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Valmiki National Park, Bihar | Wildlife Tours

Valmiki National Park, situated in the West Champaran district of Bihar, is an ideal destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. This park is a perfect blend of natural beauty and biodiversity, providing visitors with an unforgettable experience. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a must-visit destination for all those who love to explore the wilderness.

Location and Geography

Valmiki National Park is located in the West Champaran district of Bihar, along the India-Nepal border. It covers an area of 880 square kilometers and is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas. The park is surrounded by dense forests, lush greenery, and beautiful landscapes, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers.

Flora and Fauna

Valmiki National Park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The park is blessed with an incredible range of biodiversity, making it a perfect destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The park is home to over 50 species of mammals, including tigers, leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, sambar deer, spotted deer, and wild boars. It is also home to over 250 species of birds, making it a bird watcher's paradise. The park is rich in flora as well, with more than 600 species of plants, including Sal, Asan, Rohini, and Kendu.

Wildlife Safari

Valmiki National Park offers visitors an unforgettable wildlife safari experience. Visitors can explore the park in a jeep or on an elephant, accompanied by trained guides. The safari provides visitors with an opportunity to witness wildlife in their natural habitat, making it a truly memorable experience.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Valmiki National Park is between November and June. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and the park is open to visitors. The park is closed during the monsoon season (July to October) due to heavy rainfall.

Accommodation Options

Valmiki National Park offers visitors a wide range of accommodation options, ranging from budget to luxury. Visitors can stay in the forest rest houses or in the nearby towns of Bettiah and Valmiki Nagar.

Things to Do

Valmiki National Park offers visitors a range of activities to do. Visitors can go on a wildlife safari, bird watching, nature walks, trekking, and camping. The park also offers visitors an opportunity to explore

the local culture and interact with the nearby communities.

Entry Fees and Timings

The entry fee for Valmiki National Park is INR 50 for Indian citizens and INR 500 for foreign nationals. The park remains open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day.

Tips for a Memorable Experience

To make the most of your visit to Valmiki National Park, here are some tips:

• Plan your visit during the best time to visit, which is between November and June.
• Hire a trained guide for your wildlife safari to learn more about the park's flora and fauna.
• Wear comfortable clothes and footwear suitable for the climate and terrain.
• Carry sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• Carry a pair of binoculars and a camera to capture the wildlife and natural beauty of the park.

Conservation Efforts

Valmiki National Park is a protected area, and several conservation efforts are in place to protect its flora and fauna. The park authorities have taken several measures to protect endangered species and their habitats. The local communities are also involved in conservation efforts, and awareness programs are conducted to educate visitors on the importance of wildlife conservation.

Nearby Attractions

Valmiki National Park is surrounded by several tourist attractions, including:

• Valmiki Ashram: A sacred place associated with the sage Valmiki, who wrote the epic Ramayana.
• Bhitiharwa Ashram: A historic place associated with the Indian independence movement.
• Lauriya Nandangarh: An archaeological site famous for its Ashoka Pillar.

Valmiki National Park is a must-visit destination for all nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. With its rich biodiversity, beautiful landscapes, and wildlife safaris, the park provides visitors with a unique experience. So, plan your visit to Valmiki National Park and explore the wonders of nature.

How to travel by road to Valmiki National Park and the nearest bus stand

By Road

One can easily travel to Valmiki National Park by road from Patna or Bettiah. The most convenient way to reach the park is by hiring a taxi or a private car from Patna or Bettiah. The journey takes around 6-7 hours from Patna and around 3-4 hours from Bettiah.

Alternatively, one can also take a bus from Patna or Bettiah to Valmiki Nagar, the nearest town to the park, and then hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the park. Several private and state-run buses operate from Patna and Bettiah to Valmiki Nagar. The journey takes around 7-8 hours from Patna and around 4-5 hours from Bettiah.

Nearest Bus Stand

Valmiki Nagar has a bus stand that is well-connected to major cities in Bihar. Private and state-run buses operate from Patna, Bettiah, and other cities in Bihar to Valmiki Nagar. From Valmiki Nagar, one can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach Valmiki National Park, which is located around 16 km away from the town.

In conclusion, Valmiki National Park is easily accessible by road from major cities in Bihar, and one can either hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the park. Valmiki Nagar is the nearest bus stand to the park, and from there, one can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the park.

How to travel by train to Valmiki National Park and the nearest railway station

By Train

Several trains operate from major cities in Bihar to Bagaha and Bettiah. From Bagaha or Bettiah, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Valmiki National Park. The journey from Bagaha or Bettiah to the park takes around 2-3 hours.

Nearest Railway Station

The Valmiki Nagar railway station is the nearest railway station to Valmiki National Park. However, the station is not well-connected to major cities in Bihar, and only a few trains halt here. Hence, the most convenient railway stations to reach the park are Bagaha and Bettiah railway stations. These railway stations are well-connected to major cities in Bihar, and several trains operate from here to different parts of the state.

In conclusion, the nearest railway station to Valmiki National Park is the Valmiki Nagar railway station, but it is not well-connected to major cities in Bihar. The most convenient way to reach the park by train is to take a train to Bagaha or Bettiah and then take a taxi or a bus to reach the park.

How to travel by air to Valmiki National Park and the nearest airport

By Air

Several airlines operate flights to the Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna from major cities in India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Valmiki National Park. The journey takes around 6-7 hours by road.

Nearest Airport

The Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna is the nearest airport to Valmiki National Park. The airport is well-connected to major cities in India, and several airlines operate flights to and from here.

In conclusion, Valmiki National Park is not directly accessible by air, and the nearest airport is the Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna, which is around 295 km away from the park. From the airport, one can either hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the park.

FAQs

Q.1 Can I visit Valmiki National Park during the monsoon season?

No, the park remains closed during the monsoon season (July to October) due to heavy rainfall.

Q.2 What is the entry fee for Valmiki National Park?

The entry fee for Indian citizens is INR 50, and for foreign nationals, it is INR 500.

Q.3 Can I go on a wildlife safari in Valmiki National Park?

Yes, visitors can go on a wildlife safari accompanied by trained guides.

Q.4 What is the best time to visit Valmiki National Park?

The best time to visit Valmiki National Park is between November and June.

Q.5 What are some nearby attractions to Valmiki National Park?

Some nearby attractions include Valmiki Ashram, Bhitiharwa Ashram, and Lauriya Nandangarh.