Valmiki Tiger Reserve (Timings, Entry Fee, Safari Online Booking, How to Reach)
Located in the state of Bihar, in the West Champaran district, Valmiki Tiger Reserve is spread across a total area of 880.78 sq. km. Bordering Nepal, Valmiki is the 18th tiger reserve which was started in the year of 1990. With a rank of fourth in density of tiger population, Valmiki tiger reserve attracts hordes of tourists every year.
Bordered by the Royal Chitwan National Park which is located in Nepal in the north and the River Gandak on the western side and the Himalayas on the background, the reserve presents exceptional scenic beauty as well. Valmiki ashram which has great historic significance is also located quite close to the reserve in the Chitwan National Park.
Forest safaris are arranged by the forest department offering tourists the opportunities to have a closer look at the rich wildlife and flora of the reserve.
Along with knowing a wide variety of exotic flora and fauna, there are various sightseeing opportunities as well. Some of the places worth visiting are Valmikinagar dam situated on the River Gandaki, Gobardhana with only standing Asokan pillar and Manguraha.
Flora @ Valmiki Tiger Reserve
The main kinds of forests in the reserve are moist Sal bearing forests, dry Sal bearing forests, moist mixed deciduous forests along with Sal (Shorea robusta Jamun, Siccharrum, Mahulan, Teak), Asan, Karama, Semal, Khair, Cane, etc.
Fauna @ Valmiki Tiger Reserve
Along with boasting of good numbers of tiger, the reserve has various other animals also adoring it. Some of these are sloth bear, wolf, various species of deer, serow, leopard, python, peafowl, chitals, sambars, nilgais, leopards, hyenas, Indian civets, Jungle cats, Hog deer, wild dogs etc. One can also spot one horned rhinoceros and Indian bison that sometimes migrate to the reserve from Chitwan forests.
Best time to visit Valmiki Tiger Reserve
The best time to visit the reserve is during the months of October to June. The summers are generally hot and monsoon season sees heavy rainfall. Winters are quite cold and temperature sometimes goes to even single digits.
Reaching Valmiki Tiger Reserve
- By air: The nearest airport to the reserve is at Patna which is situated at a distance of 295 km. The airport of Patna is well connected to places like Ranchi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Lucknow and Delhi.
- By rail: The nearest railhead is at Valmiki Nagar which is at a distance of 5 km from the park. The railway station is connected to cities like Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi and Kolkata.
- By road: Tourists will have various buses running from nearby places to the destination.
Accommodation @ Valmiki Tiger Reserve
Accommodation facilities like forest rest houses are available in the Valmiki. These houses are moderately charged and offer decent staying options.