Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Nepal

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is located on the banks of the Sapta-Koshi, one of the three main tributaries of the Ganges, in eastern Nepal. Similar somewhat to a rectangle, it stretches south of the Sapta Koshi to the Indian border. The wildlife reserve consists of tall grassland with patches of khair-sissoo scrub forest and deciduous riverine forest. The popular reserve is set against the backdrop of the Eastern Himalaya, including Makalu (8475 m), the world's fifth highest mountain. The unique backdrop makes it more attractive for the wildlife lovers and the tourists alike.

Fast Facts

Location	East Nepal
Attraction	Migratory Birds
Area Covered	175 sq. km.
Endangered Species	Wild Buffalo or ArnaI, Gharial crocodile and Gangetic dolphin
Best Season to Visit	October to November and December to February
Best Route	October to November and December to February

Adventure & Activities Elephant-back Safaris
Elephant -back safaris are one of major travel attractions of Kosi Tappu. The nilgai (blue bull), chital (spotted deer), hog deer, and wild boar are some other animals in the Reserve which can be seen from the back of the elephants. Watching the elephants from atop the pachyderms gives the wild life lovers sense of great excitement.

Canoe Rides
Canoeing on Kosi Tappu’s rivers is an excellent way of observing waterfalls. The park's freshwater dolphins and crocodiles, are the endangered species found in the river. Watching the elephants showering is a particular treat.


Jungle Walks
The jungle can be felt at best on foot. Although fauna and wild life can be witnessed from with comfort and personal safety from an elephant's back, nothing can be compared with the walker's sense of excitement when he comes face to face with the jungle world. The senses are always alert as they are enabled by nature to recieve myriad of experiences.

Bird-watching tours
Birds such as water fowl, waders and shore birds are delight for avid bird watchers. Many of the birds witnessed here are not seen elsewhere in Nepal.

Fauna & Flora
Variety of wild life can be seen while touring the wildlife park. It is the residence of the last surviving population of wild buffalo or arna. Nilgai (blue bull), chital (spotted deer), hog deer, and wild boar are some other animals residing in the Reserve.


More than 280 different species of birds can be found in the Reserve. These include twenty species of ducks, two species of ibises, many storks, egrets, herons, swamp partridge and Bengal florican. It is used by the migratory birds as their staging ground and resting place. Endangered aquatic animals like gharial, crocodile and Gangetic dolphin can be found in the Koshi river