Eco-friendly bamboo huts draw international tourists to VTR

Bettiah: Bihar’s only tiger reserve, the Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR), is emerging as a major draw for both domestic and foreign tourists during the ongoing tourist season with its eco-friendly bamboo huts turning into a major attraction. On Monday, visitors from the United States and Germany praised the reserve’s scenic beauty, tranquility and unique accommodation experience.

Known as an eco-tourism hub, the reserve offers visitors a pollution-free landscape with sweeping views of forests, rivers and the Himalayan foothills. The bamboo huts, designed to blend with the natural surroundings, have become especially popular for their sustainable design and comfort.


Stephen Francis from the United States said, “I found the bamboo objects unique, and the entire experience at the VTR was so wonderful that I want to visit again. The jungle safari was quite thrilling. I saw many wild animals passing by from a distance from the jungle safari vehicle.”

Renate Margaret from Germany described the reserve as a rare combination of nature and adventure. “The VTR is a wonderful place surrounded by water, forests, and mountains. The pollution levels are low, the arrangements are good, and the jungle safari offers exciting encounters with wild animals. Seeing deer and other animals added even more excitement to our trip. The VTR offers a mix of nature, adventure,and spiritual experiences,” she said.

Another visitor from Germany, Frank Werner Heinz, said the reserve was more than just a wildlife destination. He described VTR as a holistic experience that combined adventure, spirituality and an eco-friendly lifestyle, adding that the bamboo huts, including bamboo beds, were both visually appealing and comfortable.

Botany teacher Ratnesh Kumar highlighted the traditional and scientific value of bamboo. He said bamboo has mythological significance and natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, which contribute to better sleep, making it a preferred choice among tourists.

Forest conservator and deputy director of VTR Neshmani K said tourist footfall had steadily increased over the past decade due to improved facilities and the reserve’s natural appeal. “Facilities have been improved in key areas like Valmiki Nagar, Govardhan and Manguraha, making accommodation, food and transportation easily available,” he said.

According to forest department records, 5,135 tourists visited forest areas in Sept this year. The figure rose to 6,543 in Oct and surged to 15,769 in Nov. As of Dec 20, 12,938 tourists had already undertaken forest treks, reflecting sustained interest despite the cold spell.

Jungle safari participation has also seen a sharp rise this season, reinforcing VTR’s growing status as a preferred eco-tourism destination.

(Report by Dilip Kumar)

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