Bounded by the numerous waterways of the Karnali gravel islands area covered by a mosaic of grassland and riverine forest of acacia, sisam and the large buttressed silk cotton trees which turn scarlet in spring. Bardia is home of a wide variety of animals, many of which live in and around the phantasm and these include blackbuck, hog deer, sambar, wild boar and barasingha or swamp deer. Gharial, the marsh mugger crocodile and the Gangetic dolphin all live in the park’s waters. Whilst small numbers of one-horned India and rhino and Bengal tiger live in the park these are seldom seen as are the famous herds of wild elephants. More than 350 bird species with much waterfowl along with kingfishers and wall creepers; in all more than 350 bird species have been recorded in Bardia, truly a bird watcher's paradise. Finally, numerous Tharu villages surround the park and add a cultural element to a visit to the region and these can be visited on organised excursions, as can the Tharu Museum at the park HQ.