Valmiki National Park is one of the most beautiful places in Bihar. Situated in the district of Champaran, Valmiki National Park is a famous Tiger Reserve Forest in India. Surrounded by Champa trees and the Terai region of Himalaya, Valmiki National Park is one of the most important key habitats of Tigers in India.
Valmiki Tiger Reserve forms the eastern most limit of the Himalayan Terai forests in India, and is the only tiger reserve of Bihar. Situated in the Gangetic Plains bio-geographic zone of the country, the forest has combination of bhabar and terai tracts.
Valmiki National Park
But how well do you know Valmiki? If you do not, in this article we will enlighten you with some of the basic information about the Valmiki National Park. Let us have a look.
This region of Champaran district came into notice after the independence of India. Until the year of 1950, this forest area was owned by Bettiah Raj and Ramnagar Raj for the purpose of the timber productions.
In the year of 1952 and 1953, the State Government of Bihar took over the management of this forest region under the Act of Bihar Private Protected Forests of 1947. 1974, the forest was handed over to the Bihar State Forest Development Corporation for commercial purposes.
However, at the end of 1978, it was declared as a wildlife sanctuary. This Sanctuary was termed as Valmiki National Park in the year of 1990. The name Valmiki came from the nearest Valmiki Ashram.
Importance Of The Park
In the Champaran district of Bihar, Valmiki National Park holds lots of importance for the conservation of the wildlife. Mainly it is a Tiger Reserve Forest, and thus the endangered species of tigers were given a natural habitat for the purpose of saving them from extinction.
Not only tigers, but it is also home to many endangered species of mammals and birds as well. Also, Valmiki National Park is grossly threatened with illegal poaching and hunting of animals. To stop that, Bihar State Government has taken many measures recently, and many projects have been taken place to make this place more homely to the wild animals.
Geography Of The Park
The Geography of Valmiki National Park mainly shows the traits of the Eastern Himalayan. It is situated in the Gangetic plains bio-geographic zone which is mostly comprised of Bhabar and Terai Tracts.
However, from the different features of this national park, it’s geography can be classified into following seven ways namely– i) Bhabar – Dun Sal Forest ii) Dry Siwalik Sal Forest iii) West Gangetic Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest iv) Khair – Sissoo Forest v) Cane Brakes vi) Eastern Wet Alluvial Grassland vii) Barringtonia Swamp Forest.
The average rainfall in this region varies from 1450 mm to 2000 mm. And the temperature varies from 37°C to 3°C.
Flora
The flora of this region is mainly Grassland. However, freshwater swamps, alluvial grassland and high hill Savannah can be found in this region. Shorea robusta, Mallotus phillipensis, Strebulus asper, Terminalia tomentosa, Terminalia belerica, Adina cordifolia, Dalbergia latifolia, Mitragyna parviflora, Ehretia laevis, Angeissus latifolia, Tectona grandis, Salmalia malabarica, Dalbergia sissoo, Acacia catechu, Syzygium cumini, Dillenia pentagyna, Ficus glomerata, Calamus tenuis, Colebrookea oppositifolia, Murraya koenigii, Bridelia retusa, Indigofera pulchella are some of the most common flora in this region.
Fauna
Among the dominant faunas, this Valmiki National Park is a famous Tiger Reserve Forest. Apart from Tigers, Rhinoceros, Black Bear, Leopard, Wild dog, wild buffalo, wild boar, hyena, Leopard cat, Wildcat, Blue Bull, Flying squirrel are common find in this region.
Often one-horned rhinos and Indian Bison migrate from Chitwan to Valmiki National Park.
Valmiki National Park is home to more than 100 species of birds. Epal kaleej pheasant, Three-toed quail, Flycatcher, Grey Shrike, Green willow warbler, Tree Pipit, White-eye, Green Barbet, Waders, Ibises, Storks, Pitta, etc. birds can be found in this region.
Amongst reptiles, Python, Cobra, King Cobra, Crocodiles, Sand Boa are very common.
Valimiki National Park has more than 75 species of insects, and among them, Butterflies are very common. Common Mormon, Great Mormon, Glassy Tiger, Great egg fly, and Club beak can be found in this forest.
How to Reach Valmiki National Park
By Air– The nearest airport to Valmiki National Park is Patna Airport which is about 275 km away from Valmiki. Other nearest airport is Gorakhpur.
By Rail– Nearest Railway Station is the Valmiki Nagar Railway Station which is well connected to Valmiki National Park via road.
By Road– Valmiki National Park is well-connected to major cities of India via different roads where good transportation system is available.
The best time to visit Valmiki National Park is from November to March.
Entry Fee and Timing
Entry fees for Indians and foreigners are Rs 330 per person. Also, for the jeep, it will be Rs200 for Indians and Rs1300 for foreigners.
Timing– 10 am to 5 pm. There are no closing days.
Conclusions
Being one of the famous Tiger Reserve Forests in India, Valmiki National Forest is visited by many tourists throughout the year. However, the tourists are always expected to follow some do’s and don’ts of the national park such as no loud music, no giving food to animals, always to maintain silence, etc.
Follow these rules and enjoy your stay at Valmiki National Park. Happy Travelling!
