15 Best Places to Experience Wildlife in Bihar

Bihar is a beautiful place known to have some of the best wildlife sanctuaries in India like Valmiki Sanctuary, Rajgir Sanctuary, Kaimur Sanctuary, Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, Kanwar lake Bird Sanctuary, Bhimbandh Sanctuary and more. One can find a variety of birds and animals living here in their natural habitat.

Whether you’re keen on exploring the birdlife of the state, taking part in exciting safaris or enjoying the beauty of its exquisite marine life, the wildlife in Bihar promises to tick all the boxes. Replete with national parks, conservation areas and sanctuaries, Bihar is an absolute must-visit for those desiring a taste of the country’s natural splendour. Although there are several fantastic sanctuaries here, the Valmiki Tiger Reserve tops the list. Running a close second is the Pant Wildlife Sanctuary, home to some of Rajgir’s most beautiful birds and animals.

If you’re more captivated by the aquatic life here, then the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary is the best wildlife sanctuary in Bihar for you. Home to an array of turtles, dolphins and marine birds, Vikramshila paints a beautiful picture of the underwater life off Bihar’s coast. Alternatively, if it's birdwatching that catches your interests, then one of Bihar’s bird sanctuaries, such as the Nagi and Nakti Dam Sanctuary or the Gogobil Lake Bird Sanctuary, is sure to cater to your taste.

01

Valmiki National Park

Situated in the Gangetic Plains of India, the Valmiki National Park is one of the best spots to witness wildlife in Bihar. The park was declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1978 and has since been renowned as one of the safest havens for wildlife protection and conservation. The entrance to the park is located in the village it owes its name to Valmiki Nagar- which is a rural settlement amidst the forest lands.

Numerous species throng the forest lands, notable amongst whom would be the famous Royal Bengal Tiger, One-Horned Rhinoceros, Nilgai, Indian Bison, etc. The forest also holds special regard amongst the Hindu population for being known as the mythological forest that Lord Rama took refuge in his exile.

Location:- Valmiki Nagar, Champaran dist., Bihar

Best time to Visit: November to March

Area Covered: 880 sq.km

Wildlife Found: One can find a large variety of animals like Tigers, Deer, Clouded Leopards, Spotted Deer, Hog Deer, Sambhar, mongoose, etc.

Kanwar Lake Bird Sanctuary

In Bihar, it is virtually impossible to escape the state's natural beauty. If you've had your fill of cumbersome safaris that let you see Bihar's wildlife in the national parks, you may want to consider this one.

The Kanwar Lake is famous for being the largest freshwater oxbow lake in the country, and its lush surroundings attract humongous flocks of birds of varied species- the peak season boasts a population of over a hundred species of indigenous and migrating birds. It's an ideal place to relax and unwind amidst the tranquil lap of nature, far from the bustle of the city. Birdwatchers and wildlife photographers who specialise in avian life are quite natural to flock to the sanctuary.

Location: Kanwar Lake Sanctuary, Lake Kanwar, Begusarai dist., Bihar, which is 22 km northwest of Begusarai.

Area Covered: 63.11 sq.km

Wildlife Found: You can find a total of 59 species of migratory birds like Great Crested Crab, Bareheaded goose, Bramhiny duck, common pochard, falcon, coots, pintail, snips, green and sandpiper, grey heron, Little green heron cattle egret water cock and 106 residential birds here. There are over 31 species of fish that reside in Kanwar Lake. Talking about the animals, Rhesus, jackal, Indian fox, bats, langur, and squirrels can be easily seen here.

Best time to visit: October to March

03

Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, Patna

Established in the year 1969 as a botanical garden, Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, is one of the most popular zoos in Bihar. Sanjay Gandhi Botanical and Zoological Garden was made public in the year 1973 and being India’s 16th largest zoo, it attracts thousands of visitors every day.

This biological park in Patna is spread over 152.95 acres and houses more than 300 varieties of trees and more than 110 species of animals. In total there are over 800 animals living together in an environment similar to their natural habitat. People, who are curious about wildlife, come and visit this famous tourist attractions of Patna. There are various separate rooms created for people to see various animals like snakes Saap Ghar (snake house), and Machhali Ghar for fishes. Also, to develop awareness among the students Zoo Education Programme is conducted regularly. The park has train rides, boating, and elephant ride facilities for the tourists.

