Banke National Park
National Park Terai national park protecting tigers, rhinos, and forests
In Nepal’s Terai, Banke National Park protects subtropical forest and grassland habitat for tigers, elephants and deer; travelers come for jungle safaris, birdwatching and community‑run conservation lodges.
Banke National Park is a protected area in western Nepal’s Terai lowlands, designated to conserve forest, grassland and river habitats and the wildlife that depends on them. The park was established by the Government of Nepal to protect species native to the Terai and to expand the network of protected areas in the region.
The park supports a variety of large mammals and bird species typical of the Terai conservation landscape including tiger and Asian elephant, and it forms part of the broader transboundary and inter-park network of protected areas in western Nepal. It is managed for both biodiversity conservation and regulated public access.
Banke National Park was officially created in 2010 to increase protected habitat in the Terai and to strengthen connectivity between existing parks and wildlife corridors. Management includes anti-poaching measures, community involvement and regulated tourism.
The park occupies lowland terrain in Lumbini Province (western Nepal) and is accessed from regional transport hubs such as Nepalgunj, which serves as the principal gateway for visitors and logistics.
- Access and ecosystem: The park is a Terai lowland protected area created to conserve large mammals and migratory wildlife in western Nepal; the nearest major gateway city is Nepalgunj, which serves as the usual access point for visitors and researchers.
- Best season: Dry months (roughly October to April) are generally the best time for wildlife viewing when animals concentrate near water sources.
Tips for Visiting Banke National Park #
- Use Nepalgunj as your gateway-most visitors fly into Nepalgunj and take a road transfer to Banke National Park, where permits and local guides are arranged at or through the park office.
- Plan wildlife outings for early morning or late afternoon drives and walks, when animals are most active; book authorized guides and jeeps through the park or a reputable operator in Nepalgunj.
- Visit in the drier months (roughly October-May) for clearer trails and better wildlife-viewing conditions; the monsoon season makes many dirt tracks harder to use and reduces visibility.
- Banke receives fewer tourists than some western parks-book permits and accommodation in advance through local operators if you want specific guides or private safaris, as options are more limited on arrival.
Best Time to Visit Banke National Park #
Best from October through April (especially October-November) when trails are drier and wildlife viewing is generally better.
Weather & Climate near Banke National Park #
Banke National Park's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with hot summers (peaking in May) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 8°C to 36°C. Abundant rainfall (1520 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is the hottest month with highs of 36°C and lows of 23°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
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June
June is hot, feeling like 29°C. Heavy rain (228 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (465 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (376 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Heavy rain (254 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 4 mm and clear sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
