Lake · 205 m
Ghodaghodi Tal
A forest-fringed wetland of lotus-covered lakes beside the East-West Highway in Kailali, known for its birdlife.
Far Westटीकापुर
Tikapur
A Kailali town by the Karnali River, known for its large public park and Tharu villages.
- Altitude
- -*
- Best months
- Oct-Mar
- Type
- Town or village
- District
- Kailali, Sudurpashchim
- Permit
- None needed
Higher seasonal exposure: heat (Apr-Jun), flooding (Jul-Sep).
Why go
Tikapur is a market town in south-eastern Kailali, on the west bank of the Karnali River where it spreads out across the plains. It is best known for Tikapur Park, a large landscaped park with gardens, shaded walks and ponds that is a favourite outing for families from across the district. The town itself is a lively local centre for the surrounding farmland, with a bazaar, schools and colleges.
The Karnali, Nepal's longest river, is the defining feature of the landscape here. Wide gravel banks, braided channels and riverine forest line its course, and on the far bank lie the forests that continue towards Bardiya National Park. Sunsets over the river are a simple pleasure of a visit, and the area is open and green, especially after the monsoon when the rice is ripening.
Tikapur is a quiet place for travellers, with few visitors from outside Nepal. It makes a pleasant detour from the East-West Highway, and it fits naturally into a trip that also takes in Ghodaghodi Tal and Bardiya to the east.
History and culture
Like much of Kailali, the Tikapur area is a heartland of Tharu culture. Many villages around the town keep traditional long houses with clay walls and grain stores, and Tharu dances, songs and food are part of local festivals, above all Maghi in January.
Tikapur Park was developed in the twentieth century as a royal garden and later opened to the public. The town gained wider attention in 2015, when protests over the shape of the new provinces led to violence in Tikapur; relations have since been the subject of reconciliation efforts. Visitors will find the town calm and welcoming today.
Things to do in Tikapur
Tikapur Park
Spend an hour or two walking the gardens and ponds of the town's large park.
Karnali riverbank
Walk out to the river at sunset for wide views over the braided channels.
Village visits
Explore surrounding Tharu villages by bicycle or on foot.
Weather and the best time to visit Tikapur
Weather in Tikapur
Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Best time to visit
Oct-Mar
- Good month: Jan
- Good month: Feb
- Good month: Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Good month: Oct
- Good month: Nov
- Good month: Dec
- Autumn (Sep-Nov)
- October and November are dry, warm by day and pleasant, with clear skies after the monsoon.
- Winter (Dec-Feb)
- December to February is mild and dry, though mornings can be foggy and cold for the plains.
- Spring (Mar-May)
- March is comfortable; April and May become very hot, with fierce afternoon heat across the plains.
- Monsoon (Jun-Aug)
- June to September is hot, humid and wet, with flooding along rivers and some roads cut for periods.
Where to stay
HotelsGuesthouses
A few simple hotels and guesthouses operate in the town bazaar.
No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.
Getting there
Tikapur is reached by road from the East-West Highway, with buses and jeeps from Dhangadhi, Attariya and Nepalgunj.
Nearest hub: Dhangadhi
- flightKathmandu to Dhangadhi or Nepalgunj by domestic flight.
- roadFrom Dhangadhi or Nepalgunj by bus along the East-West Highway, then south on the branch road to Tikapur.
Permits and fees
None needed
No permit is needed to visit Tikapur.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-08 against Nepal Tourism Board.
Risks and conditions
Seasonal risks around Tikapur
What this place is typically exposed to, and when. These are seasonal patterns, not a report on conditions now.
Heathigh in a typical yearApr-Jun
April to June is very hot, with strong sun and little shade outside the park.
Floodinghigh in a typical yearJul-Sep
The Karnali can rise sharply in the monsoon; keep away from the riverbank in high water, and expect flooding on low ground.
Check current conditions before you travel
Roads, trails, passes and flights change with the weather and with roadworks, and nothing on this page describes conditions today. Before you set off, check the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology for weather and flood warnings, the Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction Portal for incidents, and the local authority, police or your licensed operator for road, trail and flight status.
Practical tips
- Do not swim in the Karnali; currents are strong and the river is wide and fast in places.
- Bring cash; ATMs exist in the town but can be unreliable.
- Visit the park early or late in the day in the hot season.
Questions about Tikapur
What is Tikapur known for?
Its large public park, its setting by the Karnali River and the Tharu culture of the surrounding villages.
How do I get to Tikapur?
By road from Dhangadhi or Nepalgunj, turning off the East-West Highway.
Is Tikapur near Bardiya National Park?
Yes, Bardiya lies across the Karnali to the east; combine them by road via the highway.
Nearby
Town or village
Dhangadhi
The main city and air gateway of Nepal's far west, a Terai border town with a strong Tharu heritage.
National park or conservation area
Bardiya National Park
Nepal's largest lowland national park, a quieter alternative to Chitwan with tigers, rhinos, wild elephants and the Karnali river.
Editorial draft: facts are being checked against the sources below. Last checked 2026-10-08. Sources: Tikapur, Wikipedia, Kailali District, Wikipedia, Nepal Tourism Board