Banke National Park is one of the newest national parks of Nepal. The Banke National park is located in the mid-western development established in 2010 AD. This place is also called as the ‘Gift to nature”, this protected area covers the nearly 550 sq km extending towards the parts of Banke Salyan and Dang districts of Mid-Western Development Region of Nepal. This place is surrounded by the Rapti River on the south and Babai River in the north. This area represents the tiger conservation unit. This park adjoins itself to Kamdi corridor which is linked to Suhelwa Wildlife Sanctuary in India and community forests towards the south. It is linked with the Bardia national park which further goes and gets connected towards the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary India.
Climate of Banke National park
This region has a subtropical monsoon climate with three weather that is summer, monsoon and winter. The summer season is from March to June, monsoon is from July to September and finally the starts of the winter from October to February. The temperature reaches to nearly 45 degrees during summers and it falls and sometimes reaches below 10 degrees during winter season.
Vegetation Banke national park
The Banke Park has nearly eight ecosystems such as Sal forest, deciduous Riverine forest, savannahs, grasslands, mixed hardwood forest, and flood plain community. Nearly 90% of the forests area is covered by the forest of sal, seesaw, khair, and karma. There are nearly 113 recorded species of trees, 107 herbal spices, and 85 species of herbs & climbers.
Wildlife in Banke National park
Banke National Park is very rich when it comes to faunal diversity. This place has nearly 34 species of mammals, 300 spices of birds, 24 species of reptiles, nearly 58 fish species, and 7 species of amphibians. The four species of mammal’s tiger, striped hyena, four-horned antelope, four species of birds like giant hornbill, black stork, Bengal florican, and lesser florican and two species of reptile’s gharial crocodile and python are protected under the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973.
People around Banke National park
This place is mostly inhabited by the ethnic indigenous, Tharu people who are famous for their own unique culture, art, tradition, and way of living. Other groups like Brahmin, Chhetri, Magar, Tamang, Majhi, and Gurung living in the buffer zone. These people are mostly dependent upon agriculture, and few of the people are also engaged in trading and labor.
How to Reach Banke National park
One can get regular flights from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, and it is approximately an hour’s drive to reach Banke National Park. If one opts to come from Mahendranagar or Dhangadhi, then it nearly takes 8 and 7 hours respectively alternatively we can go by drive from Kathmandu, Pokhara, Chitwan and other major city of Nepal.
Permits and fees to enter in Banke National Park
Banke National Park is a protected area. You need to get an entry permit from the Tourist Service Centre, Kathmandu or the National park entrance get in the National park. For Nepali citizen, the fee is Rs 100 per person, for SAARC countries 750 per person and for foreigners, it is 1500 per person. Whereas children who are below 10 years are free to enter in Banke National Park.
Things to do in Banke National Park
Hiking
Banke national park presents you some the wildest short hiking trails. You can walk around the park and can see some of the rare wild animals. However, it is also not fixed that you will get to see animals during your hike, but you will found yourself surrounded by superb wild floras and trees that will increase the joys of the hike. Moreover, hiking in the fresh air away from the bustling and the polluted city will give a break to your lungs as well as the soul.
Jungle Safari
Jungle Safari is another great activity to do in Banke national park. You can either go on a jeep safari or elephant safari as per your choice. Jungle Safari will take you deep into the forests so much closer to wild animals. Moreover, these safaris are the safest way to see wildlife in Banke National park.
Go for a short vacation with your loved ones or alone
Banke national park is one of the best destinations of Nepal for a getaway. The lush greenery, fresh air, wildlife, and captivating scenery makes this park an ideal place to have some quality time with your loved ones. You can spend time close with nature and also reflect on yourself as well as people around you.
Photography in Banke National park
The beautiful scenery, diverse vegetation, and numerous species of flora & fauna have to make Banke national park a perfect place for wildlife photography. Banke national park presents spectacular scenic views of Mother Nature. You can take pictures while animals are drinking water, playing or walking with their family. This moment attracts many photographers from all over the world here. Moreover, you can also take photography classes here.
Boating
Boating is another very fun activity one can do in Banke national park. This will showcase you a whole new perspective of the region. You can also see rare crocodiles, birds, and other animals during boating. Ask around for some guidance about boating and you will surely get helpful advice.
Cycling
Rent a bicycle and ride around the nearby villages of Banke national park. You will get to have deep insights into the daily life of locals and their way of living. Interact with locals and taste around delicious food. You can also hire a guide to show you around the villages and tell you history & stories of the villages.
Bird watching
Banke national park is home to several species of birds including the ones that are only found in Nepal. This makes Banke national park an ideal place for bird lovers. You can walk into the jungle to see the birds or simply hire a professional guide who will help you spot these birds.
