Valmiki National Park UPSC

Valmiki National Park is a renowned national park and a tiger reserve located in the state of Bihar, India. It is the only National Park and Tiger Reserve in Bihar. The park is named after the ancient sage Valmiki, who is believed to have composed the epic Ramayana in this region.

Valmiki National Park has historical and cultural significance. The park encompasses the Valmiki Ashram, a pilgrimage site associated with the sage Valmiki. It is believed to be the birthplace of Luv and Kush, the twin sons of Lord Rama and Sita, as mentioned in the epic Ramayana.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Mountains
River
Tribe
Flora
Fauna
Elephant Rescue Centre
UPSC Questions

Valmiki National Park Location

Valmiki National Park is located in the West Champaran district of Bihar, India. The park encompasses foothill ranges of Shivalik Himalayan. It is situated in the northwestern part of the Bihar state, near the border with Nepal.

The Valmiki National Park is bordered by the Gandak River to the west and the Chitwan National Park in Nepal to the north.

The park is approximately 275 kilometers northwest of Patna, the capital city of Bihar.

Nearest Airport:

The nearest airport to Valmiki National Park is the Gorakhpur Airport (GOP), located in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is approximately 150 kilometers away from the national park.

Nearest Railway Station:

The nearest railway station to Valmiki National Park is the Bagaha Railway Station, which is located in Bagaha, Bihar. It is approximately 40 kilometers away from the park.

Valmiki National Park History

What is the history of Valmiki National Park?

Valmiki National Park boasts a rich and storied history that traces back to ancient times. Named after the renowned sage Valmiki, the park holds significant cultural and mythological significance. Let us embark on a historical journey through the ages, unraveling the remarkable legacy of Valmiki National Park.

1. Valmiki and the Epic Ramayana: The origins of Valmiki National Park are deeply intertwined with the legendary sage Valmiki, believed to be the author of the epic Ramayana. According to lore, Valmiki resided in a hermitage nestled within the park's verdant forests. This sacred abode is said to have been a place of enlightenment and spiritual contemplation.

2. Designation as a Wildlife Sanctuary: In recognition of the park's ecological importance and diverse flora and fauna, the forest area surrounding Valmiki's hermitage was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1978. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of focused conservation efforts to protect the park's natural treasures and ensure their preservation for future generations.

3. Establishment of Valmiki National Park: Building upon its status as a wildlife sanctuary, Valmiki National Park was formally established in 1990. This marked a significant milestone, expanding the park's scope and solidifying its role as a guardian of the region's biodiversity.

4. Declaration as a Tiger Reserve: In a testament to its conservation efforts, Valmiki National Park was declared the 18th Tiger Reserve of India under the prestigious Project Tiger initiative in 1989-90. This recognition showcased the park's crucial role in preserving the endangered Bengal tiger and its habitat, contributing to the broader mission of tiger conservation in the country.

Valmiki National Park Area

Valmiki National Park covers an expansive area, encompassing diverse ecosystems and wildlife habitats. The park spans approximately 898.45 km2 (346.89 sq mi), making it one of the largest national parks of India.

Plains Bio-Geographic Region: Valmiki National Park is Situated in the Gangetic Plains bio-geographic region.

Valmiki National Park area is managed by the Bihar Forest Department.

Valmiki National Park Mountains

Valmiki National Park is situated in the foothills of the Shivalik Himalayas and is surrounded by hills, valleys, and plains. The park's landscape is characterized by several prominent hills, which offer stunning views of the surrounding forests and grasslands.

Shivalik Himalaya:

It is a mountain range of the outer Himalayas.
It stretches over about 2,400 km (1,500 mi) from the Indus River eastwards close to the Brahmaputra River.
It is 10–50 km (6.2–31.1 mi) wide.
Its average elevation is1,500–2,000 m (4,900–6,600 ft).
Between the Teesta and Raidāk Rivers in Assam is a gap of about 90 km (56 mi).

Valmiki National Park River

Valmiki National Park is home to several rivers and streams, which flow through the park and provide water to the park's forests and grasslands.

Gandak, Masan, Pandai, Manor, Harha, Sonha, Pachnad, and Bhapsa river passes through Valmiki National Park. Gandak river forms the western boundary of Valmiki National Park. Harha -Masan River system originates from the Valmiki Forests and forms Gandak River.

Valmiki National Park Tribe

Which tribe is found in Valmiki National Park?

Valmiki National Park is home to several indigenous tribes, including the Tharu and Dhangar. These tribes have lived in the region for generations and have a deep understanding of the park's ecology and biodiversity.

(1) Tharu Tribe:

Tharu Tribe is found in Valmiki National Park landscape.
The Tharu tribe is the largest indigenous community in the region of Valmiki National Park.
The Tharu people have a rich culture and tradition, and are known for their traditional art, music, and dance forms.
The Tharu people are an ethnic group indigenous to the Terai in southern Nepal and northern India.
In the Indian Terai, they live foremost in Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
The Government of India recognizes the Tharu people as a scheduled tribe.

(2) Dhangar Tribe:

Dhangar Tribe also found in Valmiki National Park.
Dhangar Tribe comprises four tribes: Oraon, Munda, Lohra and Bhuiya.

Valmiki National Park Flora

What is the flora of Valmiki National Park?

Valmiki National Park is home to a diverse range of flora, owing to its location at the foothills of the Himalayas, and its varied terrain of hills, plains, and riverine ecosystems.

The vegetation of the Valmiki National Park is a combination of Bhabar and Terai regions. The Park forms the easternmost extent of the Himalayan Terai forests.

Here are some of the notable flora species found in the Valmiki National Park:

Moist Mixed Deciduous
Sub-mountainous Semi-evergreen
Alluvial Grasslands and High Hill Savannah

Trees:

Sal
Bamboo
Semal
Teak
Sissoo
Khair
Asan

Valmiki National Park Fauna (Valmiki National Park Animals)

Valmiki National Park is home to a rich and diverse range of fauna, owing to its varied terrain and habitat types. Some of the notable fauna species found in the park are:

Mammals:

Bengal Tiger
Indian Rhinoceros
Asiatic Black Bear
Indian Sloth Bear
Otter
Indian Leopard
Wild Dog
Wild Water Buffalo
Wild Boar
Barking Deer
Spotted Deer
Hog Deer
Sambar
Blue Bull
Striped Hyena
Leopard Cat
Fishing Cat
Langur
Monkey
Flying Squirrel
Clouded Leopard
Indian Gaur
Mongoose

Birds:

Nepal Kalij Pheasant
Three-toed Quail
Paradise Flycatcher
Grey Shrike
Green Willow Warbler
Tree Pipit
White Eye Warbler
Green Barbet
Waders
Ibises
Storks
Pitta
Plovers
Snipes
Pied Hornbill
White-eared Night Heron
Emerald Dove

Butterflies:

Common Mormon
Great Mormon
Glassy Tiger
Great Eggfly
Club Beak
Grey Pansy
Lime Butterfly
Common Crow

Reptiles:

Pythons
King Cobras
Krait
Banded Kraits
Domuha Snakes (sand boas)
Gharial
Monitor Lizard

Elephant Rescue Centre in Valmiki National Park

State government of Bihar has established an elephant rescue centre at Valmiki National Park. The centre was established to provide medical care and rehabilitation to injured and orphaned elephants in the region.

The centre is operated by the Bihar Forest Department and is located near the park's entrance.