Valmiki National Park

Valmiki National Park In Bihar, India

Valmiki National Park, located in the West Champaran district of Bihar, India, is the only national park in Bihar and forms the easternmost limit of the Terai forests in India. Covering an area of 898.45 square kilometers, it is part of the Valmiki Tiger Reserve, which spans over 900 square kilometers.

This park is a crucial part of the Gangetic Plains bio-geographic region and shares a border with Nepal’s Chitwan National Park, creating an essential transboundary wildlife corridor. The landscape of Valmiki National Park is dominated by dense forests, grasslands, rivers, and hills, providing an excellent habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna. The park is home to Royal Bengal tigers, and as of recent estimates, the Valmiki Tiger Reserve has over 50 tigers, making it one of the key tiger conservation areas in India.

Other major wildlife species in the park include leopards, Asiatic black bears, Indian gaurs (bison), wild boars, deer species (spotted deer, sambar, and barking deer), and various reptiles. The park is also known for its rich avian diversity, with more than 250 species of birds, including the great hornbill, Indian grey hornbill, white-backed vultures, falcons, peacocks, and several migratory birds that visit during winter.

The Gandak River, which flows through the park, is home to the endangered Gangetic dolphin, India’s national aquatic animal. For visitors, the best way to explore Valmiki National Park is through jeep safaris, nature walks, and birdwatching tours.

The park also offers eco-tourism activities, including hiking and camping, with various viewpoints such as Bhikhna Thori and Someshwar Peak, which provide stunning panoramic views of the forests and the Himalayan foothills. The best time to visit Valmiki National Park is from November to March, when the weather is pleasant, and wildlife sightings are more frequent.

Flora And Fauna

• Bengal Tiger
• Indian Gaur
• Indian Rhinoceros
• Asian Black Bear