Top 11 Wildlife Sanctuary in Bihar You Must Visit

Bihar, a state rich in history and culture, also holds incredible natural treasures often overlooked by travellers. Beyond its ancient universities and spiritual sites, the state is home to a diverse range of ecosystems teeming with flora and fauna. For nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, exploring a wildlife sanctuary in Bihar offers a unique opportunity to connect with the wild heart of India. From dense forests to sprawling wetlands, these protected areas provide a safe haven for countless species, some of which are rare and endangered.

This guide will take you on a journey through the top 11 wildlife sanctuaries across the state. Whether you are an avid birdwatcher, a passionate photographer, or simply someone looking for a peaceful escape into nature, you will find a destination that calls to you. We will cover everything you need to know, from the key species you can spot to the best times to visit. Prepare to discover the untamed beauty of Bihar and learn why each wildlife sanctuary in Bihar is a vital part of the region’s ecological heritage.

1. Valmiki Tiger Reserve

The Valmiki Tiger Reserve is undoubtedly the most famous wildlife sanctuary in Bihar. Located in the West Champaran district, it shares a border with Nepal’s Chitwan National Park, creating a vast, contiguous landscape for wildlife. It is the only national park in the state and a critical habitat for the Bengal tiger.

• Location: West Champaran district.
• Highlights: The landscape is a beautiful mix of bhabar-terai terrain, with rivers like Gandak and Pandai flowing through it. The reserve offers jungle safaris, nature walks, and birdwatching tours. The presence of the Royal Bengal Tiger makes it a prime attraction.
• Key Species: Royal Bengal Tiger, Indian rhinoceros, sloth bear, leopard, wild dog, and several species of deer like sambar and spotted deer. It’s also home to over 250 species of birds.
• Best Time to Visit: October to March. The weather is pleasant, and animal sightings are more frequent.

Also Read: 11 Coldest Places in South India You Must Visit

2. Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary

Shared between Bihar and Jharkhand, the Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary is a sprawling dry deciduous forest. Situated in the Gaya district, it’s a place of immense natural and historical significance, named after Lord Buddha who is said to have attained enlightenment in this region. This wildlife sanctuary in Bihar is an important corridor for animal movement.

• Location: Gaya district.
• Highlights: The sanctuary has a rugged terrain with hills and plains. It’s an ideal spot for trekking and exploring ancient stupas scattered within its boundaries. Its lower tiger density compared to Valmiki makes it a quieter, more serene experience.
• Key Species: Leopard, sloth bear, wolf, sambar deer, spotted deer, and nilgai. The birdlife is also rich, with species like the peafowl and red junglefowl being common.
• Best Time to Visit: November to February, when the climate is cool and comfortable for outdoor activities.

3. Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary

Covering a massive area, the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary is the largest wildlife sanctuary in Bihar. It is located in the Kaimur Range and is known for its stunning waterfalls, prehistoric rock paintings, and rich biodiversity. The sanctuary’s diverse topography includes lush valleys and steep hills.

• Location: Kaimur and Rohtas districts.
• Highlights: The Karkatgarh and Telhar waterfalls are major attractions within the sanctuary. The pre-historic rock paintings provide a glimpse into the ancient human history of the area. It is also a proposed tiger reserve.
• Key Species: Bengal tiger (though rare), leopard, sloth bear, sambar, chital, and the four-horned antelope (chousingha). It is also an important habitat for crocodiles in the Son River.
• Best Time to Visit: October to June. The post-monsoon months are great for seeing the waterfalls in their full glory.

4. Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary

Nestled in the Kharagpur Hills of Munger district, the Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for its hot water springs. Legend has it that Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers, built a dam (bandh) here, giving the place its name. This wildlife sanctuary in Bihar is a treat for those interested in geology and nature.

