Krishnasar (Blackbuck Conservation Area)

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Krishnasar (Blackbuck Conservation Area)

Nature Reserve

Krishnasar (Blackbuck Conservation Area) is a small protected reserve near Gulariya in western Nepal, created to conserve the endangered blackbuck; travellers visit to see the species' northernmost surviving herd.

Krishnasar (Blackbuck Conservation Area) NepalgunjBirendranagarDhangadhiBardiya DistrictBhimdattaRara LakeBanke National ParkRara National ParkKrishnasar (Blackbuck Conservation Area)

Krishnasar (Blackbuck Conservation Area) essentials

Address: Gulariya, Bardiya District, Far West Nepal, Nepal

The Blackbuck Conservation Area around Krishnasar covers about 16.95 km2 and was established in 2009 specifically to protect the endangered blackbuck population discovered nearby. Conservation efforts began in 1975 when a small herd was found in Khairapur; local protection measures and acquisition of private land followed.

This herd is the northernmost surviving blackbuck population in the world and in 2009 was recorded at around 202 animals. The reserve is lowland grassland and open plains rather than dense forest, sitting near the broader mosaic of protected areas in Bardiya District.

Visiting feels intimate and low-key: expect simple, largely natural grassland habitat with wildlife spread across open ground rather than formal trails or large visitor facilities. Many travellers combine a visit here with excursions to nearby reserves such as Bardiya National Park.

  • The blackbuck herd: The reserve protects the northernmost surviving herd of blackbuck, the main reason most visitors come.
  • Open grassland and floodplain: Wide, open plains are the reserve’s dominant habitat and make wildlife easier to scan from a distance.
  • Wildlife viewing and photography: Early morning and late afternoon offer the best light and chance to observe animals across the open landscape.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Krishnasar (Blackbuck Conservation Area)#

The climate is strongly seasonal with a hot pre-monsoon and a pronounced summer monsoon; dry cool months offer the most comfortable and reliable wildlife viewing.

Winter (best)
November - February · 8°C - 28°C (46°F - 82°F)
Cooler, dry weather and good visibility make winter the most comfortable season for wildlife viewing and travel on local roads.
Spring
March - April · 15°C - 37°C (59°F - 99°F)
Temperatures rise and wildlife remains visible across the open grasslands, making spring a good time before heavy rains begin.
Monsoon (avoid if possible)
May - September · 24°C - 38°C (75°F - 100°F)
Heavy rains, especially June to August, can make tracks muddy and access unreliable, and may limit wildlife-watching opportunities.

Weather & Climate near Krishnasar (Blackbuck Conservation Area)#

Climate

Krishnasar (Blackbuck Conservation Area)'s climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with very hot summers (peaking in May) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 8°C to 38°C. Abundant rainfall (1502 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 136 Unhealthy (Sg)
Best Time to Visit
NovemberAprilDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
48°
Warmest Month
0°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Excellent 9° - 22° 15° 29 mm some cloud 52% 0.9 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.4h
February Ideal 10° - 25° 18° 22 mm mostly sunny 46% 1.2 m/s 1.0 high 11.1h
March Ideal 15° - 31° 23° 18 mm mostly sunny 36% 1.4 m/s 1.5 very high 11.9h
April Ideal 21° - 37° 29° 14 mm mostly sunny 26% 1.7 m/s 1.9 very high 12.7h
May Very Good 24° - 38° 31° 48 mm some cloud 29% 1.8 m/s 2.0 extreme 13.4h
June Good 26° - 37° 32° 215 mm partly cloudy 45% 1.7 m/s 1.8 very high 13.8h
July Acceptable 25° - 33° 34° 465 mm overcast 75% 1.4 m/s 1.6 very high 13.6h
August Acceptable 25° - 33° 35° 365 mm overcast 82% 1.2 m/s 1.7 very high 13.0h
September Good 24° - 32° 33° 255 mm partly cloudy 80% 1.0 m/s 1.5 very high 12.2h
October Ideal 21° - 31° 26° 58 mm mostly sunny 66% 1.0 m/s 1.2 high 11.4h
November Ideal 14° - 28° 21° 3 mm clear 57% 0.8 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.6h
December Ideal 9° - 23° 16° 10 mm mostly sunny 53% 0.8 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.2h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Krishnasar (Blackbuck Conservation Area)#

The reserve lies close to the town of Gulariya in Bardiya District; Gulariya is the local access point for the area.

The nearest regular air hub is Nepalgunj; from there and from other regional towns the reserve is reached by road to Gulariya, with the final stretch covered by a local taxi, motorbike or arranged transport from town - check local options and road conditions before you travel.

Tips for Visiting Krishnasar (Blackbuck Conservation Area)#

  • Plan to visit at dawn or dusk when animals are most active and lighting is best for photography.
  • There are limited visitor facilities on-site; bring water, sun protection and basic supplies from Gulariya.
  • Respect wildlife and keep a safe distance; the area is protected and managed for conservation.
  • Roads can become difficult in the monsoon months, so check local conditions before travelling and allow extra time.