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The Valmiki National Park (335sq km) has been created amidst 544sq km of the Valmiki Sanctuary in the West Champaran district of Bihar, bordering Nepal. The magnificent Himalayas provide a backdrop to the sanctuary. Adjacent to the sanctuary, in the forests of Nepal, is the historic Valmiki Ashram in the Chitwan National Park of Nepal. The One-horned rhinoceros and Indian bison often migrate from Chitwan to Valmikinagar. The forest here is a mix of extensive Savannah lands and swamp forests. The forest in the sanctuary is rich in Bhabar-Dun sal, dry Siwalik sal, khair, cane etc. The extensive forest area of Valmikinagar was owned by the Bettiah Raj and Ramanagar Raj until early 1950s. Tigers dominate the wildlife landscape while other attractions include chitals, sambars, nilgais, leopards, hyenas, Indian civets, Jungle cats, Hog deer and wild dogs. As far as the density of the tiger population is concerned, Valmikinagar ranks fourth in the state. 

Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary

In the heart of Bihar lies the Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary (36sq km), bordered by a stretch of small historic hills associated with Jain and Buddhist history. A typical monsoon climate prevails over this region full of tropical dry deciduous forests. The sanctuary is rich in leopards, hyenas, barking deer and nilgais. The neighbouring Gautam Buddha Sanctuary (259sq km) in Gaya has similar climes. Further south, en route to Hazaribagh is the Koderma Wildlife Sanctuary (177sq km) situated on the Patna-Ranchi highway. Besides its rich wildlife, the place is famous for its scenic beauty. The most popular one amongst these is the Fhwajadhari Hillock. 

The Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary

The Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary (186sq km) and its surroundings continued to be the royal reserve of the Raja of Ramgarh until 1950. The densely forested plateau of Hazaribagh is rich in flora, and fauna that include leopards, Jungle cats, sambars, nilgais, Barking deer, chitals, wild boars, wolves, etc. Numerous observation towers in the sanctuary makes it easier to take a closer look at the wildlife. The jungles in Hazaribagh are teeming with a variety of trees like the sal, asan, dhow, salai, kend, and bamboo, to name just a handful from a long list. Like Koderma, Hazaribagh too is full of picturesque spots and offers leisure activities like boating at Salparni. In the heart of Hazaribagh is the Kunhary Hill, now referred to as the Canary Hill. Don’t expect to see canaries but maybe you could settle for the similar looking Golden Orioles.

To Reach : Hazaribagh is accessible by the National Highway 33, while the nearest railhead is the Hazaribagh Road. Ranchi, the nearest airport is 107km away. Besides cottages and dormitories at Rajaderwa, Forest Rest Houses are available at Rajaderwa, Salparni and Harhad. Halfway between the Betla National Park and Hazaribagh is the Lawalong Sanctuary that was once a prized place for hunters who gathered here in a big way for big game.