• Location: Munger district.
• Highlights: The hot springs at Bhimbandh and Rishikund are a major draw. The forests are dense and home to a good population of leopards and sloth bears.
• Key Species: Tiger (transient), leopard, sloth bear, wild boar, nilgai, and four-horned antelope. The area is also home to a variety of birds.
• Best Time to Visit: The winter months from November to February are ideal, as the weather is cool and pleasant for exploring.

Also Read: Top 10 Wildlife Sanctuaries in Rajasthan You Must Visit

5. Pant (Rajgir) Wildlife Sanctuary

Located in the historic region of Rajgir, this sanctuary is surrounded by five sacred hills. Though small, the Pant Wildlife Sanctuary is a beautiful and easily accessible reserve. It is a perfect day trip for those visiting the nearby tourist spots of Nalanda and Pawapuri. Exploring this peaceful wildlife sanctuary in Bihar is a refreshing experience.

• Location: Nalanda district.
• Highlights: The sanctuary is set against the backdrop of the scenic Rajgir hills. It features a glass bridge and a ropeway that offers panoramic views of the surrounding forests.
• Key Species: Leopard, hyena, nilgai, barking deer, and wild boar. It is a haven for birds, especially during the winter migration season.
• Best Time to Visit: October to March. The weather is perfect for hiking and sightseeing.

6. Kanwar Jheel Bird Sanctuary

Asia’s largest freshwater oxbow lake, Kanwar Jheel, is a designated bird sanctuary and a Ramsar site of international importance. This wetland ecosystem is a paradise for birdwatchers, especially during the migratory season. For those interested in avifauna, this is the most important wildlife sanctuary in Bihar.

• Location: Begusarai district.
• Highlights: The vast expanse of the lake attracts thousands of migratory birds from Central Asia and Siberia. Boating on the lake provides an immersive birdwatching experience.
• Key Species: Over 60 species of migratory birds and 106 species of resident birds have been recorded here. Key sightings include the Siberian crane, greater flamingo, and oriental white-backed vulture.
• Best Time to Visit: October to March is the peak migratory season and the best time for birdwatching.

7. Nagi and Nakti Dam Bird Sanctuaries

Located close to each other in the Jamui district, the Nagi and Nakti Dam Bird Sanctuaries are two man-made reservoirs surrounded by rocky hills. These wetlands were declared bird sanctuaries to protect the diverse avian population they attract. They were the site of Bihar’s first state-level bird festival, ‘Kalrav’.

• Location: Jamui district.
• Highlights: The two reservoirs together host one of the largest congregations of red-crested pochards in India. The scenic beauty of the dams against the hilly backdrop is breathtaking.
• Key Species: Bar-headed goose, red-crested pochard, northern pintail, and many other resident and migratory water birds.
• Best Time to Visit: November to February is the prime time to witness the large flocks of migratory birds.

Also Read: Top 10 Wildlife Sanctuaries in India – Updated List in 2025

8. Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary

This unique sanctuary is India’s only protected area for the endangered Gangetic dolphins. Stretching for about 60 kilometres along the Ganges River, it is a critical habitat for this intelligent aquatic mammal. A visit to this wildlife sanctuary in Bihar is a chance to see India’s national aquatic animal in its natural environment.

• Location: Bhagalpur district.
• Highlights: The main attraction is sighting the Gangetic dolphins. Boat trips are available for this purpose. The sanctuary also has an interpretation centre to educate visitors about dolphin conservation.
• Key Species: Gangetic dolphin, freshwater turtles, otters, and various species of fish and water birds.
• Best Time to Visit: October to June, when the river is calm and dolphin sightings are more likely.

9. Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary

Another important wetland sanctuary, Kusheshwar Asthan comprises several interconnected water bodies in the Darbhanga district. It becomes a single, vast expanse of water during the monsoon and hosts a spectacular number of migratory birds in winter.

