Have you ever wondered what it would be like to explore a place where nature and history meet? A place where you can witness the majestic tigers, leopards, and elephants in their natural habitat, as well as the ancient monuments and legends of the Ramayana, the Buddha, and the Mauryan empire? If yes, then you should definitely visit the Valmiki National Park, a hidden gem of Bihar’s wildlife and culture.
Valmiki National Park is a tiger reserve and wildlife sanctuary located in the West Champaran district of Bihar, India. It covers an area of 899.38 square kilometers, and is divided into two divisions: Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary and Valmiki Tiger Reserve. The park is home to a rich and diverse variety of flora and fauna, including more than 50 species of mammals, 250 species of birds, 40 species of reptiles, and 3000 species of butterflies. The park is named after the sage Valmiki, who is believed to have written the epic Ramayana here.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about the Valmiki National Park, such as its location, history, geography, wildlife, activities, and attractions. We will also provide you with some useful tips and recommendations for planning your trip to this amazing destination. Whether you are a nature lover, a history buff, or an adventure seeker, you will find something to enjoy and appreciate in the Valmiki National Park. So, let’s get started!
Flora and Fauna of Valmiki National Park
One of the main reasons to visit the Valmiki National Park is to witness the incredible flora and fauna that it has to offer. The park boasts of a diverse and rich biodiversity, with a variety of ecosystems, such as hills, valleys, streams, forests, grasslands, and swamps. The park is part of the Shivalik Hills and the terai region, and shares its border with the Chitwan National Park of Nepal. The Gandak river flows through the park, creating a fertile and lush landscape.
The park is home to more than 50 species of mammals, including some endangered and endemic ones, such as the royal Bengal tiger, the Indian leopard, the Indian rhinoceros, the Asian elephant, and the gharial. The park has a healthy population of tigers, with 54 individuals recorded in the 2023 census. The park is also a haven for birdwatchers, with more than 250 species of birds, such as the hornbill, the peacock, the kingfisher, the parakeet, and the vulture. The park also hosts more than 40 species of reptiles, such as the python, the cobra, the crocodile, and the turtle. The park is also famous for its butterfly diversity, with more than 3000 species of butterflies, such as the blue morpho, the monarch, the swallowtail, and the atlas moth.
The park is also a paradise for plant lovers, with more than 2000 species of plants, such as the sal, the teak, the bamboo, the orchid, and the lotus. The park has a rich and colorful floral display, especially during the spring and monsoon seasons, when the flowers bloom and the butterflies flutter.
The park is committed to the conservation and protection of its flora and fauna, and works closely with the local communities and the government to ensure their well-being and survival. The park faces some challenges, such as poaching, encroachment, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict, but it also has some success stories, such as the recovery of the tiger population, the reintroduction of the rhinos, and the awareness and education programs for the locals and the visitors.
Activities and Attractions in Valmiki National Park
Another reason to visit the Valmiki National Park is to enjoy the various activities and attractions that it has to offer. The park is a perfect destination for adventure and exploration, as well as relaxation and rejuvenation. Here are some of the things that you can do and see in the park:
Safari:
The best way to experience the wildlife of the park is to go on a safari, either by jeep, by elephant, or by boat. You can choose from different routes and timings, depending on your preference and availability. The safari fee ranges from Rs. 500 to Rs. 2000 per person, depending on the mode and duration. The safari is a thrilling and memorable experience, as you get to see the animals up close and personal, as well as the scenic beauty of the park. You can also spot some rare and exotic species, such as the tiger, the leopard, the rhino, and the gharial. The safari is also a great opportunity to learn more about the wildlife and their behavior, as well as the conservation efforts and challenges of the park.
