Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary, National Park and Tiger Reserve.

Valmiki National Park

Bihar's large Terai forest along the Nepal border is an important tiger reserve. Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary, National Park and Tiger Reserve

Valmiki National Park, Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the Indo-Nepal border in West Champaran district of Bihar, on the banks of the Gandak River in India. It is the only national park in Bihar.

Before independence, Valmiki Forest was owned by two erstwhile Zamindari estates - Bettiah Raj and Ramnagar Raj. The forests were managed for timber production. The state government managed the Ramnagar Raj forests in 1950 and the Bettiah Raj forests in 1953 and 1954 under the Bihar Private Protected Forests Act (1947). After this these forests got the status of protected forests. From the sixties to 1994, forests were under the management of the State Forest Department. The area was subjected to large-scale afforestation with teak, semal, rosewood and bamboo. Subsequently, in 1974, entire forests were leased to the Bihar State Forest Development Corporation, which managed the forests with commercial objectives. In 1978 a part of the forest recognized as a habitat for important wildlife was notified as Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary. The remaining areas were notified as sanctuaries in 1990. In the same year, Valmiki National Park was removed from the sanctuary. The forests were withdrawn from the State Forest Development Corporation in 1994 and the Valmiki Tiger Reserve was formed as the 18th Reserve under Project Tiger of the Government of India.

Located in West Champaran district, Valmiki National Park is located on the banks of the Gandak River on the Indo-Nepal border. Spread over a humble area, the park is divided into two sections - the Wildlife Sanctuary declared in the year 1978 and an area of ​​545 sq km and the National Park which was established in 1990 with an area of ​​about 335 sq km. The only wildlife sanctuary of the state of Bihar, Valmiki National Park, is covered with dense green forests of the Himalayan Terai landscape. A rich wildlife glimpse with extensive varieties of flora, fauna and Avifuna, the main attraction of the region is the Bengal tiger (22 regions as of 2013). The government has planned to convert 800 hectares of forest area into grassland in the country, so that it can become the largest pasture in the country. The name of Valmiki National Park is associated with the city of Valmiki, which is a city adjoining the forests, which is also the only possible entrance to the wildlife sanctuary.

Valmiki Nagar.

Valmikinagar is a small town on the banks of the Gandak River on the Indo-Nepal border. Gandak Barrage has a view that offers spectacular views of Triveni and other surrounding areas. The area also offers rare views of gharial, dolphins, crocodiles, turtles and other rare and endangered birds etc. Apart from the serene landscape and tranquility, you can also experience river rafting in the area.

Nature walk

The rich wildlife and diverse topography runs through the forests for a wonderful nature. Volunteers are taken on a guided walking tour, which spans 4 - 5 kilometers, giving them an idea on the rich ecosystem of forests. These groups of 5 - 6 people are directed by professionals and children under 15 are not allowed. When in the sanctuary one must witness the flora and fauna, and be awakened with the nature of the magnificent forest with a grand and comfortable forest.

Tiger trail.

The most exciting attraction of Valmiki National Park is the Tiger Trail activity. The trek starts early in the morning under the supervision of trekkers, where you follow the footpaths run by the king of the jungle - the tigers of Bengal. If this is your lucky day, you may see tiger kills or loot. The trek is also very informative where participants are taught how to identify various pug-marks, scratches and scents. The group consists of 4 - 6 participants and children under 15 are not allowed.

Watchtowers.

Many wooden watchmen are placed in the forests from which tourists can take a tour of the privacy of wildlife. Apart from the towers, the rivers offer amazing views of the confluence and the majestic Himalayan ranges. These guards have also been established in Thori, Bajani, Sinha Sonbarsa, Bherihari and Bhaluthapa.

Accommodation in Valmiki National Park.

Valmiki Ashram

Valmiki National Park has 10 eco-huts in the area for tourists to stay and stay. With a double bed space, the huts are scattered around the area - two in Valmikinagar, two in Mangroha, two in Naurangia Don and four in Gobardhan. Apart from this, a single tree hut is located in Kotra to please the height and adventure lovers. Kotraha, Madanpur, Naurangia Doon, Gobardhan, Mangroha and Manpur also have forest rest houses, each with two double bed rooms. Another wooden forest rest house is located in Ganauli with four double bed rooms.

How to reach.

Through Railways: The sanctuary is located on the Gorakhpur-Muzaffarpur (via Narkatiaganj) rail route. Direct trains are available from major cities of the country to reach the sanctuary. Daily / weekly trains are available from New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Siliguri, Dehradun and Amritsar to Bagaha (to reach the western part of the sanctuary) and Narkatiaganj (to reach the central and eastern part of the sanctuary). Muzaffarpur and Gorakhpur are the nearest major junctions for Bagaha and Narkatiaganj. The field directorate at the district headquarters of West Champaran in Bettiah, about 70 km from the sanctuary, is also on the same rail route.

 Road Approach: The sanctuary is about 275 km from Patna, the capital of Bihar; 200 km from Muzaffarpur, the major city and railhead of North Bihar; 70 km to Bettiah, the district headquarters of West Champaran; And 125 km by road from Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh. Vehicles can be hired from these places to reach the sanctuary.

Nearest airports: Patna, Kolkata and Gorakhpur.

Accommodation: Valmiki Vihar, a tourist lodge of the State Tourism Development Corporation Hotel, is located at a picturesque site in Valmikinagar. There are twelve double bed rooms available here. There are also two double bedroom forest rest houses. They are located in Kotraha, Ganauli, Madanpur, Naurangia Doon, Gobardhan, Mangrauha and Manpur.