Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR), the only one of its kind in Bihar, has firmly established itself as a premier destination for nature enthusiasts. Although the Forest Department has officially paused safari operations across the Gandak river and the jungle areas due to the onset of the monsoon season, the enthusiasm among tourists remains undeterred. Visitors continue to arrive in large groups, eager to experience the pristine wilderness and dense forest cover. The attraction toward VTR has reached such a peak that tourist numbers are consistently shattering previous records year after year.
Surging Visitor Numbers
Data provided by the Forest Department highlights a significant upward trend in the reserve's popularity. During the 2023-2024 session, a total of 3,22,071 tourists visited the site. This included 1,67,521 paying visitors and 1,54,550 non-paying visitors. The influx grew even further in the subsequent period; during the 2024-2025 session, the reserve saw 4,80,680 arrivals, with 1,50,000 tourists opting for paid entry and 3,30,680 visiting without charges.
Year-on-Year Growth
Often referred to as the Kashmir of Bihar, the reserve saw an impressive 6,09,159 visitors across various ranges during the 2025-2026 season. Of these, 1,53,601 were paying guests, while 4,55,558 entered without fees. As for the current 2026-2027 season, between April and May, 69,618 tourists have already recorded their presence in the various ranges, consisting of 20,166 paying and 49,452 non-paying visitors. Collectively, in the last three years, the reserve has welcomed approximately 14,81,528 tourists.
Rising Popularity of Jungle Safaris
Beyond the total footfall, there has been a steady increase in those specifically participating in jungle safaris. In the 2021-2022 season, 11,538 people opted for a safari, a number that climbed to 17,198 in 2022-2023. This rose further to 23,550 in 2023-2024, 29,196 in 2024-2025, and 33,224 in 2025-2026. Even in the current 2026-2027 season, from April to June, a total of 14,040 tourists have enjoyed the safari experience. These figures reinforce the status of Valmiki Tiger Reserve as a cornerstone of tourism in Bihar.