• Location: Darbhanga district.
• Highlights: It is a vital breeding ground for many resident birds and a crucial wintering spot for birds from colder regions. The local communities are involved in conservation efforts.
• Key Species: Dalmatian pelican, Indian darter, bar-headed goose, and Siberian crane are some of the notable species found here.
• Best Time to Visit: The winter season, from November to March, is when the sanctuary is teeming with migratory birds.

10. Barela Jheel Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary

Named after the legendary “Birdman of India,” Dr. Salim Ali, this sanctuary is located in the Vaishali district. It is a shallow wetland formed by the oxbow of the Gandak River. This wildlife sanctuary in Bihar is another important site for avian biodiversity.

• Location: Vaishali district.
• Highlights: The lake’s unique ecosystem supports a wide variety of aquatic plants and animals. It’s a relatively unexplored sanctuary, offering a quiet and peaceful birdwatching experience.
• Key Species: Notable birds include the coot, spot-billed duck, and various species of egrets and herons.
• Best Time to Visit: Winter months (November to February) are best for observing the migratory bird population.

Also Read: Top 20 Wildlife Sanctuary in India You Must Visit

11. Udayapur Wildlife Sanctuary

Despite its name, the Udayapur Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the West Champaran district of Bihar, not Rajasthan. It is an oxbow lake formed by the Gandak River and is situated in a forest area near Valmiki Tiger Reserve. It’s a small but significant wildlife sanctuary in Bihar for wetland birds.

• Location: West Champaran district.
• Highlights: The sanctuary is a picturesque wetland surrounded by forest, making it a great spot for both birdwatching and enjoying nature. Its proximity to Valmiki offers a chance to combine visits.
• Key Species: It is an important habitat for swamp deer and a variety of water birds, both resident and migratory.
• Best Time to Visit: November to March, when the weather is pleasant and bird activity is high.

Tips for Visiting a Wildlife Sanctuary in Bihar

To make the most of your trip to any wildlife sanctuary in Bihar, keep these tips in mind:

• Plan Ahead: Check the best season for visiting the specific sanctuary you are interested in.
• Hire a Guide: Local guides have invaluable knowledge about animal behaviour and the best spots for sightings.
• Carry Essentials: Bring binoculars, a good camera with a zoom lens, water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and insect repellent.
• Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable clothes in neutral, earthy colours like brown, green, or khaki to blend in with the surroundings.
• Be Patient: Wildlife sightings are a matter of chance. Be patient and enjoy the overall experience of being in nature.
• Maintain Silence: Speak softly and avoid making loud noises to not disturb the animals.

Also Read: Top 10 Hill Stations in South India You Must Visit in 2026

Practising Responsible Tourism

When you visit a wildlife sanctuary in Bihar, you are a guest in the home of wild animals. It is our duty to be responsible tourists.

• Do Not Litter: Carry all your waste back with you. Plastics are especially harmful to wildlife.
• Respect the Animals: Do not feed the animals or try to get too close to them. Maintain a safe distance.
• Follow Rules: Adhere to all the rules and regulations of the sanctuary. Do not venture into restricted areas.
• Support Local Communities: Purchase local handicrafts and use local services to contribute to the economy of the people living around the sanctuary.

Conclusion

Bihar’s natural heritage is as profound as its historical legacy. From the majestic tigers of Valmiki to the playful dolphins of the Ganges, the state offers a remarkable diversity of wildlife experiences. Each wildlife sanctuary in Bihar is a unique world, offering different landscapes, species, and adventures. Visiting them not only provides a thrilling escape but also deepens our appreciation for the delicate balance of nature and the importance of conservation. The conservation efforts in every wildlife sanctuary in Bihar are crucial for protecting these precious ecosystems for future generations.

Are you ready to explore the wild side of this incredible state? Pack your bags, grab your binoculars, and set out on an unforgettable adventure into the heart of nature. By choosing to explore a wildlife sanctuary in Bihar, you are not just taking a holiday; you are supporting conservation and discovering the hidden natural wonders of India. Plan your trip today and witness the magic for yourself.

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