West Champaran: Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) in Bihar is preparing for its new tourism season, which is likely to begin on October 16, according to Gaurav Ojha, Conservator of Forests at the reserve. The Forest Department is introducing new jungle safari routes, training local youths as nature guides and developing tourism packages covering wildlife, religious sites and local culture.
The plans aim to offer visitors a wider range of experiences across the reserve’s forest divisions, including visits to a vulture conservation centre and cultural programmes showcasing the traditions of the local Tharu community.
Local Youths To Receive Nature Guide Training
A two-day workshop was organised on Saturday at the Forest Department’s auditorium and audio-visual hall in Valmikinagar to train nature guides associated with VTR.
Two nature guides from Nepal’s Chitwan National Park, including Sumant Gurung, are providing training to participants. Around 50 youths from Forest Division I and Forest Division II are attending the workshop.
The department plans to involve local youths pursuing Intermediate or bachelor’s degree courses as nature guides, enabling them to earn an income to support their education while continuing their studies.
After training, the guides will explain the reserve’s wildlife, forest areas and local history to tourists during safaris. They will also introduce visitors to the mythological stories associated with Valmikinagar and provide information about the history and religious significance of ancient monasteries and temples in the reserve.
Two New Jungle Safari Routes Introduced
The Forest Department has introduced two new safari routes in the Madanpur forest range under Forest Division II and the Bhawanipur forest range under Forest Division I.
Visitors will be able to begin their jungle safaris from the Gateway of VTR in Madanpur and from Bhawanipur, expanding the areas accessible to tourists.
The department is also planning new tourism packages to help visitors explore attractions across different forest ranges during the upcoming season.
Safari Route To Include Ganauli Vulture Conservation Centre
The Valmikinagar jungle safari route is being extended to Ganauli, where tourists will be able to visit the Vulture Conservation Centre.
According to the plan, visitors completing their safari from the Jatashankar check-post will be taken to the centre to observe rare and endangered vulture species.
The addition is intended to combine wildlife tourism within the reserve with an opportunity to learn about vulture conservation.
Full-Day Safari Package Priced At Rs 10,000
The department is introducing a full-day tourism package priced at Rs 10,000, covering attractions across Forest Division I and Forest Division II.
Under the proposed itinerary, tourists will take a jungle safari in the Valmikinagar area before visiting the Vulture Conservation Centre at Ganauli. The tour will then cover attractions in the Chiutaha and Raghiya forest ranges, as well as Manguraha.
Lunch will be provided at Govardhana during the tour.
The package is designed to allow visitors to explore multiple locations in the reserve and surrounding tourism areas in a single day.
Cultural Programmes Planned In Govardhana And Manguraha
The Forest Department is also planning cultural programmes in Govardhana and Manguraha, following the model of programmes held in Valmikinagar.
The performances will showcase the culture and traditions of the local Tharu community, adding a cultural component to the wildlife tourism experience.
The initiatives are part of the department’s broader plans to diversify tourism activities and highlight the region’s natural and cultural attractions.
Helicopter Tourism Package Planned
Ojha said Valmikinagar Airport had been selected as one of the locations in Bihar where helicopter services are being launched.
The Forest Department has prepared a helicopter tourism package that will combine a jungle safari with aerial views of the Gandak Barrage, Kaleshwar Temple and other attractions in the area.
The package is expected to offer tourists an alternative way to explore the landscape and landmarks around Valmikinagar.
Forest Officials Attend Workshop
Conservator of Forests Gaurav Ojha, Divisional Forest Officer of Forest Division II Vikas Ahlawat and WWF representative Saurabh Verma attended the workshop.
Rangers, foresters and forest guards from Forest Divisions I and II were also present.
The new routes, guide-training initiative and proposed tourism packages are among the measures being prepared ahead of the reserve’s expected October 16 opening for the new tourism season.
