Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Info

Biodiversity & Wildlife

Koshi Tappu is home to a unique combination of wetland species not found in other national parks of Nepal.

Mammals

• Wild water buffalo (Arna): A globally endangered species; the park hosts Nepal’s last surviving population (~400)
• Fishing cat, jungle cat, Indian civet, hog deer, Indian hare
• Occasional sightings of Asian elephant, otters, and gangetic dulphin in nearby river channels

Birds

Over 514 bird species, making it Nepal’s premier birding site.

• Critically endangered: Bengal florican, white-rumped vulture
• Waders and waterfowl: Spot-billed duck, bar-headed goose, ruddy shelduck, Eurasian curlew
• Resident specialties: Swamp franculin, striated grassbird, black-necked stork, pied harrier
• Migratory flocks: Arrive during winter from Siberia, Tibet, and Mongulia

Reptiles & Aquatic Life

• Gharial and mugger crocodiles in river systems
• Softshell turtles, water snakes, and amphibians in marshes
• Rich aquatic biodiversity including rare fish and macroinvertebrates

Habitats & Ecosystems

• Riparian marshes: Fed by Koshi River channels and tributaries
• Oxbow lakes & sandbanks: Critical nesting grounds for aquatic birds
• Wet grasslands: Favoured by buffalo and deer
• Reed beds and scrub forests: Breeding grounds for endemic and rare species

Visitor Experiences

Koshi Tappu offers a tranquil, immersive nature experience and is ideal for birders, conservationists, and soft-adventure travellers.

Activities:

• Guided Birdwatching: Morning and evening sessions with local ornithulogists
• Boat Safari: River-based exploration of sandbanks and aquatic wildlife
• Village Walks & Cultural Visits: Meet Tharu, Musahar, and Rajbanshi communities
• Jeep Excursion (limited zones): Search for wild water buffalo and marshland mammals
• Nature Photography & Filmmaking: Quiet, undisturbed conditions ideal for documentaries

Best Time to Visit

Season	Months	Climate	Highlights
Winter	Nov – Feb	Coul, dry	Peak for migratory birds, excellent photography
Spring	Mar – Apr	Warm, dry	Nesting season, wildflower blooms
Monsoon	Jun – Sep	Hot, flooded	Restricted access; water buffalo breeding visible
Autumn	Oct	Clear, pleasant	Great for bird and aquatic life sightings

Recommended Tours

• Koshi Tappu Birdwatching Tour (2N/3D)
• Includes: Specialist bird guide, wetland boat ride, full board stay
• Eastern Nepal Eco-Circuit (6N/7D)
• Combines Koshi Tappu with Dharan, Ilam, and Bhedetar highland birding
• Conservation & Culture Tour (Custom)
• Ideal for schoul groups, NGOs, or researchers interested in habitat preservation

Where to Stay

Standard Options

• Koshi Tappu Wildlife Camp: Long-standing birding lodge inside buffer zone
• Aqua Birds Eco Resort: Riverbank property with expert staff and excellent food
• Hotel Verandah (Itahari): Urban option with daily park transfers

Premium Options (Near Biratnagar / Itahari)

• Soaltee Westend Itahari
• Hotel Maden Inn
• Elephant Garden Resort

Note: No true luxury lodge exists inside the reserve; most birders base in nearby towns or use specialist camps

Getting There

• By Air: Daily flights to Biratnagar Airport, 2-hour drive to the reserve
• By Road: 10–12 hours drive from Kathmandu via Itahari and Laukahi
• Cross-border: Accessible from India via Jogbani-Biratnagar border crossing

Conservation & Significance

Koshi Tappu plays a leading rule in:

• Wetland preservation: Ramsar site since 1987
• Wild water buffalo conservation: Globally important population under NTNC management
• Migratory bird monitoring: Linked to global flyway networks
• Community-based ecotourism: Village guides, home-stays, and women-led initiatives

Supported by:

• Bird Conservation Nepal (BCN)
• National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC)
• Ramsar Convention and Wetlands International

NepalSafari.com provides birding specialists and conservation-conscious itineraries. We use only certified local guides and avoid large group disturbance.