Ranking fourth in terms of tiger population, the Valmiki National Park is located in the West Champaran district of Bihar. The name of the district derives from two words Champa and Aranya – meaning Forest of Champa trees. Total forest area comprises about 900 km, out of which the Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary is 880km and spread of the National Park is about 335km area. The Government of Bihar, in 1978 declared an area of 464.60 sq km, which now forms the Reserve, as wildlife sanctuary and a national park in 1989.
The national park consists of moist Sal bearing forests, dry sale bearing forests, moist mixed deciduous forests without Sal, cane and tropical seasonal swamp forests containing reed beds and wet grasslands. The one – horned rhinoceros and Indian bison often migrate from Chitwan to Valmikinagar.
Wildlife attractions
Tiger, black buck, sloth bear, wolf, various species of deer, leopard, python, peafowl, chitals, sambars, nilgais, leopards, hyenas, Indian civets, jungle cats, hog deer and wild dogs. One-horned rhinoceros and Indian bison often migrate from Chitwan to Valmikinagar.
Permits: Jeep, elephant and bullock cart safaris are available.
When to visit: The best time to visit is between October and June.
Accommodation: Valmiki Tiger Reserve, the accommodation available at the Valmiki National Park. There are forest rest houses located in the different places throughout the park. Alternatively tourists can use the rest house by the Irrigation Department.
How to reach:
Air: The nearest airport is at Patna at a distance of 295 km.
Rail: The nearest railhead Valmiki Nagar is five km from the park.
Road: There are bus services from Valmiki Nagar to Bettiah (80 km) the nearest town.
