Bardiya lies in
Lumbini Province in midwestern Nepal. It covers 2025 square kilometers and lies west of
Banke District, south of
Surkhet District of
Karnali Province, east of
Kailali District of
Sudurpashchim Province. To the south lies
Uttar Pradesh,
India. Most of Bardiya is in the fertile
Terai plains, covered with agricultural land and forest. The northernmost part of the district extends into the
Churiya or
Siwalik Hills.
Bardiya National Park covers occupies most of the northern half of the district. This park is the largest undisturbed wilderness in Nepal's Terai. It provides forest, grassland and riverine habitat for endangered mammal, bird and reptile species. More than 30 species of mammals and more than 250 of birds have been recorded. Most people living in this district are farmers. The district headquarter
Gulariya lies on the
Babai River. The
Karnali, one of Nepal's largest rivers, divided into multiple branches when it reaches the Terai. The westernmost branch forms the boundary between Bardiya and Kailali districts. An eastern branch is called the
Geruwa. The endangered
Gangetic dolphin was often seen in its waters, but populations have been declining. ==History==