Biratnagar and Koshi tappu in Nepal

Biratnagar and Koshi Tappu in Nepal

Biratnagar lies in the Morang district of Kosi Zone, Eastern Nepal. It is the second-largest city in Nepal though it looks like a small province. The town is very calm and well managed. You will find many heavy industries on the road from the Mahendra Highway to the south of Biratnagar.The place is famous for jute industry. Most of the goods produced are exported to India.

Biratnagar does not have many tourist places to visit but one can go to The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve which is less than a couple of hours drive from the city and is famous for its wildlife, especially for bird-watching enthusiasts. It also acts as a home to many endangered species like the wild buffaloes which are also called "Arna" in Nepali. The rhododendron forests of Jaljale, Milke and Tinjure can be reached in 3–4 hours.

You can also start for treks with views of beautiful peaks like Mount Makalu and Kanchenjunga from the small towns of Tumlingtar and Basantapur.The famous beautiful tea gardens of Ilam are also just 4 hours drive away. The hilly district of Dhankuta known for its orange orchards is another place of interest.

Places to see in Biratnatgar

Baraha Chhetra :

Take an hour's splendid scenic drive away from Biratnagar to Baraha Cheetra, an important Hindu pilgrimage site located at the confluence of Koka and Sapta Kosh rivers. Walk for 15 minutes from the nearby surroding area to reach the temple. Temple offers magnificiant view of the surrounding view of the riverside. Reach the temple by local bus for less Rupees or by hired taxi for Rupees 2000 to Rupees 2500. On the banks of the river, view devotees taking holy baths. According to Hindu Legand, Lord Vishnu came down to earth and destroyed Hirayankashyapu, an evil demon at this very spot.

Haat Haat Bazaar:

Haat Haat Bazaar is an open market that opens every Wednesday. It is held in a field found at the eastern side of Biratnagar. Travelers often flock to this place when they visit the city since this is where people can find local goods and produce. Other than that, it is also an opportunity to catch the locals in their every day routine which can make for good photo opportunities as well. Just remember to ask for permission before clicking away though.

Koshi Tappu

The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is a protected area in the Terai of eastern Nepal covering 175 km2 (68 sq mi) of wetlands in the Sunsari, Saptari and Udayapur Districts. In altitude it ranges from 75 to 81 meters and consists of extensive mudflats, reed beds, and freshwater marshes in the floodplain of the Saptakosi River. It was established in 1976 and designated as a Ramsar site in December 1987.

It can be accessed from the Mahendra Highway.

A study of the reserve was conducted between 1997 to 1998 by the Central Department of Zoology, Tribhuvan University in Kathmandu. The study found serious conflicts between the reserve wildlife and the local people living adjacent to the reserve. The people suffered crop depredations and animal harassment while the reserve managers had the problems of poaching, cattle grazing, and other illegal activities in the reserve. The study has several recommendations, one of which is the promotion of tourism to the area with the reserve using local tourist guides trained by wildlife experts.