Location: Raj Bhavan, Bailey Rd, Rajbansi Nagar, Patna, Bihar 800001.

Timings: 5 AM to 6 PM (Closed on Monday).

Best time to visit: October to March.

Area Covered: A total of 153 acres is covered by the park.

Wildlife Found: We can see more than 50 varieties of animal and birds species like Rhinoceros, clouded leopard, Leopard cats, European Fallow Deer, Slow Loris, Hyena. Tiger, Lion, Deers, Antelope. Altogether there are more than 550 animals living together.

04

Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary

Famous as the largest wildlife sanctuary the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary is undoubtedly one of the best places to experience the wildlife in Bihar. Boasting a humongous area covering the two districts of Mirzapur and Sonbhadra, the sanctuary is home to multiple varieties of terrain and is way more than a simple forest area.

The valleys of the sanctuary are home to multiple waterfalls, and its caves are known to be adorned with ancient cave paintings. The forests that are composed of temperate vegetation like Bamboo, Sal, and Palash trees are home to over fifty species of indigenous bird species, and a plethora of mammalian life including tigers, leopards, antlers, and bison. The sanctuary also has the reputation of housing the country’s oldest Fossil Park.

Location: Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Kaimur District of Bihar, near the town of Bhabua.

Area Covered: 1342 sq.km

Terrain: The area here in Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary is limited to hills and undulating ground.

Wildlife Found: Black buck and Nilgai, Chinkara, Tiger, Leopard, Hyena, Wildboar, Sloth bear, etc.

Nearby Tourist Spot: Mausoleum of Sher Shah Suri at Sasaram, Dhuan Kund, Karkat Garh, etc.

Best time to visit: November to June

Timings: 5 am to 5 pm

05

Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary

Bihar is one of the leading states in India when it comes to wildlife protection and conservation, and the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary might well be the crown jewel to the state’s feats. Due to the steady decline of the Gangetic Dolphins species, one of the four species within the country, the state has created a sanctuary that allows the dolphins to remain in their natural habitat.

The sanctuary has also recently installed an observatory, which is the first and only dolphin observatory of the country, ensuring and emboldening its vision to emerge as the top sanctuaries specializing in the preservation of the wildlife in Bihar.

Location: Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, Bhagalpur dist., Bihar. This sanctuary extends from Sultanganj to Kahalgaon hill (Approax.50 km) in the middle of Ganga.

Area Covered: 50km Stretch of Ganga River

Wildlife Found: Ganges River Dolphins (known as Soons by Locals), which are an endangered species are found here. We can also find a large variety of turtles like Indian Softshell Turtles, Indian Peacock Softshell turtles, etc.

Best time to visit: March to October

Timings: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

06

Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary

The Gautam Buddha Wildlife sanctuary is one of the lesser-known sanctuaries in the state, but its vast area makes it one of the best spots for visitors to explore the surrounding areas on foot. The sanctuary is located partly in the Chota Nagpur plateau and the Gangetic plains retain both the hilly terrain of the former and the fertile soil of the latter to embody a perfect ecosystem of wildlife in Bihar.

Location: Located in Gaya district of Bihar state and Koderma district of Jharkhand state in east-central India.

Area Covered: 259 sq.km

Terrain: Gautam Buddha Sanctuary is located in the north of extended trails of Chotanagpur plateau.

Wildlife Found: Tigers, leopards, hyaenas, sloth bear, wolf, wild dog, wild boar, sambhar spotted deer, Nilgai, etc.

Best time to visit: November to March

07

Pant Wildlife Sanctuary

When it comes to experiencing wildlife in its most natural habitats, Bihar is one of the best Indian states to uphold the experience and the Pant Wildlife Sanctuary is a stellar example of it. Falling in the laps of the Gangetic plain and surrounded by the majestic hills of Vipul Giri, Ratnagiri, Songiri, Vaibhavgiri and Udaygiri, the sanctuary is also a favourite spot for trekking enthusiasts and the hill’ provide panoramic views of the lush area.

The forest despite being known primarily for the Bengal Tiger is also home to bison, rhinoceroses and the Indian Python. Visitors to the sanctuary are known to prefer the jeep safaris through the area, which cover the entire span of the forests and the neighbouring hills.

