Koshi Tappu wild life reserve is a true birdwatchers’ paradise. Founded in 1976, the area became a reserve to protect a specific grassland (phanta) and some small islands (tappu), the last habitat of the wild water buffalo. The reserve has been recognized as wetland site from 1987. This reserve is different from the Royal Chitwan National Park. It’s less touristic, so less crowded and there are just a few lodge options.
Vegetation
The vegetation of the reserve is mainly characterised by mixed deciduous riverine forest, grasslands and marshy vegetation. The coverage of grasslands is 68%, compared to only about 6% of forest, which is predominated by Sisso. Patches of Khair forest are more prevalent towards the northwestern part. The grasslands near the running water bodies are maintained by the annual flooding and grazing by wildlife. The Sapta Koshi River, a tributary of the Ganges, causes rapid and intense flooding during the rainy season. In the extensive wetlands, some 514 species of plants are found including Kapok, Sugarcane, reed, Cattail, Imperata cylindrica, eel grass, and species of Eichornia, Hydrilla, Azolla and Lotus.
Mammals
The 31 species of mammals recorded include the Asian elephant, Spotted deer, Hog deer, Wild pig, Smooth-coated otter and Golden jackal. The Ganges River Dolphin has been sighted in the Koshi River. Gaur and Blue bull have declined in numbers. Nepal’s last remaining population of about 150 Wild Asian Water Buffalo called 'arna' inhabit the area.
Birds
The river lagoons and wetlands of Koshi Tappu provide excellent opportunities to sight bird life: Swamp Francolin, Black-necked Stork, Lesser Adjutant, Comb Duck, Falcated Duck, Spot-billed Duck, Cotton Pigmy Goose, Baer's Pochard, Bailon's Crake, Ruddy Crake, Greater Painted Snipe, Pheasant-tailed jacana, Yellow-wattled Lapwing, Indian Courser, Black-bellied Tern, Imperial Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Bristle Grassbird, Striated Grassbird etc.
The best time to visit Koshi Tappu is between October and April.
An average visit to the park includes different activities, such as:
Interested in a Royal Chitwan National Park extension? E-mail us and we'll come up with some good ideas and itineraries, ok?