Tourism Season at Valmiki Tiger Reserve Nears Closure as Monsoon Looms
Bagaha: The official closure of the tourism season at Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) in Bagaha is slated for June 15. However, the actual closing date often hinges on the arrival of the monsoon. The season can end sooner if monsoon rains arrive early and persist, or it can extend if the rains are delayed. No official notice has been issued yet regarding this year’s closure.
Dr. Neshamani K, Field Director- cum- Forest Conservator at VTR, stated that the tourism season will conclude as soon as the monsoon becomes active and consistent rainfall begins. “There hasn’t been continuous rain yet,” Dr. Neshamani noted, “so the tourist season will continue until the monsoon sets in.” VTR will reopen for tourists in October after the monsoon season.
As the end of the tourism season approaches, there has been a significant influx of visitors. From June 1 to June 10, Valmiki Nagar within VTR saw all hotels displaying ‘no room’ signs due to the surge in tourists. Dr. Neshamani K estimated that about 13,000 tourists are expected in June alone, even though the reserve will not be open for the entire month. This brings the total number of visitors from April to May to 81,991, with 12,069 paying tourists and 69,923 independent visitors.
With the closing of the tourism season, popular activities such as jungle safaris, Gandak safaris, and visits to Valmiki Ashram will be suspended. Other facilities will remain operational. The rainy season poses challenges as mountain rivers bring sand, soil, and stones that obstruct forest paths, making travel difficult. This period is also considered crucial for wildlife safety, prompting restrictions on vehicle movement.
Valmiki Tiger Reserve, established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1994 and later designated as a tiger reserve, has gained national and international recognition for its tiger population and vibrant wildlife. As monsoon approaches, the reserve will soon pause its tourism activities, resuming in October for visitors to once again enjoy its natural beauty and wildlife adventures.
