Valmiki National Park

1. Silence and discipline is expected from the visitors.
2. Littering or feeding the animals is not allowed.
3. It is advisable to be soft and not yell or shout.
4. Don't wear vibrant colour clothes. It is preferable to wear khaki, brown or green colours so they merge into the surroundings.
5. Use of strong perfume is not allowed.
6. Wear comfortable footwear. In case, you are trekking it is advisable to wear jungle safari boots.
7. Carry enough drinking water.
8. In case you encounter animals, let them cross first and be sure not to scare them.

Booking for accommodation can be done only 60 days in advance and only for 4 days at a stretch.

Ecohut- Gobardhana : INR 1500 (Maximum two persons allowed in a room)
Ecohut- Kotraha : INR 1500 (Maximum two persons allowed in a room)
Ecohut- Naurangia : INR 1500 (Maximum two persons allowed in a room)
Ecohut- Manguraha : INR 1500 (Maximum two persons allowed in a room)
Treehut- Gobardhana : INR 1500 (Maximum two persons allowed in a room)

Gypsy/ Jeep Safari (4 persons) for 2 hours 30 minutes - INR 600 per group
Rafting (8 persons) for 3 hours - INR 2000 per group
Boating (4 persons) for 3 hours - INR 500 per group
Nature Walk (4 - 6 persons) for 3 - 4 hours - INR 100 per person
Border Trek (10 - 15 persons) for 10 - 12 hours - INR 500 per person
Jungle Camp (4 - 6 persons) for a night - INR 200 per person
Tiger Trail (4 - 6 persons) for 3 - 4 hours - INR 200 per person
Cycling - INR 20 per hour

The place is dotted with temples, shrines and historical monuments. Some of the prominent and must-visit attractions of Valmiki National Park include-

1. Bheriyari Watch Tower

This one is located in the Bheriyari Grassland region and is ideal for bird watching several exotic bird species at play and viewing the herbivores in the natural habitat.

2. Bhikhna Thori

Located exactly on the Indo- Nepal Border, this is the north- eastern end of the sanctuary. This is a popular route to Tibet across Nepal. History tells us that it was the common resting place called ?thaur? in the native language, for the Buddhist monks and hence it is called "Bhiktchuk thaur" or "Bhikhna thori". King George Vth rested here on his way to Nepal and it has been a popular picnic and leisure spot ever since.

3. Rohua Nala

Rohua Nala is a tributary of River Gandak and is situated in the Mandalpur range. The region is a beautiful combination of wetlands, forests, swamps and cenebrakes. The region has been declared as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by the Indian Bird Conservation Network. Besides several beautiful sightings of exotic birds, the place also facilities boating activities in traditional Shikara boats. You can also spot rhinoceros in the region.

4. Kapan

Kapan is a major perennial river originating from the Raghia Range. Walking northwards along the river, you can witness one of the most beautiful trails of the Park with forest on the side and the trailing river in the centre. You can also spot kingfishers, green pigeons and Indian bisons here.

5. Lalbhitiya

Lalbhitiya is a most beautiful vantage point in the area providing an alluring bird's eye view of pure- sal forests. The highlight of the place are the mesmerising sunrise and sunset views. On clear days, you can also see the snow white pearly peaks of the Himalayas from here. The place is a common favourite among solace seekers, nature wanderers and bird watchers.

6. Manor Trek

Manor Trek is a comparatively easy trek of 1.5 kms which the tourists can undertake on their own. The trail passes along the forest to the Manor watchtower which provides majestic views of the adjoining snow clad Himalayas and beautiful panoramas of the river manor below.

7. Parewa Dah

Parewa Dah is considered the most beautiful spot of the Valmiki Natural Forest and a trip to the park is considered incomplete without a visit to this place. Parewa means ?pigeons? and ?dah? means water- bodies and put together, Parewa Dah means a place where both these factors co-exist. The area is replete with water doves,pigeons and bee-eaters swarming the emerald blue waters. The water is so clear that you can even see the fish swimming at shallow levels.

