Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Bihar

Valmiki National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the West Champaran district of Bihar state, India. The extensive forest area of Valmikinagar was previously owned by the Bettiah Raj and Ramanagar Raj until the early 1950s. Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) is one of the natural virgin recesses in east India, situated in the north west corner of Bihar. Spread across 880 sq. km. (approx), the Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary is the safe home for the tigers, one of the threatened species of the world. Located at the cradle of Himalayan outermost ranges Shivalik range, the region has a very undulating landscape comprising of steep rise and deep ridges with the lush green forest around. The leopards and tigers along with the fishing cats, chitals, sambar, black bucks, langur, sloth bears, gaurs make the jungle an adventuring destination. The deep wood of Sal, Asan, Karama, Semal, Cane etc. is a pleasant getaway that offers a breathing space to the soul.
The national park gets its name from Valmiki Nagar, a small town located within the forest area. Due to dense forest cover in the region, the only entrance to the tiger reserve is through the town of Valmiki Nagar. The tiger reserve borders the Chitwan National Park across the border in Nepal There are two rivers that flow through the park – Gandak and Masan River. The Gandak River with the Himalayan range in the distance offers a great view and is a haven for photographers. There is a healthy diversity of animals along with tigers in the tiger reserve like leopards, fishing cats, deers, black bucks and rhesus monkeys.