Safari operations are set to resume soon at Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR), the only tiger reserve in the state. Following the conclusion of the previous tourism season due to the monsoon, the new season is expected to begin in October. While the Forest Department has yet to reach a definitive decision given the current weather patterns, it is highly likely that safaris at VTR will be reinstated by mid-October.

Likely to commence on October 16
Typically, after being suspended during the monsoon, safari operations are resumed by September 30. However, this year, floodwaters from Nepal and heavy rainfall left several areas of the forest submerged, creating unfavorable conditions. Consequently, it has been decided to postpone the resumption until October. According to available information, safari operations at VTR are expected to begin on October 16.

Preparations complete
Forest officials explain that funds for repairing jungle safari routes are allocated only once a year. If repairs were carried out prematurely and further rain occurred, conducting additional repairs would be neither administratively nor financially feasible. For this reason, the department is avoiding any risks regarding the weather. Nevertheless, all internal preparations have been finalized.

Valmiki Tiger Reserve, located in the West Champaran district of Bihar, is the state’s only tiger reserve and national park. It forms a beautiful part of the Himalayan Terai landscape, with its forest area spanning approximately 901.07 square kilometers.

The reserve shares its borders with Nepal’s Chitwan National Park and Parsa Wildlife Sanctuary. The tiger population here has risen to 54, including both adults and cubs. In addition to tigers, the reserve is home to one-horned rhinoceroses, bears, leopards, deer, gharials, and Ganges river dolphins.

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