Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve – Perfect Weekend Destination | Gem of Eastern Nepal

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About Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is a gem of Eastern Terai. Though the place does not receive as much recognition as other protected areas in Nepal, it is worth your visit and time. I went on a one-day trip to Koshi Tappu this week and was fascinated by the activities that were available even for a day trip. The major attractions of my Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve trip include jungle safari on a jeep, canoe ride, and campfire.

 

Occupying an area of 175 square kilometers, Koshi Tappu lies on the bank of the great Koshi River and covers wetlands in Sunsari, Saptari, and Udayapur. The area is popular for wild water buffalo (Arna) and birds. It is a birdwatcher’s paradise.

If you are planning to go on a one-day trip to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, you need to know few things about the area like you have to pay NPR 100 (for local visitors) to enter inside Koshi Tappu, you are now allowed to spend a night inside it, and you need to maintain constant silence. The area is considered risky as wild elephants have killed many locals and have destroyed several houses already. So, it is better to take a guided jungle safari instead of a self-one.

Attractions of Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve:

• Jeep Jungle Safari

If you have your vehicle then you can explore the protected area on your own. But if you do not have one, you can get the jungle tour from experts of the resorts nearby. You can book a jeep and have a mind-blowing tour within an hour. I was in a team of 16, and we were provided a jeep safari of an hour that was amazing! It is a nice way to explore the place if you are short of time. Though for thorough birdwatching, you will need a little extra time.

• Canoe Ride

If you are around Koshi, you can enjoy canoe rides from local canoe owners who use the canoe for transportation and fishing. Honestly, I had done canoe rides before in Koshi multiple times too. For NPR 100 the canoe owner will take you across the Koshi river and take you back. Canoe rides are amazing as you can enjoy the fresh and cool breeze and if you are lucky enough the canoe owner might let you row the boat on your request too.

• Campfire and music

If you are planning to stay a night at any of the resorts near the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, a campfire is the best option because the place is usually cool in the evening. You cannot make the volume too high as it is near a protected area, but playing low music, and sitting around the burning firewood with a glass of drink in your hand surely sounds fun.

• Good food and comfortable stay

The resorts or hotels around Tappu have the reasonable price of lodging. The food is extremely tasty and you can find a lot of varieties of fish on the menu. For a reasonable price, your stay will be comfortable with amazing meals and snacks.

My Weekend at Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

As I have already mentioned, I was on a team of 16. Our journey began from Biratnagar and our destination was Aqua Birds Eco Resort (Ramsar Site, close to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve). We paid NPR 1500 per head for entire day food (breakfast, one-time meal, and snacks), jungle safari on a jeep, canoe ride, and campfire. We had carried our desserts and liquors as the place serves expensive liquors and sweets items are not available there.

If you are planning to go on a trip to Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, my suggestion is you book hotel rooms beforehand, and carry warm clothes for evenings. Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses as the air is usually full of silt particles and the days are sunny.

Aleena Rayamajhi
1/10/2021