Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
 Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve lies on the alluvial flood
plain of the Sapta Koshi river in the south-eastern lowland.
The area is defined almost entirely by the eastern and
western embankments of the river. The reserve is 510 km from
Kathmandu and the easiest way to reach it is by air with a
flight time of around 50 minutes, followed by a road journey
which lasts for 1 hour 15 minutes.
In 1976 the area was officially granted the status of
wildlife reserve. It is 175 sq. km. in size and the Sapta
Koshi (the largest river in the kingdom of Nepal) flows
through it.
The mighty River Koshi is calm in winter but swells
greatly during the monsoon and brings severe flood problems,
which often bring changes in it's course. The depth of the
river fluctuates largely from season to season. It is also
one of the three main tributaries of the Ganges.
 Riverine forest dominates the vegetation of the reserve.
To the west you will find Sal forest and grasslands. This
diverse habitat of wetland and scrub make the faunal beauty
of this place beyond comparison to any other protected area
of Nepal in which birds dominate the scenery.
Groups of Arna Wild Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), Blue Bull
(Bocelaphus tragocamelus) and Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista
gangetica) are the main attractions of this reserve. There
are also varieties of deer, cats, otters, bats and boar.
More than 450 species of birds have been recorded in the
reserve and which mostly include waterfowl, birds of prey
and waders. Globally threatened Swamp Francolin (Francolinus
gularis) has become a familar bird at Koshi during the dry
season.
The nearby Koshi Barrage has created a vast expanse of
water making this area a most important staging point for
migrating birds and an all year round playground for
resident wildlife. Lesser known reptiles, amphibians, fishes
and arthropods are very worthwhile exploring here.
On a clear day it is even possible to glimpse Makalu
(8463m) the world's fifth tallest mountain. Besides this
spectacular array of flora and fauna, the natural beauty of
this place will appeal to any nature-lover - magical
sunrises, the loveliest of sunsets and the peaceful pace of
local life all enhance the beauty of the area in an
inexpressible way.
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