The Valmiki National Park

The Valmiki National Park (335sq km) has been created amidst 544sq km of the Valmiki Sanctuary in the West Champaran district of Bihar, bordering Nepal. The magnificent Himalayas provide a backdrop to the sanctuary. Adjacent to the sanctuary, in the forests of Nepal, is the historic Valmiki Ashram in the Chitwan National Park of Nepal. The One-horned rhinoceros and Indian bison often migrate from Chitwan to Valmikinagar. The forest here is a mix of extensive Savannah lands and swamp forests. The forest in the sanctuary is rich in Bhabar-Dun sal, dry Siwalik sal, khair, cane etc. The extensive forest area of Valmikinagar was owned by the Bettiah Raj and Ramanagar Raj until early 1950s. Tigers dominate the wildlife landscape while other attractions include chitals, sambars, nilgais, leopards, hyenas, Indian civets, Jungle cats, Hog deer and wild dogs. As far as the density of the tiger population is concerned, Valmikinagar ranks fourth in the state.

To Reach : Valmikinagar can be reached via Bettiah, with Patna as the nearest airport (105km). The best time to visit Valmikinagar is between October and June. A number of rest houses manned by the Irrigation Department are usually available.

Wildlife Attractions
Rich in black bucks and nilgais, the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary (134sq km) is the largest and one of the best faunal areas of Bihar. Its other wildlife denizens include chinkaras, tigers, leopards, hyenas, sloth bears, etc.

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