8. Someshwar Peak

Perched at an elevation of 2884 metres, Someshwar Peak is the highest peak in the region which can be reached through a trek of 14 kms from the base camp. Although the tiring trekking pays off at the top which offers sweeping views of the forest below in the backdrop of the mighty mountains of the Himalayan Range. The path has several stop point like the Titanic Point and Hill Top etc. On the border is located Someshwar Temple dedicated to Shiva and Kali. At the base of the temple are the ruins of the hermitage of Baba Bhatrihari.

9. Valmikinagar

Valmikinagar is the adjoining tiny town of Valmiki Nagar on the banks of river Gandak at the Indo - Nepal border. The Gandak Barrage has a viewpoint which offers magnificent views of the Triveni and other nearby areas. The area also offers rare sightings of ghariyals, dolphins, crocodiles, turtles and other rare and endangered birds etc. Besides the serene landscape and tranquility, you can also experience river rafting in the area.

Valmiki National Park has a facility of 10 eco-huts in the area for the accommodation and stay of the tourists. With a double bed occupancy, the huts are scattered around in the area - two in Valmikinagar, two in Manguraha, two in Naurangia Done and four in Gobardhana. In addition to that there is a single tree hut located in Kotraha to please the altitude and adventure lovers. Kotraha, Madanpur, Naurangia Done, Gobardhana, Manguraha and Manpur also have the facility of Forest Rest Houses with two double bed rooms in each. Another wooden Forest Rest House is located in Ganauli with four double bed rooms.

Valmiki National Park has a variety of activities to muse the tourists:

1. Nature Walk

The rich wildlife and the diverse topography makes for a wonderful nature walks through the forests. The volunteers are taken on a guided walking tour spanning 4 - 5 kms to give them an idea on the flourishing ecosystem of the forests. These groups of 5 - 6 people are guided by professionals and children below the age of 15 years are not allowed. It is a must experience activity when at the sanctuary to witness the plenteous flora and fauna, and to be awed at the grand and cosy forests brimming with wondrous bounteous nature.

2. Border Trek

Located at the brink of the India- Nepal border with the Someshwar Range as the border between the two countries, the wildlife sanctuary provides facilitates beautiful treks in the region. From the top of the hill peaks, one can take a mesmerising bird's eye view of the tiger reserve and the national park, in addition to the parallely located Chitwan National Park in Nepal. The trek is a day long activity, conducted from 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Besides testing your fitness agility and grit, the trek takes you through a wonderland of steep slopes, settling riverines, meandering streams and along narrow passes in the forests. The package includes packed meals en-route. This trek is conducted in groups of 10 - 15 people led by a professional guide. Children below the age of 15 years are not allowed.

3. Jungle Camp

This is one of the most thrilling activities at the camp which is conducted in the anti-poaching camps or in one of the watchtowers. The package includes beds, spot lights and night vision devices. Special care is taken not to disturb the natural habitat of the plants and animals. Midnight creeks and howls of the wild animals is sure to get up your adrenaline rush. In a group, 2 - 4 people can be accommodated and children below 15 years are not allowed.

4. Tiger Trail

One of the most exciting highlight of Valmiki National Park is the Tiger trail activity. The trek starts early at dawn in supervision of the tiger trekkers where you follow the trails walked by the king of the forest- Bengal tigers. In case it is your lucky day, you might get to see a kill or the spoils of the tigers. The trek is also very informative where the participants are taught how to identify various pugmarks, scratches and scents. The group consists of 4 - 6 participants and children below 15 years are not allowed.

5. Watchtowers

There are several wooden watchtowers housed in the forests from where the tourists can take a peek into the privacy of the wild life. Besides the towers offer enchanting views of the rivers, the confluence and the majestic Himalayan ranges. These watchtowers are also installed at Thori, Bajani, Singha Sonbarsa, Bherihari and Bhaluthapa.

