15 Experiences and Things to Do in Valmiki Nagar Tiger Reserve

Things to Do in Valmiki Nagar Tiger Reserve

Rafting, Elephant Safari, Nature Walk, Jeep Safari, Boating in Gandaki River, Visit Kapan, Bird watching at Lalbhitiya, Relax at Pandai River and many more.

With culture and wildlife coalescing into one harmonious whole, the Valmiki Tiger Reserve promises a dream-like tryst with nature. The undulating natural terrain here gives rise to an exhaustive array of things to do in Valmiki Tiger Reserve, each one more exciting than the next.

Home to a diverse range of plants, animals and birds, the Tiger Reserve invites wildlife enthusiasts from across the world. While those simply desiring to explore the Reserve’s natural wealth will have a wonderful time partaking in safaris and nature walks, the adventurous enthusiast will find a home here too, with rafting, boating and trekking being some of the many thrilling activities offered here.

The fantastic backdrop of the Reserve, with its little mountains and cascading rivers, makes it a popular attraction for photographers. The Reserve is a popular haunt among birdwatchers as well, with over 250 species of birds twittering through its forests.

Here are the best things to do in Valmiki Nagar Tiger Reserve:

01

Valmiki Nagar Rafting

With the serene Gandak river sliding lazily through its expanse, Valmiki Nagar offers the perfect location for a rafting adventure. With its rapids moderating from mild to fast-paced along its length, the experience here is quite unparalleled.

As a sport, rafting does not need considerable expertise, and can be attempted by beginners as well. It’s also an excellent way to explore the lush natural scenery of the Tiger Reserve as one glides through, making it one of the most sought after things to do in Valmiki Tiger Reserve.

Timings: 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM on all days of the week

Price: Starting from Rs. 800/- per person

02

Valmiki Nagar Elephant Safari

If you’re looking to get up close and personal with the wildlife at the Reserve, then an elephant safari might be one of the best things to do in Valmiki Tiger Reserve. Ride through the thick forests of the reserve atop a trained elephant, marveling at the beauty of its natural splendor as you travel through.

The safari ride will take you through the jungles’ secret nooks and corners, promising sightings of animals such as leopards, wild boars, wild dogs and -if you’re really lucky- the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Duration: 1 hour

Price: Starting from Rs. 550 per person

03

Valmiki Tiger Reserve Nature Walk

The Nature Walk is one of the best things to do in Valmiki Tiger Reserve for those looking to explore the natural wealth of the place. Snaking its way through dense canopies, the walking trails here are quite fun to explore. Each walk here is about 4-5 kilometers long, and takes place in groups of 4 to 6 people.

Each group is accompanied by an expert nature guide, who sheds invaluable light on the local flora and fauna of the place. This activity is not open to children below the age of 15.

Timings: 08.00AM- 10.00AM ; 04.00PM- 06.00PM

Price: Starting from Rs. 200 per person

04

Valmiki Tiger Reserve Jeep Safari

One of the best things to do in Valmiki Tiger Reserve for the lover of adventure, the Jeep Safari here promises a thrilling tour through the hidden crannies of the Reserve. The jeep safari takes place on a 4x4 vehicle navigated by an expert driver who’s well versed in the language of the forest.

The safari takes you through those places in the Reserve where one is most likely to spot wildlife, whether it be leopards, boars, elephants, bears or even tigers. It’s a fantastic way to explore the birdlife here as well.

Duration: 1 and a half hours

Price: For Gipsy Safari (up to 6 adults): Starting from Rs. 1500 per vehicle, For Canter Safari (up to 12 adults): Starting from Rs. 300 per person

05

Boating in Gandaki River

A tributary of the river Gandak, the Rohua Nala is a little river in the heart of the Tiger Reserve. Ensconced within a space of lush greenery, the lake is oft-visited by those looking to explore the rich birdlife here. One of the best ways to explore the beauty of the place is to take a boat ride in the Nala.

The experience takes place on a Sikara, or a traditional boat. The boaters are accompanied by an expert guide who not only helps steer the vessel, but also offers invaluable information about the animals that can sometimes be spotted along the shores.

Price: Rs. 100/- per person

06

Visit Kapan

Born in the Raghia ranges, the Kapan river is one of Valmiki’s proudest landmarks. The trail along the Kapan is one of the Reserve’s most scenic ones, and is ideal for nature walks and hikes. The river travels through the heart of the forest, offering some surreal views.

Apart from some great views of the river, the Kapan trail is also an excellent way to observe the birdlife of the place. Some wildlife can be spotted around the place as well, including bison and green pigeons. A variety of kingfishers and owls can be commonly seen about the place as well.

07

Bird Watching at Lalbhitiya

Deriving its name from the red clay soil that can be found here, Lalbhitiya is a popular observation spot within the Tiger Reserve. Although there are no observation towers or decks here, the elevated land at Lalbhitiya provides enough height to see long distances through the patches of teak and sal.

As a result, it is one of the best spots in the Reserve for watching birds and other wildlife. It is said that the light at dusk and dawn are especially enchanting here, and makes for the best views. On a clear day, one might even spot the ice-capped peaks of the Himalayas towering at a distance.

