Tharu Folk Dances Captivate Visitors at Valmiki Tiger Reserve
The vibrant folk dances of the Tharu tribe are now a major highlight for tourists visiting the Valmiki Tiger Reserve in West Champaran. Organized tour packages now feature these traditional performances, creating memorable experiences for visitors.
Weekend Cultural Extravaganza
Valmiki Tiger Reserve officials arrange special two-hour performances every Saturday and Sunday evening. Tourists enjoy traditional Tharu dances including Jhamta, Jhumar and Dandiya. These lively shows draw enthusiastic family audiences to the reserve's guesthouse premises.
Amit Kumar, Ranger of the Valmikinagar forest range, explained the initiative. "We launched this program in October 2019 to entertain visitors during overnight stays," he said. "Tourists traveling from distant places particularly appreciate these cultural performances."
Tour Packages with Cultural Flavor
The reserve offers comprehensive tour packages starting from Patna. Two-day and three-day packages include jungle safaris, accommodation at VTR guesthouses, and various amenities. The weekend folk dance performances have become an integral part of these packages.
"International tourists staying here express great admiration for the Jhamta, Jhumar and Dandiya folk dances," Kumar noted. "Our primary objective is showcasing the art, culture and traditional costumes of the Tharu community to visitors from India and abroad."
Visitor Experiences and Reactions
Shambhu Narayan Singh, who traveled approximately 300 kilometers from Patna with friends, described Valmikinagar as "truly no less than a paradise." He praised the location surrounded by water, forests and mountains.
"The inclusion of tribal folk dance performances in the tour package doubles the entertainment and excitement," Singh added enthusiastically.
Vishnu Kumar, who accompanied Singh, shared his group's experience. "We had long heard about this reserve," he said. "The morning walk along the Gandak riverbank provided a very pleasant experience. At night, the folk dance performance with its energetic footwork, traditional costumes and group formations gave us a genuine glimpse into the lifestyle and culture of the Tharu tribe."
Package Details and Pricing
Tour packages at Valmiki Tiger Reserve range between Rs 3,500 and Rs 5,000 per person. These comprehensive packages cover accommodation, food, transport and sightseeing activities.
For shorter visits, a one-day Bettiah-Valmikinagar or Manguraha-Bettiah package costs Rs 1,200 per person. This includes travel, meals, jungle safari, boating, motorboat rides, temple visits, eco park exploration, sunset point viewing and wildlife film shows.
Tourism Growth and Future Prospects
Tourist numbers at Valmiki Tiger Reserve show remarkable growth in recent years. Official data reveals significant increases in visitor footfall:
- 2021-22: 92,264 visitors
- 2022-23: 366,024 visitors
- 2023-24: 322,071 visitors
- 2024-25: 480,680 visitors
In the current financial year, 267,509 tourists had already visited the reserve by September. Officials confidently predict the figure will cross the 500,000 mark by year-end.
"The steady flow of tourists through tour packages this season represents a major achievement for our department," said Amit Kumar. "This success will further boost tourism activities in the region."
The integration of Tharu cultural performances with wildlife tourism creates a unique experience that distinguishes Valmiki Tiger Reserve from other destinations. Visitors enjoy not just natural beauty and wildlife, but also authentic cultural immersion through these vibrant folk traditions.
