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Introduction
Valmiki National Park in Bihar is one of India’s most celebrated national parks. Located in the West Champaran district, Valmiki National Park in West Champaran is Bihar’s only National Park and Tiger Reserve, located along the Nepal border.
Quick Facts
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| State | Bihar |
| Districts | West Champaran |
| Year of Notification | 1989 (National Park & Tiger Reserve) |
| Total Area | 898.93 sq km (335 sq km National Park core) |
| Landscape | Foothill Terai moist deciduous forest, Sal forests, cane brakes, and riverine grasslands. |
| Major Rivers & Waterbodies | Gandak River (Narayani), Pandai River, Manor River, and Bohlthan River |
| Nearest Airport | Gorakhpur Airport (GOP) – 120 km / Patna Airport (PAT) – 260 km |
| Nearest Railway Station | Valmikinagar Railway Station (VKNR) – 5 km / Narkatiaganj Junction – 60 km |
| Best Time to Visit | November to April |
Location
The national park lies in the West Champaran region of Bihar. Via Narkatiaganj/Bettiah to Valmikinagar.
History
Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1978, National Park in 1989, and Tiger Reserve in 1990.
Landscape, Geography & Habitat
Covering an expansive area of 898.93 sq km (335 sq km National Park core), the park’s terrain features Foothill Terai moist deciduous forest, Sal forests, cane brakes, and riverine grasslands.
Flora
Dominant vegetation and floral species include: Foothill Terai moist deciduous forest, Sal forests, cane brakes, and riverine grasslands.
Fauna
Primary Mammals & Key Species: Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian Leopard, Gaur (Indian Bison), Sloth Bear, Asian Elephant, Wild Dog (Dhole), Fishing Cat, Flying Fox, and Python.
Other Wild Animals & Wildlife
Avifauna & Bird Species: Records over 250 bird species including Kalij Pheasant, Great Pied Hornbill, Nepal Wren Babbler, Black-headed Oriole, Pallas’s Fish Eagle, and Pintail.
Rivers & Water Bodies
The lifeline of Valmiki National Park is sustained by: Gandak River (Narayani), Pandai River, Manor River, and Bohlthan River.
Other Attractions
Major nearby tourist attractions, historic monuments, and viewpoints include: Valmiki Ashram (ancient hermitage site, 5 km), Triveni Sangam Dam (3 km), Someshwar Fort Peak (25 km), Chitwan National Park Nepal (adjacent).
Weather & Climate
Sub-Himalayan climate (7°C to 36°C).
How to Reach
- Nearest Airport: Gorakhpur Airport (GOP) – 120 km / Patna Airport (PAT) – 260 km
- Nearest Railway Station: Valmikinagar Railway Station (VKNR) – 5 km / Narkatiaganj Junction – 60 km
- Road Connectivity: Via Narkatiaganj/Bettiah to Valmikinagar.
Best Time to Visit
The optimal tourism season for wildlife viewing in Valmiki National Park is from November to April.
Accommodation
Bihar Eco-Tourism Valmiki Tiger Reserve Huts at Valmikinagar.. Advance booking through official State Tourism or Forest Department portals is highly recommended.
Conservation Highlights
Bihar’s lone tiger reserve contiguous with Nepal’s Chitwan National Park.
Visitor Tips
Visit Valmiki Ashram situated on the scenic bank of the Gandak River near the Nepal border.
Did You Know?
- Bihar’s ONLY National Park and Tiger Reserve.
- Directly contiguous with Nepal’s famous Chitwan National Park across the border.
- Associated with Maharishi Valmiki, legendary author of the epic Ramayana.
Last Updated: August 2026