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| Bird Watching Tour in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve |
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (Area: 175 Sq. Kms) lies on the flood plains of the Sapta-Koshi in Saptari and Sunsari Districts of Eastern Nepal. The reserve is defined by the eastern and western embankments of the river. A total of 280 different species of birds have been recorded in the reserve. These include 20 species of ducks, two species of ibises, many storks, egrets, herons and the endangered swamp partridge and Bengal florican. The Koshi Barrage is extremely important as a resting place for migratory birds. Many species recorded here are not seen elsewhere in Nepal. The endangered gharial crocodile and Gangetic dolphin have been recorded in the Koshi River.
Rapid and complete inundation of the reserve to depths ranging from 10 to 300 cm occurs during the monsoon. The Sapta-Koshi river also changes its course from one season to another. The vegetation is mainly tall kharpater grassland with a few patches of khair-sissoo scrub forest and deciduous mixed riverine forest. The reserve offers important habitat for a variety of wildlife. The last surviving population (about 100) of wild buffalo or arna are found here. Other mammals are the hog deer, wild boar, spotted deer, and the blue bull. The reserve also assists the local economy by providing fishing permits and allowing the collection of edible fruits and ferns in season.
There are daily flights (40 minutes) from Kathmandu to Biratnagar and about 2 hours driving to jungle camp. Moreover, one can take a scenic ride (9 - 10 hrs) by private coach from Kathmandu. Many adventurers also choose to get there by spontaneous white water rafting is Sunkoshi river. However you go, Koshi Tappu Wild Life Reserve is a paradise for Bird watchers and is waiting you there to color by the everlasting memory.
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Biratnagar airport. Meet and drive to Wildlife camp.1:00 PM : Lunch
3:00 PM : Birding in the nearby surroundings of the park.
7:00 PM : Dinner.
Day 2
05:30 AM : Wake up call followed by tea / coffee and biscuits.
06:00 AM : Morning nature walks within near vicinity.
08:00 AM : Breakfast.
09:00 AM : Raft boat ride on the Sapta Koshi River with naturalist to view some of the water birds, water buffaloes, dolphins and various water habitats. End boat trip by the bank of the river and have picnic Lunch. Short drive to the Koshi Barrage to view some bird life and fresh water Dolphins. Late afternoon return to the camp.
7:00 PM : Dinner
Day 3
05:30 AM : Wake up call followed by tea / coffee and biscuits.
06:00 AM : More bird watching in to the jungle near by.
08:00 PM : Breakfast.
09:00 PM : Departure to onward journey
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