08

Relax at Pandai River

Mapping the boundary between Nepal and India, the River Pandai is a unique attraction at the Valmiki Tiger Reserve. Full of youthful verve, the Pandai jostles down with an enchanting playfulness that beckons to all.

Although there is not much sports to be done here, one can spend a wonderful time on the banks of Pandai just unwinding after a busy day of touring; relax amidst the sound of nature, and just let the water trickle through your toes. During sunrise and sunset, the waters in the river shine splendidly, appearing twice as resplendent. The river offers an excellent backdrop for photographs as well.

09

Go to Parewa Dah

A magical pond ensconced in the heart of the forests, a trek to Parewah Dah is among the most popular of tourist things to do in Valmiki Tiger Reserve. The name derives from the local “parwah” or pigeon, and “dah” or water body, and presents a place where the two coexist beautifully.

The little lake is preceded by a waterfall which continuously empties into it, making sure it remains full throughout the year. The waters here are crystal clear too, allowing one to look into great depths and spot all the fishes here. Doves and pigeons swarm in hundred, adding to the overall charm of the place.

10

Trek to Someshwar Peak

Reaching an elevation of over 2,800 feet above ground level, Someshwar Peak is Valmiki’s highest mountain. A treat for thrill seekers and nature lovers alike, the trek to Someshwar Peak is among the best things to do in Valmiki Tiger Reserve.

Commencing at the base camp, the trail to the top is about 14 kilometers long. The trek is riddled with some fantastic view points, such as the Titanic Point and Hill Top, commanding excellent panoramic views of the surrounding forests. The trail is home to a few important temples as well, with the eponymous Someshwar Temple being the grandest of them all.

11

Enjoy A Day Out at Bhikhna Thori

With carpets of lush green grass spreading in all directions, Bhikhna Thori is Valmiki’s most popular picnic spot. The little heath nestles on the very edge of Nepal and commands views of both countries on either side.

According to legend, this spot was used by Bhutanese monk as a place of rest when traveling between Nepal and India, thus giving it its name of Bhikhna Thori. The area features a watch tower as well.

12

Enjoy Surreal Views from Bheriyari Watchtower

Nestled on the Indo-Nepal border, the Bheriyari WatchTower is one of Valmiki’s biggest attractions. The wooden tower rises up to two levels, commanding excellent views of the surrounding fields. Although big game can rarely be spotted from this point, one can spend a splendid time observing birdlife and herds of herbivores grazing peacefully through the grass here.

The WatchTower is a special treat for photographers as well, promising excellent views of the horizon. It is especially rewarding to visit the Tower during sunset, when one can enjoy uninterrupted views of the sun setting in the horizon.

13

Go for Manor Trek

One of the many rivers in the Tiger Reserve, the Manor River is well known for its scenic banks. At one end of the river is the Manor Watchtower, a prominent two storeyed tower that commands excellent views of the river and beyond.

Although the tower can be reached on wheels, trekking to the Manor Tower is among the most exciting of things to do in Valmiki Tiger Reserve. The trek to the Tower is pretty short, and does not take more than an hour. On the other hand, trekkers are greeted with extremely rewarding views of the surrounding foliage, making the trip worth the effort.

14

Visit Valmiki Ashram

Within the boundaries of the Tiger Reserve lies Valmiki Nagar, a little village of prime importance in Indian mythology. The village is named after the Hindu saint Valmiki, who was said to have composed the epic Ramayana.

At the edge of the village lies the Valmiki Ashram, the very place associated with the inception of the epic. According to myth, Lord Rama with his wife Sita is said to have visited this Ashram during their exile, furthering its importance in Hindu culture.

Timings: 09:00 AM - 07:00 PM on all days of the week

15

Seek Blessings at Nar Devi Temple

Nestled on the edge of the Indo-Nepal border, the Nar Devi Temple has a jarring history of its own. According to legend, the temple was erected by the sons of King Jasar in the memory of their father, who had been brutally sacrificed by his nephews.

The practise of sacrificing goats and chickens to the resident Goddess here eventually gave it the name of ‘Nar Devi Temple’, which roughly translates to ‘Sacrifice to the Goddess’. The temple is now thronged by Hindu devotees throughout the year, as most believe that the Devi fulfills every wish meted out to her.

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Eco Park

Patna Eco Park is a large green area designed to provide a natural place for relaxation. There are over 3000 flora types, a children's playground, boating rides, jogging, and cycling trails, food court, natural theme decorations, and sometimes sculpture shows. It is only spot in the busling city where the air feels fresh, and the green soothes the eyes for a while. With so much to offer, the Eco Park becomes one of the most loved tourist places in Patna. Architecture:-These areas contain an open space for relaxing strolls or for jogging.Attractions in the park:-Within the park lies a serene lake, perfect to enjoy boating.-The park is dotted with swings and rides, which make it the perfect place to come with your little ones-The Eco Park also contains a recreational zone where you can enjoy aqua zorbing. -The “Cactus Smriti” is another famous attraction of this park which is an artwork made by Subodh Gupta using kitchen utensils like forks, spoons and bowls. -The park also has a display board which exhibits the different stages of life of Lord Buddha,Location: Jawaharlal Nehru Marg, Rajbansi Nagar, Patna, Bihar 800015.Best time to visit:-March to April and-August to October.