Balmiki Nagar

Balmiki Nagar is a small town at the edge of Valmiki Tiger Reserve near the Gandak river. It serves as the main gateway to the sanctuary and is surrounded by forests, rivers, and hilly terrain that extends toward the Himalayan foothills.

The place has been connected for centuries to the legendary poet Valmiki, who had his ashram here and wrote the Ramayana. Later, the Bettiah Royal family built the Shiva temple, and the Gandak dam was constructed to support agricultural development in the region.

The name Balmiki Nagar comes from Maharshi Valmiki, the legendary author of the Ramayana, whose ashram once stood here. Local life remains closely tied to the forest and nature, creating a quiet community where spiritual heritage and daily routines are deeply connected.

The best time to visit is from November to February when the weather is cooler. You can reach Balmiki Nagar by bus or train from nearby towns like Bettiah or from Patna airport, about 295 kilometers away.

An annual fair takes place on the banks of the Gandak river where visitors gather for celebrations and traditional activities. The town sits right on the border with Nepal, meaning you can see cultural influences and customs from both countries blending here.