Valmiki National Park is the only National Park in Bihar.
1. Valmiki National Park
- It is located in the West Champaran district of Bihar, India.
- It is the only National Park and Tiger Reserve in Bihar.
- The park encompasses foothill ranges of Shivalik Himalayan.
- The park is bordered by the Gandak River to the west and the Chitwan National Park in Nepal to the north.
- The park is named after the ancient sage Valmiki.
- The park encompasses the Valmiki Ashram, a pilgrimage site associated with the sage Valmiki.
- In1978, the forest area surrounding Valmiki’s hermitage was designated as a wildlife sanctuary.
- In 1990, wildlife sanctuary was declared Valmiki National Park.
- In 1989-90, Valmiki National Park was declared the 18th Tiger Reserve of India under the prestigious Project Tiger initiative.
- Area: The park spans approximately 898.45 km2 (346.89 sq mi).
- River: Gandak, Masan, Pandai, Manor, Harha, Sonha, Pachnad, and Bhapsa river passes through the park. Gandak river forms the western boundary of park.
- Tribe: The park is home to several indigenous tribes, including the Tharu and Dhangar.
- Flora: Sal, Bamboo, Semal, Teak, Sissoo, Khair, Asan etc.
- Fauna: Bengal Tiger, Indian Rhinoceros, Asiatic Black Bear, Indian Sloth Bear, Leopard, Wild Water Buffalo, Spotted Deer, Sambar, Striped Hyena, Leopard Cat, Flying Squirrel, Clouded Leopard, Indian Gaur, Paradise , Green Barbet, Pied Hornbill, White-eared Night Heron, Pythons, King , Banded Kraits, Gharial, Monitor Lizard etc.
- Bihar State government has established an elephant rescue centre at Valmiki National Park.