Category : Heritage
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
-0, Koshi Rural Municipality, Sunsari, Koshi Pradesh01-4256909
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve was established in 1976 to protect the last remaining population of wild water buffalo (Arna). It is located in the floodplain of the Sapta Koshi River across Sunsari, Saptari, and Udayapur districts in eastern Nepal. Covering an area of 175 km², it is the only wildlife reserve in Nepal and was declared the country’s first Ramsar Site in 1987 for its important wetland ecosystem.
The reserve includes diverse habitats such as wetlands, grasslands, forests, and aquatic vegetation, supporting rich biodiversity. It is home to over 500 plant species and many rare and threatened plants. Key wildlife includes wild water buffalo, elephants, dolphins, deer, and various small mammals, along with more than 500 bird species, including several globally and nationally threatened species.
Conservation efforts have led to a significant increase in wild water buffalo numbers, growing from 63 in 1976 to over 400 in recent years. A buffer zone was established in 2004 to support community development and sustainable resource management, involving local people in conservation activities.
Features & Services
- Rich wetland ecosystem
- Wild water buffalo conservation
- Birdwatching paradise
- Koshi River landscapes
- Jeep safari and nature walks
- Boating and river exploration
- Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve Headquarters
- Observation towers
- Local homestays and eco-lodges
- Research and conservation center
Opening Hours
- Sun 6 Sep, 2026 8 AM - 6 PM
- Mon 7 Sep, 2026 8 AM - 6 PM
- Tue 1 Sep, 2026 8 AM - 6 PM
- Wed 2 Sep, 2026 8 AM - 6 PM
- Thu 3 Sep, 2026 8 AM - 6 PM
- Fri 4 Sep, 2026 8 AM - 6 PM
- Sat 5 Sep, 2026 Closed - Closed