Location: The Pant Wildlife Sanctuary is in Nalanda which is located at 2 km from Rajgir railway Station and 130 km from Patna Airport.

Area Covered: 35.84 sq.km.

Terrains: The Pant Wildlife Sanctuary is surrounded by 5 small hill ranges Ratnagiri, Vipulgiri, Vaibhavgiri, Songiri, and Udaygiri.

Attractions at Pant Wildlife Sanctuary: One can find many hot water springs in the area. However, the Sulphur content in these hot water springs is quite high.

Wildlife Found: Animals like Leopard, Hyena, Barking Deer, Nilgai etc can be found here. The birds, like peafowl, jungle fowl, partridge, black and grey quails, hornbill, parrot, dove, myna etc are common to be seen. You may frequently spot wild bears in this area.

Best time to visit: October to June

Timings: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

08

Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary

This sanctuary is famous for many things, and one of them is that it was the site where Bheem built the dam in the Mahabharata. The site is well-known to be surrounded by hills and waterfalls on all sides and is the originator of numerous springs itself.

The abundant water bodies act as watering holes for the animals in the sanctuary, amongst which primarily herbivores like deer, antlers, and bison reign supreme. The area is also due to its number of hot springs, a prime spot for researchers working on geothermal energy conservation. The wildlife sanctuary is also surrounded by many non-forestry areas where the locals practice cultivation, and famous tourist spots like Rishi Kund and Sita Kund are easily reachable from the area.

Location: Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary (25°13’48”N, 86°16’48”E) is located in the South-west region of Munger district of Bihar.

Area Covered: 681.99 sq.km

Terrain: Bhimbandh Sanctuary is located on the Kharagpur Hills.

Best time to visit: October to March

Timings: 9 am to 5 pm

09

Gogabil Bird Sanctuary

Nestled along the scenic lake lies the Gogabil Bird Sanctuary, one of the most picturesque national parks in Bihar. The Gogabil lake region is one of Bihar’s largest wetland regions. Housed in Bihar’s Katihar district, the little oxbow lake is well known for its diverse flora and fauna.

The area here, being virtually untouched by urban development, invites more than 300 species of birds to itself throughout the year. Migration increases during the winter and monsoon months, when a number of Siberian birds fly eastward.

Location: Janglatal, in Katihar district, Bihar

Significance: Due to its global and regional significance, the government of Bihar has declared Gogabil Bird Sanctuary as a reserved area.

Wildlife Found: More than 112 species of beautiful birds like Pintail, Common Teal, grey teal, Gadwall, Shoveller, red crested pochard, whiteeyed pochard, Tufted duck, maresh hamier, coot, gulls, reside here.

Best time to visit: June- March

10

Nakti Dam Bird Sanctuary

Sprawling along the state border, the Nakti Dam Bird Sanctuary is among the most diverse national parks in Bihar. Along with its twin reserve, the Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary, Nakti Dam is considered to be one of the state’s most important bird areas.

The twin sanctuaries are home to a number of different indigenous species, along with several migratory troupes as well. It is especially well known for its bar-headed goose population, housing nearly 3% of the geese’s total global populace. The sanctuary offers a number of safaris as well. The yellow wattled lapwing and the Indian Robin are other commonly spotted birds here.

Location: Bird Sanctuary, Nagi Dam, Jhajha, Jamui District, Bihar, which is only 15 km from Jhajha Railway Station

Area Covered: The total area of the sanctuary is 3.32 sq.km

Wildlife Found: One can find more than 1600 odd varieties of bar-headed geese here. Other birds like the Indian courser, chestnut-bellied sandgrouse, yellow-wattled lapwing, and Indian robin can also be seen. You can also find a large variety of migratory birds during winters like red crested, pochard, common pochard, pintail ducks, pond heron, egrets, swamp patridges etc.

Best time to visit: November- March, when the safaris are most rewarding and pleasant

Timing: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

11

Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary

The Nagi Dam Wildlife Sanctuary is better known as the Nagi Dam Bird Sanctuary. One can also find migratory birds during winters. The sanctuary is basically a wetland located on uneven slopes, and promises absolutely stunning views of sunsets.

