Why it is called Kashmir of Bihar

Valmiki Tiger Reserve is the only tiger reserve in Bihar and this sanctuary has enough flora and fauna to delight wildlife lovers. This tiger reserve has been named Maharishi Valmiki who lived here.

The Valmiki Tiger Reserve forms the easternmost border of the Himalayan Terai forests in India and it is the only tiger reserve in Bihar. It is situated in the Gangetic plains of the country and it is the only forest connecting another country in the world, which is Nepal. The forest has a combination of Bhabar and Terai tracks. The Valmiki Tiger Reserve is located in the northwestern Champaran district of Bihar and the name of the district is derived from two words Champa and Aranya which means Forest of Champa tree.

Wild mammals found in the forests of the Valmiki Tiger Reserve are tigers, wild boars, leopards, wild dogs, sloth bears, bison,  etc. Several species of deer and antelope are also found in herds of deer, spotted deer,  sambar, hog deer, and blue bulls. A large number of Indian flying foxes can be seen in the Madanpur forest block. The reserve has a rich avifauna variety. More than 250 species of birds have been reported.

Valmiki Sanctuary has about 800 square kilometers (310 sq mi) of forest and it is the 18th tiger reserve established in India. Valmiki Nagar ranks fourth in terms of the tiger population. Valmiki Nagar is situated about 100 kilometers (62 mi) from Bettiah district in the northern part of the West Champaran district bordering Nepal. Valmiki Nagar is a small town with a scattered settlement and mostly within the forest area and a railroad station in West Champaran district and it is close to the railway station at Narkatiaganj. It has diverse landscapes, sheltering rich wildlife habitats and floral and fauna along with major protected carnivores. It was included in Project Tiger's National Conservation Program in the year 1994. According to the 1998 Zoological Survey of India, the sanctuary reports, The shelter has 53 mammals, 145 birds, 26 reptiles, and 13 amphibian and tiger reserves.

Notable species of wild animals 

Tiger, leopard, wild dog, wild boar, bison, bear, peacock, swamp, hornbill, mountain myna, woolly necked stork, dragon, crocodile, deer, sambar, blue bull, barker Deer, hog deer.

According to the 1998 Botanical Survey of India report, there are seven types of vegetation consisting of seven classes of forests; Home to 84 species of trees (sub-trees such as sal, teak, bamboo, and cane), 32 shrubs and climbers, and 81 herbs and grasses. 

Attraction for tourists

Jungle safari in the jeep is like dream for travel lovers. You can see numerous animals and plants which will grab your attention and make you feel very relaxed. 

Recently, an Eco-park is set up by the Bihar government in Valmiki Nagar and it is now also known as "Kashmir of Bihar". If you want to see a mountain range like the Himalayas, then you will get to see the glittering mountains in the city of Balmiki with the rays of the morning. The Eco Parks of Valmikinagar have been built keeping in mind the travelers. 

Eco-park for children is a meditation center for the elders and a watchtower has been built to see the beauty of the surroundings, which will give the passengers a different panoramic view. You can also enjoy the mesmerizing view of the Gandak river covered with hills.

You can also enjoy Tribals in Balmiki Nagar handicrafts made by women of the Tharu community and their traditional dances. If you want to enjoy the plains of Kashmir with less money and less time, then you should visit there definitely.