Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is the first National Park of Nepal established in 1973 to preserve a unique ecosystem significantly valuable to the whole world. The Park covers a protected area of 932 Sq. Km. is situated in the subtropical inner Terai lowlands of the southern central part of Nepal. The Park gained much wider recognition in the world when UNESCO included this area on the list of World Heritage Sites in 1984. It should also be emphasized that only a very small part of the national park is used for tourism.
The great majority of the land, particularly in the hills, remains unvisited and therefore undisturbed. This is ideal for wildlife, and also preserves an element of mystery for humans; because large areas are still unexplored, our knowledge of what birds and animals the park contains is by no means finalized, and there is always the possibility of making discoveries.
Activities
- Bird watching
- Jungle safari
- Boating
- Jeep safari
Ramsar Site
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is one of the finest birding sites in Asia. The reserve has a total area of 175 sq. km. The principal habitats in the reserve include wetlands, grasslands, and small patches of riverine forest. To date, this is the only Ramsar Site (a wetland of international significance) in Nepal. More than half of Nepal’s birds are recorded from Koshi Tappu!
Asiatic Wild Buffaloes
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve was established as a wildlife reserve in 1976 with an aim to protect the last remaining population of Asiatic Wild Buffaloes in Nepal. It is also known as capital of Asiatic Wild Buffaloes and heaven of Birds. Here are approximately 220 Asiatic Wild Buffaloes in this wildlife reserve. It is a home of Nepal’s last remaining population of wild water buffaloes.
Gangetic Dolphin
Among the mammals, besides Wild Water Buffaloes, the elusive Gangetic Dolphin and Fishing Cat are occasionally seen here.
Birdwatching
Many small marshlands, pools, and grasslands are formed which provide a haven for birds and birdwatchers alike. The vegetation near these banks holds many passerines. In addition, large agricultural fields that lie adjacent to the reserve make a fine habitat for many birds. The finest birding sites in and outside the reserves are located between Koshi Camp and down south to the barrage.
Within this stretch, many birds and mammals are found that offer the experience of a lifetime. Different species of birds migrate here in different seasons even from Siberia during winter. Swamp partridge bird is also found here.
Sal Forests
Explore the nearby Sal forests north of the reserve at Patnali and Dharan.
Things to Bring
There is no big fuss about what to bring with you. The main thing is not to forget a pair of binoculars! You may bring a day-pack, water bottle, hiking boots, sun cream, sun hat, and glasses, medical supplies (although we keep a general medical kit box at camp, you may wish to bring some medicines specific to you), reading books, flashlight, and batteries, camera film and batteries, pocket knife, insect repellent, and natural colored clothes.
Best Time to Visit
From October onwards till May are the months that most people visit Nepal. This is a good period also to watch the many winter migrants that abound at Koshi Tappu. Between May till the end of September, during the onset of the monsoon things are wetter because of rain.
However, for special cases, we may be able to run during the wetter months also. Please notify us in advance. To see Koshi at its best, we recommended a minimum of 3 nights and 4 days stay at our camp. This should give you a quick tour of major sites in the area.
Accommodation: Resorts, tented camps
Entrance Fee: Rs. 100 (Nepali), Rs. 750 (SAARC Nationals) and Rs. 1500 (Foreigner).
How to reach Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve?
One can reach there by air or by land.