Koshi Tappu Wildlife Safari Tour with Birds Watching activities

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve was established in 1976 to conserve the last remaining population of Wild Water Buffalo (Bubalus arnee), locally known as Arna. It lies on the floodplain of Sapta Koshi river incorporating Sunsari, Saptari and Udayapur districts of eastern Terai region. It is the only wildlife reserve in Nepal covering an area of 175 km2. The eastern and western afflux bunds of the Sapta Koshi River define the area of the reserve. Koshi Tappu was declared as first Ramsar site of Nepal in December 17, 1987 to achieve conservation and sustainable use of its wetlands.

In 2004, an area of 173 km2 surrounding the reserve (4 municipalities and 1 rural municipalities of Sunsari, Saptari and Udaypur districts) was declared as buffer zone. The reserve management and local people jointly initiated community development, conservation activities and manage the natural resources in the buffer zone. The National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 1973 has made a provision of allocating 30- 50 percent of the reserve’s revenue for the community development and conservation of the buffer zone.

Flora and Fauna

The existing vegetation consists of diverse physiognomic types such as submerged and floating aquatic plants, tallreed stands, seasonally flooded grassland/ savannah and structurally complex forest communities in various conditions of spatial arrangements. Among 514 species of plants, Dalbergia sissoo, Bombyx ceiba, Saccharum spp, Phragmites spp., Typha spp., Imperata spp., Valisneria spp., Eichornia spp., Hydrilla spp., Azolla spp., Nelumbo spp. are common species found in the wetlands. Six species of plants found in this area, Rauwolfia serpentina, Alstonia scholoris, Oroxylum indicum, Acacia catechu, Butea monosperma and Dalbergia latifolia, are listed in the different threatened categories and appendices of IUCN and CITES respectively.

Bubalus arnee (Wild Water Buffalo, locally called Arna), Elephus maximus (Wild Elephant), and Platanista gangetica (Dolphin) are the main protected species of KTWR. The Wild Water Buffalo, prominent species of KTWR, has increased from 63 in 1976 to 441 in 2018. Among other mammals, the wild boar (Sus scrofa), hog deer (Axis porcinus), spotted deer (Axis axis), fishing cat (Felis viverrina), jungle cat (F. chaus), indian fox (Vulpes bengalensis) and the jackal (Canis aureus) are common. Among 527 species of birds, notable birds recorded in the site include Gallicrex cinerea, Caprimulgus asiaticus, Bubo coromandus, Coracina melanoptera, Saxicola leucura and Megalurus palustris. Rufous vented prinia (Prinia burnesii nepalensis) is the bird that is recorded only with in the boundry of KTWR. It is the area in Nepal where water cock, (Gallicrex cinerea) and Abbott’s babbler are found. Out of these 526 species of birds, 12 species are globally threatened and 101 species are nationally threatened.

The package involves 4 days/3 nights which has an extra day than the 3 day package. It is designed specifically for bird lovers who want to explore as many of the over 400 species of birds in the reserve as possible. The whole extra day is dedicated to Bird-Watching. The main attractions include Wild Water Buffaloes, Blue Bulls, Gangetic Dolphins, Fish Eating Crocodiles, Wild Elephants, Bears, Deers, Golden Jackals, Jungle Cats, Nilgai etc along with over 400 species of birds as we explore the marshes, inaccessible sandbanks and islands of the mighty Koshi River on foot, boat and wheels.

We can also tailor-make tours as per your convenience and request.

Day 1: Arrive at Koshi Tappu Wildlife Camp and begin half-day Bird-Watching or Jungle Walk

  • Arrive at Biratnagar Airport. Meet and drive to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Camp
  • 1 pm – Lunch
  • 3 pm – Birdwatching around Saptakoshi river on foot
  • 7 pm – Dinner

Day 2: Early morning nature walk and full-day River Raft Safari and Jeep Safari after breakfast

  • 5:30 am – Wake up call
  • 6 am – Morning nature walk in the vicinity
  • 8 am – Breakfast
  • 9 am – 6 pm: Raft Boat Safari (3 hrs) on the upper part of Sapta Koshi River with a Naturalist Guide especially to view the water birds along with land birds, water buffaloes, dolphins and various water habitats. End the boat trip by the bank of the river and have a picnic lunch. Jeep Safari (2.5 – 3 hrs) inside the reserve for bird-watching and then to Koshi Barrage to visit Pink Tower which is an excellent spot for bird-life, animals and fresh water Dolphins. Late afternoon return to the camp.(Please note: The reserve and surrounding area is wide and everyday guests will be taken to different areas).
  • 7 pm: Dinner

Day 3: Full-day Bird-Watching and Wildlife Excursion via Boat and Jeep in another part of the Reserve

  • 5:30 am – Wake up call
  • 6 am: Morning Nature Walk to view birds in the nearby vicinity
  • 8 am: Breakfast
  • 9 am – 6 pm: Half Day River Raft Safari on the lower part of Sapta Koshi River for Birdwatching and Wildlife Viewing and Half Day Jeep Drive and Jungle Walk for more Birdwatching in the jungles, wetlands and lakes nearby. Visit Crocodile and Wild Water Buffalo Machhan (View Tower). Stop for Lunch at Camp or have a packed lunch. Visit local village and local markets nearby in the evening.
  • 7 pm: Dinner

Day 4: Early morning Bird-Watching and departure after breakfast

  • 5:30 am – Wake up call
  • 6 am: More Bird-Watching in the nearby jungles in different locations
  • 8 am: Breakfast
  • 9 am: Departure to Biratnagar Airport. (Optional: If you have late departure, then you can visit the pink tower near Koshi Barrage. This is also an excellent spot for bird watching. Extra cost applicable)

* The itinerary and program can be customized depending on your interest in either birds or animals

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