and serves as a vital component of the Terai Arc Landscape, which aims to conserve the globally important tigers and other endangered species. Situated in the Lumbini Province, the park spans across an area of 550 square kilometres, with a significant buffer zone, and consists of a mix of dry deciduous sal forests, savannahs, and grasslands, primarily located in the foothills of the Churia hills. It provides a unique habitat for various fauna, including tigers, leopards, spotted deer, wild boars, and a diverse range of bird species. The park’s primary focus is to secure a tiger conservation unit and to maintain the ecological integrity of the fragile Churia hills. The park's location in the mid-western region makes it relatively accessible via the city of Nepalgunj, which is a major commercial and transport hub near the Indian border. The Rapti River, which flows through the park, enhances its ecological richness. While still developing as a mainstream tourist destination compared to older parks like Chitwan, Banke offers an off-the-beaten-path safari experience, particularly for those interested in seeing tigers in a more remote and less-visited environment. Visitors can explore the park through jungle drives and guided walks, offering a chance to witness the natural beauty and rich biodiversity of this conservation area.