Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve — Attraction in Koshi Province

Protected Area Information

Name: Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

Type: Wildlife Reserve

Established.: 1976

Area (sq. km.): 176.00

Buffer Zone (sq.km.): 173.50

Description:

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve lies on the floodplains of the Sapta Koshi River in the south-eastern Terai. The reserve was gazetted in 1976 to preserve habitat for the only remaining population of Wild buffalo, Arna (Bubalus arnee). The 176 sq. km. reserve is Nepal's smallest wildlife reserve. The eastern and western embankments of the Sapta Koshi River define the area. In 1987, Koshi Tappu was declared a Ramsar site, a wetland of international significance. Government of Nepal has declared the buffer zone ( 173.5 sq. km ) surrounding the reserve in 2004.

Additional Information

Features: The Sapta Koshi is one of the three main tributaries of the Ganges- Rapid and intense flooding of the reserve, occur during the rainy season. Embankments have been constructed parallel to the river to control the flooding.

Climate: The reserve experiences three distinct seasons. Summer (February through May) is intensely hot with minimum precipitation. Shade temperatures can reach 40 c. The monsoon starts in late May/early June and lasts until September bringing heavy frequent rainfalls. The rainfall is greatest during July but high humidity and temperatures are experienced throughout the season. Winter (October through January) is characterized by clear skies and moderate temperature, but can still get quite cold.

Flora and Fauna: The vegetation is mainly composed of tall grasslands. Local villagers are permitted to collect thatch grass once a year. These are used for roof thatching and building house walls. There are also small patches of Khair-sissoo scrub forest and deciduous mixed riverine forest.The reserve has important habitat for a variety of wildlife. The last surviving population of Wild buffalo is found here. The estimated population of wild buffalo is around 159 individuals is dwindling. They are distinguished from domestic buffalo by their much bigger horns. The reserve is also home to around 20 other animal species such as Hog deer ,Wild boar , Spotted deer, Blue bull, and Rock Python. Around 441 species of birds-many seen now here else in Nepal (14 endemic species)- have been recorded, including 20 duck species , 2 Ibis species, white tailed stonechat , Striated marsh warbler, 30 shore birds, 114 water birds, and the endangered swamp partridge and Bengal florican. The Koshi Barrage is an extremely important resting place for many migratory birds, containing 87 winter and trans-Himalayan migratory species. The Koshi River is home to 80 species of fish. The endangered Gharial crocodile and Gangetic dolphin have been recorded in the river as well. During winter, many of the migratory birds can be seen on the Koshi Barrage and on the river channel. Migration usually peaks around mid March. Much wildlife visits these areas during dusk and dawn. The clear skies allow for beautiful sights of several Himalayan peaks including Makalu (8463m), the world's fifth highest peak.Visitors can arrange elephant ride from Reserve Headquarters

How to get there: Daily bus (Day and Night) service is available from Kathmandu to Kakarbhitta and Biratnagar. Visitors should get off the bus at Jamuha, 4 km from Laukhi, and walk 2.5 km to the Reserve Headquarter. The road to Kusaha is marked by a signboard on the main Highway. There are also daily flights to Biratnagar, visitors flying to Biratnagar will have to take a bus and should stop at Jamuha. The Reserve Headquarters is located at Kusaha Sunsari district. There are a few lodges and teashop near the Reserve Headquarter. Visitors are advised to carry first-aid kit including medicines for intestinal problems. There is a phone at the...

When looking for the best place to visit in Nepal in winter, this one is worth considering! Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is one of the beautiful tourist places in Nepal that you cannot afford to miss. It is a paradise for bird watchers as one can spot nearly 500 species of birds at this reserve if visited at the right time. In addition to this, a visit to this tranquil place will definitely calm your soul. So, do not forget to include this tourist spot in your Nepal itinerary. This place is home to vibrant flora and fauna, making you capture the best pictures on your trip to Nepal. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Sanctuary is surely among the most interesting Nepal tourist spots.

Location: Bairawa 56713, Nepal

Duration: 9 am – 3 pm

Best time to visit: November-February

Entry Fee: NRs. 100 per person per entry for Nepal nationals, NRs. 750 per person per entry for SAARC country nationals, and NRs. 1,500 per person per entry for other foreign nationals

How To Reach: Fly to Biratnagar from Kathamndu and take a taxi.

The 31 species of mammals recorded include the Asian elephant, spotted deer, hog deer, wild boar, smooth-coated otter and golden jackal. The Ganges river dolphin has been sighted in the Koshi River. Gaur and nilgai have declined in numbers. Nepal’s last remaining population of about 150 wild water buffalo inhabit the area. This population has now grown to a total of 432 individuals with an annual growth rate of 7.27 percent, according to the latest census carried out in 2016. With this upsurge in the population, authorities are planning a possible transfer of some wild water buffaloes to the flood plains of Chitwan National Park where they have been extirpated around 1950's. If the proposed translocation happens, this will present a natural Predator-Prey scenario since wild water buffaloes in Koshi Tappu has been lacking their natural predators in the form of tiger, leopard and dhole for quite...

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is a protected area in the Terai region which take over the surface area of 69 square meters of three districts i.e. Sunsari, Saptari and Udayapur.

This wildlife reserve was established in the year 1976 and it involves mudfleats, reed birds and freshwater marshes in the floodplain of Sapta Koshi river. Due to this reason, this area suffers massive flooding due to Sapta Koshi during the rainy season.

Vegetation of this place is characterised by mixed deciduous riverine forest, grasslands and marshy vegetation. Sisso dominates the forests. 514 species of plants can be found in the wetlands.

While mentioning fauna, we can say that this place is favourable for reptiles and amphibians as two species of toad, nine species of frog, eleven species of turtle, six lizard species, five species of snake and 200 species of fish are found in the water courses. Gharials and Mugger crocodile are also found here.

Among the mammals, 31 species take shelter here. Some of them are the Asian elephant, spotted deer, hog deer, Golden jackal, Wild Asian Water Buffalo, etc.

Similarly, birds like Watercock, Indian night jar, Dusky eagle owl, Black headed cuckooshrike, Common Golden eye, Gull billed fern. In total, 485 species of birds...