Koshi Tappu Wildlife ReserveAbout Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is a protected wetland area in the eastern Terai of Nepal established in 1976 to conserve the Sapta Koshi floodplain and its wildlife. The reserve covers roughly 176 square kilometres and is the country’s principal protected floodplain wetland.
The reserve comprises marshes, reedbeds, shallow lakes and seasonally inundated grasslands that support large numbers of resident and migratory waterbirds and several populations of large herbivores adapted to riverine plains. Boat trips and observation platforms are used for wildlife viewing and birdwatching.
Koshi Tappu was created to safeguard the floodplain ecosystem and the species that depend on it; it was later recognized under international wetland conventions. Management focuses on maintaining wetland habitat and regulated visitor access.
The reserve lies in Nepal’s lowland eastern Terai along the Koshi river system, within Koshi administrative area, and is accessed from regional roads connecting the Terai towns and districts.
- Establishment and size: The reserve was established in 1976 and covers roughly 176 square kilometres, protecting a floodplain of the Sapta Koshi river system in Nepal’s eastern Terai.
- Best time for birdwatching: October through April is the primary season for migratory waterbirds, when species diversity and numbers in the wetlands are highest.
What to See#
- Wetland complex: A network of riverine marshes, reedbeds and shallow lakes that form the reserve’s wetland core and support waterbird feeding and breeding.
- Observation towers and visitor facilities: Raised observation platforms and basic visitor facilities used for birdwatching and guided wildlife viewing inside the reserve.
- Floodplain grasslands: Seasonal grasslands and floodplain areas that provide grazing habitat for large herbivores and support wetland-edge bird species.
Best Time to Visit Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
November-February is prime for birdwatching with large numbers of migratory waterfowl.
Weather & Climate near Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with hot summers (peaking in May) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 10°C to 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1478 mm/year), wettest in July with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 10° - 25° | 17° | 12 mm | some cloud | 49% | 0.8 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.6h |
| February | Ideal | 12° - 27° | 19° | 8 mm | mostly sunny | 41% | 1.1 m/s | 1.0 high | 11.1h |
| March | Ideal | 16° - 32° | 24° | 11 mm | mostly sunny | 32% | 1.6 m/s | 1.5 high | 11.9h |
| April | Ideal | 22° - 35° | 28° | 42 mm | mostly sunny | 34% | 2.1 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.7h |
| May | Very Good | 24° - 34° | 30° | 121 mm | some cloud | 48% | 2.1 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.3h |
| June | Good | 25° - 33° | 32° | 276 mm | partly cloudy | 63% | 1.8 m/s | 1.8 very high | 13.6h |
| July | Acceptable | 26° - 32° | 34° | 357 mm | overcast | 82% | 1.4 m/s | 1.7 very high | 13.5h |
| August | Acceptable | 25° - 32° | 34° | 308 mm | overcast | 84% | 1.1 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.9h |
| September | Good | 24° - 32° | 33° | 249 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 1.0 m/s | 1.6 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Very Good | 22° - 32° | 27° | 81 mm | mostly sunny | 76% | 0.9 m/s | 1.3 high | 11.4h |
| November | Ideal | 15° - 29° | 22° | 9 mm | clear | 63% | 0.8 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.7h |
| December | Ideal | 11° - 26° | 18° | 4 mm | mostly sunny | 57% | 0.8 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.4h |
How to Get to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
The reserve is accessed from the Koshi corridor near Sunsari and Saptari districts; the nearest larger city is Biratnagar (airport) with road connections to Tappu and reserve entry points. Local guides and ranger offices coordinate visits.
Tips for Visiting Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
- Hire a local guide for boat or jeep safaris through the reserve - guides know where to find marshland birds like the bar-headed goose and the rare wild water buffalo.
- Bring binoculars and a camera with a decent zoom; most wildlife viewing is at a distance among reeds and shallow water.
- Visit at dawn when the river birds are most active and roosting waterfowl shift feeding grounds.