Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve can claim its distinct identity for one good reason - the vast expanse of the Koshi River. Today, with the wild buffalo preserved, the reserve has also won its niche as birdwatcher's paradise in its true sense. The reserve to preserve the habitat of the remaining population of wild buffalo (locally known as Arna in Nepali). The reserve beckons all sorts of bird species. These birds fly all the way from Siberia to migrate during the winter season. The fact that many birds that arrive here are nowhere else seen in Nepal. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is a homeland of endangered Gharial crocodile, Gangetic dolphin, ducks, herons, storks, egrets, and ibis and among others. Established in 1996 and covering 175 square km, its numerous water holes, marshes and grasslands support a vast array of rare and endangered species of birds - as well as an important population of Asiatic Buffalo. The Reserve can be reached overland or by air. By air the flight takes one hour (Kathmandu to Biratnagar) plus a one hour drive to the camp. Alternatively, you can follow the main East-West Highway eastwards from Kathmandu and divert from Jamuwa tothe camp site (which is 2.5 km)