Tucked away in West Champaran, Bihar, the Valmiki Tiger Reserve has turned into a magnet for wildlife lovers. Despite the punishing summer heat, hundreds of visitors arrive every single day for jungle safaris and a close look at nature's beauty. What makes the experience truly special is how close tourists get to the wild animals during these safaris, something that turns an ordinary trip into a memorable one. Recently, a group of tourists who came from Ara and Muzaffarpur to the Valmikinagar range got to see the gaur, an animal also known as the Indian bison.
Nature guide Rajiv Arya, who accompanied the visitors, explains that the gaur is actually a species of cattle that mostly lives deep inside dense forests. Its body is heavily muscular and its build is striking. Standing up to 7 feet tall and weighing anywhere between 1000 and 1500 kg, the animal instantly grabs the attention of anyone who sees it. Watching it up close during a safari becomes an experience like no other.
Strong enough to flip a mini van
Usually found in herds of 5 to 10, the gaur is so powerful that, if confronted, it can lift and throw even a mini pickup van with ease. It also has a curious marking: its legs are white up to the knees, looking almost as if the animal is wearing socks. That is exactly why it is also called 'Safeda'.
The most astonishing thing about the gaur is that even the tiger, the so-called king of the jungle, keeps a safe distance from it. The very animal that strikes fear into every other creature avoids a face-off with the gaur.
Where they are spotted most
According to Rajiv Arya, the gaur is seen in large numbers across the Valmikinagar, Ganauli, Govardhana and Manguraha ranges of the Valmiki Tiger Reserve. They are especially easy to spot grazing in herds during the monsoon season or around it. The tourists who travelled from Ara and Muzaffarpur were among the lucky ones to witness this rare sight.
