By Nandini Bhushan
I never realized my journey to the historical city of Rajgir was going to leave a long-lasting impression in my mind. Soon I discovered that the bumpy roads, sinister darkness and surrounding engulfed with fear were the story of the bygone era. The lush green surrounding, mesmerizing chirping and tweeting of birds and a smooth ride on the road ensured a gateway to a new Bihar.
The Nature Safari Rajgir is one of its kind wildlife Safari in the Eastern part of the Indian subcontinent amidst scenic Vaibhav Giri hills on the eastern side and Swarnagiri hill on the south. Spread over an area of 472 acres at the foothill of Jethian hill, the foundation stone of the wildlife Safari was laid by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in the year 2017. Developed at a cost of nearly 177 crores, it was eventually opened to the public on February 20, 2022, and has since then been a major tourist attraction for those interested in experiencing the thrill and adventure of wildlife.
The safari has been divided into four zones for lion, tiger, leopard, bear and different species of deer. In total, it accommodates about 250 herbivores and carnivores. The list of animals includes the Asiatic lion, Royal Bengal tiger, Indian leopard, wild boar, sloth bear, cheetah, barking deer, black buck and sambal. Exploring the captivating wildlife is a thrilling adventure. Besides animals, the colourful bird species and enchanting flora and fauna make it a perfect destination for nature lovers and explorers.
The trip on safari includes a bus ride that is equipped with all safety measures and its wide glass windows enable one to have a close and clear look at the general behaviour and peculiar traits of these wild animals. Every bus ride is a guided tour and our guide on the day, Hemant Kumar Sudhanshu, made this experience even more thrilling and fascinating by telling us interesting and minute details about different species of animals and birds that we encountered on our journey.
This captivating and enchanting jungle safari is sure to refresh one’s body, spirit and soul and forces one to reevaluate the powerful influence of nature and its role in the ecosystem. The best time to visit the Safari is between November and February as the weather is perfect to enjoy the picturesque landscape. Rajgir jungle safari is a perfect destination to cherish and experience the beauty of wildlife and is an important step towards making Bihar a tourist-friendly State.
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