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Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve |
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The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (175 Sq. Km.) is small reserve that lies on the beautiful alluvial flood plain of the Sapta Koshi River in eastern Terai of Nepal bounded by Sunsari, Saptari and Udaypur districts. Overall, the combination of river, lagoons and marshes to the north forms one of the richest wetlands in Asia. Around 300 species of birds are recorded in the reserve. Globally threatened ‘swamp partridge’ becomes a familiar bird in the reserve and the extensive Savannah-type tall khar-pater grasslands with a few patches of Khair-sisso scrub forest, deciduous mixed riverine forest create an ideal habitat for the Asiatic wild Buffaloes. Duck, waders, gulls, terns plus an enormous varieties of other birds congregate here each winter; whilst in the mammals such as wild water buffalo (locally known as Arna), Gangetic Dolphin, gharial crocodile, hog deer, wild boar, spotted deer, blue bell, jackals, Jungle Cat and even wild Elephant. The wetlands in the reserve beckon all sorts of bird species. These birds fly all the way from Siberia to migrate during winter season. The fact, that many birds that arrive here are nowhere else seen in Nepal makes this reserve birdwatchers, paradise in its true sense. On the clear days, the upstream of the river offers the panoramic view of several Himalayan peaks including Mount Makalu (8,463m.). The reserve presents an unforgettable avian spectacle, a remote and tourist free environment.
Recommended Season
Winter lasts from October through January with unclouded skies and moderate temperatures.
How to get there
The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is accessible by air, surface and river. The journey by air is just 45 minutes flight to Biratnagar from Kathmandu and then a mere one and half hours drive to the Camp.
Also rafting down for 8 – 10 or 11 days on the wild stretches of the Sun Koshi River is another exciting way to reach the destination.
The third option would be the scenic drive through the meandering countryside road of about 500 km. that takes almost 9 – 10 hours from Kathmandu.
Koshi Tappu wildlife Camp also makes an exciting alternative destination for visitors who have already visited Royal Chitwan National Park or Bardia National Park. Also for mountaineers and trekkers heading for returning from Arun Vally/Makalu or Kanchanjunga region. It also serves as ideal location to break journey while en-route to Sikkim, Darjeeling and Bhutan and have a brief relaxing stay. |
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