Valmiki National Park is the only national park located in Bihar. It is situated in the West Champaran district, near the India-Nepal border, and forms an important part of the Terai landscape, known for its rich biodiversity.
Key Features of Valmiki National Park
- Location:
- West Champaran district, Bihar
- Borders with Nepal
- Lies along the Gandak River, a major river in the region.
- Total Area:
- Approximately 900 sq. km
- It includes the Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary, making the park and sanctuary together cover a vast region.
- Biodiversity:
- Home to Bengal tigers, which are the park’s most famous inhabitants.
- Other wildlife includes leopards, elephants, one-horned rhinoceroses, deer, sloth bears, and several species of reptiles and birds.
- The forest area is primarily sal and moist deciduous trees, contributing to its green and dense landscape.
- History:
- Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1994 under the Project Tiger initiative to protect the Bengal tiger population.
- The park is named after the ancient sage Valmiki, who is believed to have written parts of the Ramayana in the nearby forests.
- Best Time to Visit:
- October to March is the best time to visit, as the weather is pleasant and the animals are more likely to be spotted.
- Important Rivers:
- Apart from the Gandak River, the park has several smaller rivers and streams, which support the ecosystem and wildlife.
- Tourism:
- Eco-tourism activities such as jungle safaris, bird watching, and nature trails are promoted.
- The park also encourages wildlife conservation awareness among visitors.
- Nearest City:
- Bettiah is the nearest major city, about 80 km away from the park.
- The park can also be accessed from Patna, the capital of Bihar, which is around 275 km away.
Key Points for Exams:
- Only national park in Bihar.
- Part of the Valmiki Tiger Reserve.
- Rich in biodiversity: Bengal tigers, elephants, leopards.
- Situated along the Gandak River.
- Important eco-tourism destination in Bihar.
Important Question – Answer
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is a National Park? | A National Park is a reserved area of natural land owned by the government, restricted from any kind of development, and set aside for human recreation and environmental protection. It is reserved for the betterment of wildlife and biodiversity. |
| How many National Parks are there in Bihar? | Bihar has only one National Park, Valmiki National Park. |
| Where is Valmiki National Park located? | Valmiki National Park is located in the West Champaran district of Bihar. |
| What is the area of Valmiki National Park? | The park covers an area of about 335.65 sq km. |
| When was Valmiki National Park established? | It was established in 1989. |
| What are the key types of flora in Valmiki National Park? | The important flora includes Bhabar sal forests, dry Shiwalik sal forests, moist mixed deciduous forests, and open land vegetation. |
| What are the key animal species in Valmiki National Park? | Key fauna includes Bengal Tigers, Indian rhinoceros, black bear, Indian sloth bear, Indian leopard, wild dog, and boar. |
| How many bird species are found in Valmiki National Park? | The park hosts about 241 bird species, including Kalij pheasant, three-toed quail, paradise flycatcher, and grey shrike. |
| When was Valmiki National Park included under Project Tiger? | It was included under Project Tiger in 1991. |
| What is the only Tiger Reserve in Bihar? | Valmiki Tiger Reserve is the only Tiger Reserve in Bihar. |
| What does Valmiki Tiger Reserve include? | It includes Valmiki National Park and Valmiki Wildlife Sanctuary. |
| What additional flora is found in Valmiki Tiger Reserve? | The reserve also has freshwater swamps, canebrakes, Eastern wet alluvial grasslands, and khair-sissoo forests. |
| What other animals are found in Valmiki Tiger Reserve? | Besides tigers, fauna includes black bear, Indian sloth bear, Indian rhinoceros, buffalo, barking deer, spotted deer, sambar, and blue bull. |
| What significant development is happening in Valmiki Tiger Reserve? | The Bihar Government is developing India’s biggest grassland, over 800 acres in the reserve. |
| How many tigers were in Valmiki Tiger Reserve in 2010, 2014, and 2018? | In 2010, there were 8 tigers, in 2014 there were 28 tigers, and in 2018 the number increased to 40 tigers. |