Trekking:
If you are feeling more adventurous, you can also go for a trekking expedition in the park, either by yourself or with a guide. You can choose from different trails and levels of difficulty, depending on your fitness and interest. The trekking fee ranges from Rs. 100 to Rs. 500 per person, depending on the trail and duration. The trekking is a rewarding and exhilarating experience, as you get to explore the different terrains and habitats of the park, as well as the flora and fauna. You can also enjoy some breathtaking views and panoramas of the park, as well as the surrounding hills and valleys. You can also camp in some designated sites, and experience the wilderness and the night sky of the park.
Birdwatching:
If you are a bird lover, you can also go for a birdwatching session in the park, either by yourself or with a guide. You can choose from different spots and timings, depending on your preference and availability. The birdwatching fee ranges from Rs. 50 to Rs. 200 per person, depending on the spot and duration. The birdwatching is a relaxing and enjoyable experience, as you get to see and hear the different species and sounds of the birds, as well as the colors and patterns of their feathers. You can also spot some rare and endemic species, such as the hornbill, the peacock, the kingfisher, and the vulture. You can also learn more about the birds and their behavior, as well as their role and importance in the ecosystem of the park.
The best time to visit the park is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the wildlife is more active and visible. The park is open from 6 am to 6 pm, and the entry fee is Rs. 50 per person. You can also hire a guide or a naturalist for Rs. 300 to Rs. 500 per day, who can help you with the navigation and the information of the park. You should also carry some essentials, such as water, snacks, sunscreen, hat, binoculars, camera, and insect repellent. You should also follow some rules and regulations, such as carrying an identity proof, wearing appropriate clothing, avoiding littering, and respecting wildlife.
History and Culture of Valmiki National Park
A third reason to visit the Valmiki National Park is to discover its history and culture, which are as fascinating and diverse as its wildlife and nature. The park has a rich and ancient heritage, with a connection to the Ramayana, the Buddha, and the Mauryan empire. Here are some of the historical and cultural sites and stories that you can find in and around the park:
Valmiki Ashram:
The park is named after the sage Valmiki, who is believed to have written the epic Ramayana here. According to the legend, Valmiki was a bandit who was transformed into a saint by the grace of the god Rama. He then composed the Ramayana, which narrates the life and deeds of Rama, his wife Sita, and his brother Lakshmana. He also gave shelter to Sita, who was banished by Rama, and raised her twin sons, Luv and Kush, who later reunited with their father. The Valmiki Ashram is located inside the park, and is a sacred and serene place, where you can see the hut, the well, and the temple of Valmiki. You can also see the statues and paintings of Rama, Sita, Luv, and Kush, as well as the scenes from the Ramayana.
Lauriya Nandan Garh:
A historical site near the park, where an Ashokan pillar and a stupa are located, believed to be related to the Buddha’s ashes. The Ashokan pillar is a 12-meter high stone column, with a lion capital on top, and an inscription on the base. The inscription mentions the name and title of the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, who ruled over most of India in the 3rd century BCE, and who spread Buddhism across Asia. The stupa is a dome-shaped structure, with a circular base and a square top, and a chamber inside. The chamber is said to contain the ashes of the Buddha, who attained enlightenment and nirvana in the 6th century BCE, and who founded Buddhism, a religion of peace and compassion. The Lauriya Nandan Garh is a remarkable and revered site, where you can see the ancient and impressive monuments, and feel the spiritual and historical significance of the place.
Someshwar Fort:
A historical site near the park, where a fort is situated on top of a hill, offering a panoramic view of the surroundings. The fort is believed to have been built by the king Someshwar, who ruled over the region in the 13th century CE, and who was a patron of art and culture. The fort is a splendid and majestic structure, with a stone wall, a gate, a courtyard, and a temple. The fort also has some inscriptions and sculptures, depicting the history and glory of the king and his kingdom. The Someshwar Fort is a magnificent and awe-inspiring site, where you can see the ancient and grand architecture, and admire the scenic beauty of the park and the Gandak river.
