Valmiki Nagar

This is a village on the Indo Nepal border 42 kms North-West of Bagaha to which it is connected by a metalled road. A barrage has been constructed here on the Gandak river for the purpose of irrigation. Besides an old Shiva temple constructed by the Bettiah Raj, there are also ancient temple of Nara Devi and Gauri Shankar at Valmiki Nagar. There is a Valmiki Ashram, which is said to be the place where Maharshi Valmiki was living. On the occasion of Makar Sankranti every year a fair is held on the bank of River Gandak. Valmiki Tiger Reserve is often considered a Tourist’s Delight offering Trekking adventures, Jungle Safari and Nightlife Tourism. The Forest also inhabits over 50 Tigers and an equal number of Leopards apart from Fishing Cat, Leopard Cat, Chital, Sambar, Hog Deer, Black Buck, Gaur, Sloth Bear, Langur and Rhesus Monkey. VTR, as it is popularly known extends to Royal Chitawan National Park in Nepal and touches the foothills of Himalayas making it one of the unique tourist spots in the World. Undisturbed dense valley as well as Hill Sal forests along with the majestic view of Snow clad peaks of Himalayas offer an unique Touristic experience. The Park is the destination of confluence of more than 10 Rivers including Rohua, Kotrahia, Manor, Bhapsa, Koshil, Singha, Dhonghi, Ganguli, Dhoram, Sonha and Pachnad. Their cascades in wanton and wayward playfulness while descending from hills ridges and gorges are enchanting. The River Gandak which originates from Tibet and comes down to Nepal, flows through the middle of the Forest, Harha – Masan River system originates from the Valmiki Forests and forms Burhi Gandak River down south.

General Information

Altitude:125 m. to 880 m.
Temperature (Max./Min.) Deg C: Minimum : 8° C, Maximum : 36° C.
Rainfall:1461.2 mm to 2053.3 mm.
Best Season: November to February.
Clothing: Summer – Cottons; Winter - Heavy Woollens.

How to Reach

Air: The nearest airport is at Patna at a distance of 295km.
Rail: The nearest rail head Valmiki Nagar is 5km from the park.
Road: There are bus services from Valmiki Nagar to Bettiah ( 80km) the nearest town.

Activities

Safari: Elephant and Jeep Safari is organized by the Bihar Tourism Department. You may enjoy Bullock Cart Safari also, which is traditional in Bihar. The Rate Chart of Safari is given below.
Trekking: Trekking along the Foothills of Himalayas and the neighboring Forests in the Valmiki National Park is one of the most memorable experience one can have. Short Trekking of 4 -6 hours is also organized by State Tourism Department.
Bird Watching: VTR is one of the favorite destination for Bird Watchers. Presently some 241 bird species have been reported from VTR. These include, Nepal kaleej pheasant, three-toed quail, flycatcher, grey shrike, green willow warbler, tree pipit, white eye, green barbet, waders, ibises, storks, pitta, plovers, snipes, pied hornbill and emerald dove. There are five types of green pigeons and purple wood pigeon found in VTR. One can easily sight nocturnal birds like owls, owlets, nightjars after Sunset.
Nightlife Tourism: VTR offers a unique Nightlife tourism on Full Moon Nights. Tourists can enjoy Nature’s Beauty in moon light which is an entirely different experience. An exclusive Dinner Package is offered by State Tourism Department. For details, see Rate Chart.
Watch Tower: Tourists can enjoy watching wildlife and landscape through a Wooden Watch Tower located over Ganauli Range. It provides a majestic view of river Manore and the snow clad peaks of Himalayas.