Bettiah: The Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) welcomed a surge of eager tourists as its long-awaited tourism services officially started on Friday, allowing visitors to revel in the delights of a jungle safari and other eco-tourism amenities.
A notable highlight this season is the inclusion of the Raghiya range, expanding the adventure quotient for tourists. This new addition promises cultural encounters from Tharuhat and the enchantment of evening bonfires.
The inaugural day of the tourism season saw more than 13 rooms booked at the VTR’s tourist centers, attesting to the pent-up demand for this unique wildlife experience.
The day began with a ceremonial flag-off of the jungle safari service by officials from the forest department. A group of excited tourists from Patna and Gorakhpur flocked to VTR, marking the end of a prolonged monsoon-induced restriction on forest area access.
In the days leading up to the season’s commencement, forest officials conducted extensive inspection of the safari routes within the forest and ensured all preparations catered to the comfort and convenience of the visiting tourists. On-site officials provided comprehensive guidelines to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for the guests.
Conservator- cum- Field Director of VTR, Neshamani K said to ensure that the tourists coming from India and abroad do not face any kind of problem, the tourist centres, safari routes and all kinds of preparations were inspected and present on the spot. “Necessary guidelines were also given to forest area officers, tour operators and safari drivers,” he said.
For detailed information about the facilities offered at VTR, including the thrilling wildlife safaris, tourists can access the official website at www.valmikitigerreserve.com. They can explore booking options and acquire all the necessary details for planning their visit.
Visitors also have the opportunity to select their preferred safari range, each of which offers a unique adventure. The jungle safari packages start from Rs 3,00 per person for two night and include a range of amenities. Valmiki Tiger Reserve boasts four distinct safari ranges: Manguraha, Govardhana, Valmiki Nagar, and Raghiya. Each package offers a safari spanning 5 to 10 kilometers, along with provisions for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
54 Tigers Roam VTR’s Wilderness:
According to the comparative data presented in the ‘Status of Tigers, 2022’ report, released by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change in July, the tiger population in VTR is estimated at an impressive 54, marking a remarkable 75% surge from the last four-yearly tiger census in 2018. This figure represents a sevenfold increase in the number of these majestic creatures over the past 12 years.