Accommodation and Transportation in Valmiki National Park
The last reason to visit the Valmiki National Park is to enjoy the accommodation and transportation facilities that it has to offer. The park has a range of options and prices for staying and traveling, depending on your budget and preference. Here are some of the accommodation and transportation options that you can choose from:
Accommodation:
The park has some eco-friendly and comfortable accommodation facilities, such as eco-huts, forest rest houses, and hotels. The eco-huts are wooden cottages, with basic amenities and services, such as beds, fans, lights, and toilets. The eco-huts are located inside the park, and offer a close and authentic experience of the nature and wildlife.
The eco-huts charge Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 per night, depending on the size and season. The forest rest houses are stone bungalows, with moderate amenities and services, such as beds, fans, lights, toilets, and kitchens. The forest rest houses are located near the park entrance, and offer a cozy and convenient experience of the park.
The forest rest houses charge Rs. 1000 to Rs. 2000 per night, depending on the size and season. The hotels are modern and luxurious establishments, with all the amenities and services, such as beds, AC, TV, Wi-Fi, toilets, showers, and restaurants. The hotels are located outside the park, and offer a comfortable and lavish experience of the park. The hotels charge Rs. 2000 to Rs. 5000 per night, depending on the quality and season.
Transportation:
The park has some easy and affordable transportation modes and routes, such as by road, rail, or air. You can reach the park by road, either by bus, taxi, or car. The nearest bus station is at Bettiah, which is 80 kilometers away from the park. The bus fare is Rs. 100 to Rs. 200 per person, depending on the type and distance. The nearest taxi stand is at Bagaha, which is 40 kilometers away from the park. The taxi fare is Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 per vehicle, depending on the type and distance. You can also drive your own car to the park, and park it at the designated parking area near the park entrance.
The parking fee is Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 per vehicle, depending on the type and duration. You can also reach the park by rail, either by train or by metro. The nearest railway station is at Narkatiaganj, which is 20 kilometers away from the park. The train fare is Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 per person, depending on the class and distance. The nearest metro station is at Patna, which is 300 kilometers away from the park.
The metro fare is Rs. 100 to Rs. 200 per person, depending on the class and distance. You can also reach the park by air, either by flight or by helicopter. The nearest airport is at Patna, which is 300 kilometers away from the park. The flight fare is Rs. 5000 to Rs. 10000 per person, depending on the airline and distance. The nearest helipad is at Valmiki Nagar, which is 10 kilometers away from the park. The helicopter fare is Rs. 10000 to Rs. 20000 per person, depending on the service and distance.
The nearest cities and towns to the park are Bettiah, Bagaha, Narkatiaganj, and Valmiki Nagar, which are 80, 40, 20, and 10 kilometers away from the park, respectively. The distance and time required to reach them are as follows:
Bettiah: 80 kilometers, 2 hours by road, 3 hours by rail
Bagaha: 40 kilometers, 1 hour by road, 2 hours by rail
Narkatiaganj: 20 kilometers, 30 minutes by road, 1 hour by rail
Valmiki Nagar: 10 kilometers, 15 minutes by road, 30 minutes by rail
We hope that this article has given you a comprehensive and informative overview of the Valmiki National Park, and has inspired you to visit this hidden gem of Bihar’s wildlife and culture. The park is a perfect destination for nature lovers, history buffs, and adventure seekers, as it offers a variety of flora and fauna, activities and attractions, history and culture, and accommodation and transportation options.
Whether you want to see the majestic tigers, leopards, and elephants, or the ancient monuments and legends of the Ramayana, the Buddha, and the Mauryan empire, or the scenic beauty and diversity of the Shivalik Hills and the terai region, or the eco-friendly and comfortable eco-huts, forest rest houses, and hotels, you will find something to enjoy and appreciate in the Valmiki National Park.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to the Valmiki National Park today, and experience the amazing wildlife and culture of Bihar. You can also share your experiences and feedback with us, and subscribe to our newsletter for more travel tips and guides. Thank you for reading, and happy traveling!