Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is situated on the flood plains of the Sapta-Koshi River in Eastern Nepal and cover 175 sq. km. The reserve is a wetland of international significance. In 1987, it was declared a Samsar site. It is home to more than 280 bird species including 20 duck species, 2 species of ibises, many storks, egrets and herons. The endangered swamp partridge and Bengal florican are found here. The Koshi Barge is an extremely important resting-place for migratory birds. The last surviving population of wild buffalo or arna is found here. The reserve is also home to many types of mammals such as hog deer, spotted deer, wild boar and blue bull. The endangered Gharial crocodile and Gangetic olphin have been recorded in the Koshi River. The vegetation mainly includes tall khar-pater grasslands with a few patches of khair-sissoo scrub forest and deciduous mixed riverine forest. During the monsoon, the reserve is flooded with depths ranging from 10 to 300 cm. From season to season the Sapta Koshi River changes its course.
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve This reserve is also a spot for having bird-watching activities, because it is the home of over 440 species of birds including those migrated from Siberia and Tibet. This reserve is one of the best places in Asia to see the breeding ground for elephant. This is only the exciting place where you can go for boating at Sapta Koshi river, the rive made up of 7-largest rivers in Nepal, you will explore the river birds, water buffaloes, dolphins and various other water habitats With these all the features, in 1987, the reserve has been listed under the Ramsar site. The easiest means of getting there is by air to Biratnagar and by road from the airport to Koshi Tappu.

How to get there?

By Flight: Kathmandu to Biratnagar with regular flight & are panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas, including Mount Everest, Makalu & Kanchanjunga. From Biratnagar to Koshi Tappu wildlife reserve take 3/4 hours drive.

By Road: It is 560 km drive (about 14 hrs.) from Kathmandu to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. It is beautiful drive and a great way of seeing the countryside of Nepal.

By Rafting: For white water river rafting, the 7-8 days exciting trip down the Sunkoshi River will end at the Chatara & transfer to Tappu Wildlife Reserve.

Activities

Morning / Evening Jungle Walk
The Koshi River flows through part of the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. The jungle along the belts of this river is rich in birds and other animals. The river lagoons and wetlands draw deer and water buffaloes as well as birds.

Gentle Wildlife Rafting
River Rafting down the Koshi River is another way of exploring the reserve. View water birds or animals attending to their daily needs. Kingfishers dive into the Koshi River looking for food, marsh muggers or Ghariyal crocodile's sun bathe. Even rare Wild Buffalo Arna and Gangetic River Dolphins can be spotted.

Local Tharu Village Walk
Here Viewing life in the reserve on foot is equally interesting. Tharus live here. They, the early inhabitants of the region, have their unique way of living here. It is untouched by the western world. Their beautifully decorated houses and cultural style are delightful. This local Tharu village is plastic-free. It is one of the few environmentally aware and clean villages in the country.