The wetlands attract hordes of species of birds, and besides the native species that include robins, sterlings, ibises and drongoes, many migratory birds from Eurasia such as warblers and pochards find their home in the sanctuary in the winter season. The migratory shift of birds also ensures the sanctuary to be bustling with wildlife photographers, birdwatchers and avian enthusiasts.

Location: Nagi Dam Wildlife Sanctuary, Nagi Dam, Jhajha, Bihar

Area Covered: 1.91 sq.km.

Wildlife Found: Along with 1600 varieties of bar-headed geese and migratory birds, red-Crested Pochard, Pintail Ducks, Cootse can be found here.

Best time to visit: October to March

Timings: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

12

Udaypur Wildlife Sanctuary

The Udaypur Wildlife Sanctuary, also spelled as the Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the numerous sanctuaries located in West Champaran district of Bihar state. Udaipur Wildlife Sanctuary stands apart from other wildlife sanctuaries as it is primarily a wetland, with an oxbow lake in the plains of the river Gandaki.

The sanctuary being mostly composed of swamps is full of deciduous trees and reptiles that thrive in them. The wetlands also attract large flocks of migratory birds every year, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching and wildlife photography. The wildlife safari tours usually last about three hours and provide a comprehensive experience of the wetlands with their flora and fauna.

Location: West Champaran district of Bihar state.

Best time to visit: October to March

Timings: 7am to 5pm

13

Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary

Popularly regarded as the best wildlife sanctuary in Bihar for birdwatching, the Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary witnesses large scale bird migrations throughout the year. Spreading across over 7,000 acres of lush fields and wetlands, the sanctuary earned the grace of the Wildlife Protection Act in 1972 in light of its diverse birdlife.

The Sanctuary acts as a temporary home to birds migrating from China, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Nepal, Tibet and several other countries in South Asia. Although birds like Adhani, Chaha, Silli, Harial, and Ratwa are commonly spotted here, the Sanctuary is also home to some rare species such as pelicans or qoosande.

Location: 45km east of Darbhanga

Best time to visit: November: March, when the migration rate is the highest here

Timings: 8am to 7pm

14

Barela Jheel Salim Ali Bird Wildlife Sanctuary

The Barela Jheel Salim Ali Bird Wildlife Sanctuary is actually based around the Barela Jheel Lake, and one of the sanctuaries in the state known for its contribution to the sustenance of aquatic plant-life such as hydrilla, pragmatis, tifa, etc. Being such, the sanctuary is a prime haven for researchers, especially botanists for studying the thriving habitats of the plants.

The sanctuary is mainly composed of the marshes that accompany the lake, which in the prime season attract more than a hundred species of birds that come in galloping flocks, both indigenous and migrant. The sanctuary being fertile grounds for birds also attracts wildlife photographers and birdwatchers that seek to study and capture the avian life that the sanctuary stands home to.

Location: Barela Jheel Bird Sanctuary, Barela Jheel, Bihar

Best time to visit: November to June

15

Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary

The Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary is established by an astounding mix of two luscious lakes in particular Pataura and Berhale that roughly covers 565 kilometers of area. This lake bird sanctuary is one of the popular tourist attractions in Bihar and people all over the world come here to visit some of the most beautiful and rare species of birds. Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary is arranged at a short distance from the heavenly stream Ganga that adds a charming vibe to its climate.

This is a perfect abode creating a natural environment for an assortment of birds including Brahminy kites, fishing hawks, house swifts and palm swifts and one can find them flying at confounding paces. An enormous assortment of transient birds from Europe and Siberia show up here during winter and this makes it an asylum for the birdwatchers.

Location: This sanctuary is located in the Sahibganj district of Bihar.

Area Covered: 05.65 sq km divided between Pataura lake (155 hectares) and Berhale lake (410 hectares)

Located: Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary is situated at a stone's throw from the holy rivulet known as Ganga that adds a pleasant feel to its atmosphere.

Wildlife Found: The most common Wildlife found here is Gull, Teal, Jacana, Cormorant, Darter, Dabchick. One can also find birds like Lark, Blue Rock Pigeon, Bee-eater, Pipit, Sparrow, Myna, Bulbul, Heron, Ibis, Stork, and more.

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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.