Bardia National Park, Neparu
After seeing a leopard in Uganda, I found myself wanting to experience more encounters with wild predators. Looking for destinations that were reasonably accessible from Singapore, I discovered Bardia National Park in Nepal, one of the best places to see wild tigers.
I was also pleased to find a comfortable and well-maintained lodge, Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge, which made the trip even more appealing. With good accommodation and the chance of seeing a tiger in the wild, I couldn’t wait to go.
A Surprisingly Accessible Tiger Destination
Getting there was easier than I expected. From Kathmandu, the journey involved a domestic flight followed by a drive, taking roughly three hours in total.
Compared with many wildlife destinations, the logistics were relatively straightforward, allowing us to focus on the experience itself.
Searching for Tigers
Tiger tracking in Bardia is very different from a typical safari. Rather than simply driving around, the guides constantly search for signs such as footprints, calls, scent marks, and other clues.
On our first day, we saw a variety of birds and other wildlife, but no tiger.
We spent hours waiting near riverbanks and open grasslands where tigers were known to appear. Despite our efforts, the day ended without a sighting.
The Moment Everything Changed
By the afternoon of the second day, we were beginning to wonder whether we would leave without seeing one.
While driving through a grassland area, our guide suddenly pointed to a patch of flattened elephant grass and quietly said that a tiger might be nearby.
To be honest, I was skeptical.
The engine was switched off, and we waited in silence.
About two minutes later, everything changed.
Face to Face with a Wild Tiger
A tremendous roar exploded from the grass just a few meters away.
Suddenly, a tiger emerged and charged toward us, stopping at a distance of roughly two meters while baring its teeth in a clear warning display.
It was the closest I have ever come to a large predator in the wild.
For a moment, I genuinely thought we might be in danger. My wife was so shaken that she could no longer press the shutter button. Somehow, I managed to regain my composure and continue photographing.
After the initial display, the tiger moved a short distance away and calmly watched us, as if evaluating whether we posed a threat.
The Most Extraordinary Moment of the Trip
Of all the experiences on this journey, this was by far the most memorable.
Being threatened by a wild tiger at a distance comparable to a living room is not something I ever expected to experience. It was intense, frightening, and fascinating all at the same time.
Even after returning to Singapore, I found myself replaying the encounter repeatedly in my mind. The stress of the experience may even have contributed to the mouth ulcers I developed shortly after returning home.
Yet despite that, it remains one of the most remarkable wildlife experiences of my life.
Final Thoughts
Many wildlife sightings are exciting, but only a few leave a lasting mark on you. This encounter with a wild tiger in Bardia National Park was one of those rare moments.
It reminded me that truly wild animals deserve both admiration and respect — and that some memories stay with you long after the trip has ended.