Valmiki National Park observe a vast set of rules and regulations.

1. Liquor consumption or visiting under the influence of liquor is strictly prohibited.
2. Teasing or disturbing animals in their natural setting is prohibited.
3. Damage to any plants or trees is not allowed.
4. Smoking or carrying any inflammable material is not allowed.
5. Playing any kind or music or any musical instrument during any treks or safaris is prohibited.
6. Carrying and consuming food in the forests is not allowed.
7. Carrying ammunition or any arms is strictly prohibited.

Valmiki National Park boasts a varied species of animals, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, birds, butterflies, flowering and medicinal plants cosily habitating the champa forests. Some of the prominent fauna species include Bengal tigers, Indian rhinoceros, black bear, Indian sloth bear, Indian leopards, wild dogs, boars, barking deer, spotted deer, antelopes, Sanbar, blue bull, striped hyena, leopard cat, Indian flying fox, flying squirrel etc. Among the many reptiles residing in the ecosystem are pythons, king cobras, krait, banded kraits, domuha snakes, gharial, monitor lizard etc. The parks also houses a whopping variety of birds. At present, there are 241 bird species inhabiting the place- Nepal kaleej pheasant, flycatcher, waders, ibises, storks, pitta, grey shrike, green willow warbler, tree pipit, white eye, green barbet, plovers, three-toed quail, snipes, pied hornbill, emerald dove etc. The forests are also home to different kinds of moths and butterflies like lime butterfly, great Mormon, glassy tiger, great eggfly etc. In addition to that, there are seven different types of forest types and several mixed vegetation types.

Based at the foothills of Himalayan Shivaliks, the terrain is a blend of gorges, cliffs, ridges, hills, streams, rivers, valleys, grasslands, woodlands, swamps, and riverine fringes. Located in the bio-geographical zone of the Indian Gangetic, the area is a combination of bhabar and terai tracts. The terai tracts are formed by the fine rich deposition of boulder and pebble. The rivers also deposit alluvium and sandy soils with variegated clay making the land fertile. River Gandak forms the western border of the national park, and the area is marked by meandering rivers, man-made canals, swamps and glossy grasslands. Two rivulets Sonha and Panchnad join the forests in India forming the ?Triveni? also known as the holy confluence. Besides, there are numerous other rivers enriching the landscape like  Manor, Bhapsa, Koshil, Singha, Dhonghi, Ganguli, Dhoram etc.

The region boasts of a socio-cultural diversity with several tribes inhabiting the place. ?Thanu? is a prominent scheduled tribe residing in the area. It is believed that the community migrated to the foothills of Himalaya from Rajasthan some 400 years ago. The prime occupation is agriculture and farming. The staple diet consists of chicken, pork, snails, fish and other wild animals. They also make their own liquor from jaggery which is considered a delicacy in the area. The people predominantly speak Bhojpuri and worship the common Hindu deities. Other tribes are collectively called Dhangar which is a combination of four different tribes- Oraon, Munda, Lohra and Bhuiya. They are believed to have migrated from the Chota Nagpur Plateau region. The two tribes collectively occupy 90% area of the region. Other minority tribes are called Baaji who are mostly outsiders and they practice agriculture or other professions in the village outside the forest.

The nearest airports to Valmiki National Park are Gorakhpur and Patna. The region is also well-connected through an intensive network of roadways and railways. It takes only 2 hours to reach the sanctuary from Gorakhpur. Several roadways buses ply on the route and you can also hire a private vehicle to drive down.

Direct trains are also available to reach the forest reserve from major cities of the country. It falls on the Gorakhpur- Muzaffarpur route. From other cities, you can arrive at Bagaha which is the western part of the sanctuary or Narkatiaganj which is the central or eastern part of the sanctuary. Otherwise direct trains to Bagaha and Narkatiaganj are also available from Gorakhpur or Muzaffarpur.