Government Of Bihar

Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) forms the eastern most limit of the Himalayan Terai forests in India, and lies in the north-westernmost West Champaran district of Bihar. It is the only tiger reserve in the state. The pristine forest and wilderness of VTR is an excellent example of Himalayan Terai landscape. Comprising both Valmiki National Park and Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary, VTR forest area covers Approximately 900 sq. km - a whopping 17.4 per cent of the total geographical area of West Champaran district.The extensive forest area of Valmiki Tiger Reserve was previously owned by the Bettiah Raj and Ramnagar Raj until the early 1950s. The area was subjected to large scale afforestation with teak, semal, shisham and bamboo. Subsequently, VTR was constituted as the 18th reserve under Project Tiger of Government of India, on                   March 11, 1994.

VTR encompasses foothill ranges of Himalayan Siwaliks with mosaic of cliffs, ridges, gorges, hills and valleys, besides dense forests, open woodlands and grasslands. Situated in Gangetic plains bio-geographic zone of the country, the forest has combination of bhabhar and terai tracts. Boulder and pebble deposits by the Himalayan rivers in foothills characterize the bhabhar tract while the finer sediments deposits feature terai lands. Criss-crossing and meandering rivers, streams and rivulets, canals and swamps feature on these lands. Gandak forms the western boundary of Valmiki Tiger Reserve. It enters India at Valmikinagar, where two rivulets Sohna and Pachnad join it, forming a holy confluence 'Triveni'. Harha-Masan river system originates from the Valmikinagar forests and forms Burhi Gandak down south.

Mammals: Tigers, Sloth Bear, Leopard, Indian Gaur, Hyena, Wild Dogs etc reside in VTR. Several species of Deer and Antelope viz Barking Bear, Spotted Deer, Hog Deer, Sambar, Blue Bull are also present. Apart from these, Leopard Cat, Wild Cat, Fishing Cat, Chinese Pangolin, Indian Pangolin, Wild Boar, Himalayan Serow, Civets, Flying Squirrel etc can also be sighted. On the main road from Madanpur to Valmikinagar, large number of Indian flying fox can be seen.

Reptiles:- These include Burmese Python, Rock Python, Cobra, Viper, King Cobra, Common Krait, Banded krait, Sand Boa), etc. Among aquatic reptiles Crocodiles, Otters, Gharial, Monitor Lizard, etc. are present.

Birds: - More than 250 bird species have been reported, including Nepal Khaleej pheasant, three-toed quail, flycatcher, grey shrike, green willow warbler, tree pipit, and 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 here. At night several owls, owlets, nightjars, etc can be easily sighted.

Butterflies: - Jungle of VTR abound in Various kinds of Moth, Caterpillars and Butterflies. Some Common Butterflies like Common Mormon, Great Mormon, Glassy Tiger, Great Egg fly, Club Beak, Grey Pansy, Lime Butterfly Can Easily Be Sighted.

There are seven forest types found in VTR which makes it a special destination for nature lovers: Bhabar Dun Sal Forest, Dry Siwalik Sal Forest, West Gangetic Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest, Khair Sissoo Forest, Cane Brakes, Eastern Wet Alluvial Grassland, and Barringtonia Swamp Forest. The important tree species found in valley areas of VTR are Sal, Karam, Asan, Bahera, Asidh, Simal, Satsal, etc. Besides, in hilly regions, Piyar, Mandar, Banjan, Bhelwa, Harra, Bodera etc are found. Cane breaks are mainly found in Madanpur forest block, providing a suitable habitat for tigers. There is a small isolated patch of Chirpine forest, locally known as Dhup, found in Raghia forest block. The grasses found in VTR include Munj, Kans, Elephant grass, Narkat, Vitiveria zizanioides, Imperata cylindrica, Choranth, Sabai etc. Climbers are also very common, including Mahulan, Mahai, Panilat, Ramdatwan, and Arar. Medicinal plants found here include Satawar, Safed Musli, Dudhkoraiya, Amla, Piper, etc.

Bheriyari Watch Tower: This wooden watch tower is situated in the Bheriyari Grassland where herds of herbivores can be seen in their natural habitat, besides many varieties of birds.

Bhikhna Thori: Historically it was the resting place (thaur) for Buddhist monks and hence its name. King George V, while passing by, took a rest here. This is a famous picnic spot now.

Boating in Gandak River: It is the potential site for rhinoceros sighting besides being designated as Important Bird Area. One can enjoy boating in Bird Area. One can enjoy boating in shikara along with bird watching. The Gandak riverfront is also a perfect for leisure walks and crocodile sighting.

Eco-park: The Eco-Park at Valmikinagar is teeming with Natural Flora and Recreational Facilities Such as Swings, Slides, Walking Tracks, Benches, Slides Walking Tracks, Benches. etc.

Pandai River: Round, colourful pebbles found on the riverbed attract everyone. The Watch Tower at Thori gives a nice view of this meandering River.

Lalbhitiya: On way to Gobardhana from Manguraha, Made of red-clay Soil, this Elevated patch gives a Birds eye-view of Pure-Sal Forest.

Parewa Dah:- One can see Numerous Fishes in the Emerald Blue Crystal-Clear Water here. Doves and bee-eaters Swarming in hundreds reside in high Burrows Surrounding this place.

Manguraha Nature Trail: - It's a short trek of 5 km along the dense forest to the Manguraha Awareness Centre a nature Trail is Conducted via Pandai River Manguraha SSB, BOP to Manguraha Range Office Where statues of artificial tiger, bear, elephant, Monkey, Leopard, Deer Etc. Have been Installed for the tourists to see, which is the centre of attraction for the tourists.

Someshwar Peak:- It is the Highest Peak of VTR Situated at a Height of 2884 feet. One can reach here Trekking 14 Kms from base Camp. At the International Border is an ancient Temple Dedicated to Lord Someshwar and Goddess Kali.

Valmikinagar: From the View Point Situated near the Gandak Barrage One Can Enjoy the Panoramic Sight of Triveni and Nearby areas. Boating in Gandak along the Forest Area is Quite Thrilling. One Can See Gharials, Dolphins, Crocodiles, Turtles along the River.

Kauleshwar Jhula: - A Hanging Bridge Amid the tall Trees of the Jungle, the Kauleshwar Jhula Provides a Unique and Exhilarating Experience to those who Step on it.

By Road:- Patna-Muzaffarpur-Bettiah (210 Kms)/Bettiah-Valmikinagar (105 Km)/ Bettiah-Gobardhana (70 Kms)/Bettiah-Manguraha (65Kms)/Gorakhpur-Valmikinagar (125Kms) .

By Train:- On Muzaffarpur Bapudham Motihari-Bettiah-Gorakhpur Track, nearest Station is Bagaha for Valmikinagar (45Km), Harinagar for Gobardhana (20Km) & Narkatiaganj for Manguraha (25 Km).

Nearest Airport:- Patna (305 Km) Gorakhpur (125 Km) & Kushinagar (100Kms).