Why is Wildlife Tourism Paused in the Valmiki Tiger Reserve in the Monsoon?
Situated in the West Champaran district of Bihar, Valmiki Tiger Reserve is a treasured wildlife sanctuary of the state. The tiger reserve is located on the Indo-Nepal Border, sharing areas with Nepal’s Chitwan National Park. Being Bihar’s only tiger reserve, Valmiki is visited by tourists in large numbers. The ideal time to visit this tiger destination is during the winters, and to some extent, in the summers, too. The dry weather facilitates smooth wildlife sightings and an easy commute inside the forest. The jeep safaris are the best and only option by which tourists can explore the exotic flora and fauna of the Valmiki Tiger Reserve. Not just the wildlife exploration, Valmiki has a mythological side from the Ramayana. The tiger reserve in itself is named after the sage Valmiki, who is known to have written the epic ‘The Ramayana’. The Valmiki Ashram is situated near the tiger reserve, and the closest city shares its name, Valmikinagar.
In recent years, the Valmiki Tiger Reserve has experienced a significant increase in the number of visitors. The total count of tourists climbed dramatically from 92,264 in the 2021-22 period to an unprecedented 480,624 in 2024-25, which included 38 international travelers. Notably, jungle safaris drew around 28,000 visitors in the previous year alone. While the Best time to visit Valmiki Tiger Reserve is during the summer and the winter seasons, during the monsoons, the reserve is shut to any tourist activity. From July 1 to September 30, 2025, tourism activities at Bihar's Valmiki Tiger Reserve have been temporarily halted due to the annual monsoon closure. This seasonal break is aimed at safeguarding wildlife during their sensitive breeding period and ensuring the safety of visitors during the rainy season. The monsoon marks the breeding season for many wild animals, a crucial period when they reproduce and contribute to population growth. During this time, animals become more sensitive to disturbances and prefer minimal human presence in their habitat. They also explore different parts of the forest to establish and mark new territories.
During this period, all tourism operations, including jungle safaris, cycling tours, and Gandak River motorboat rides, will remain closed, following directives issued by the National Tiger Conservation Authority, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the Bihar state government. The monsoon is a critical time for wildlife. Many animals are breeding, and the forest landscape becomes difficult to navigate due to heavy rainfall and overflowing rivers. This peaceful environment is essential for the animals’ well-being. The Gandak River, in particular, poses heightened risks during the monsoon months, with increased water levels and strong currents making boating unsafe. Authorities emphasized that the temporary closure is a necessary measure to protect both wildlife and tourists from potential hazards. Throughout the monsoon season, systematic patrolling has been initiated to ensure the protection of tigers and other wildlife. At Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR), over 500 dedicated personnel have been deployed across the forest to carry out these duties during this critical period.
If you have missed your Valmiki tiger safari this season, you should opt for prior reservation of a jeep safari through the Valmiki online safari booking portal. This pre-booking of a jeep will ensure your thrill and fun at this lesser-known tiger reserve, tucked away in the blanket of lush greenery and the Gandak River.