Gaya, located in the eastern Indian state of Bihar, is known for its rich cultural heritage and spiritual significance. However, few people know that the region around Gaya is also home to some of the most diverse and breathtaking wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in India. For nature lovers, exploring these sanctuaries is a must-do activity when visiting Gaya. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at some of the top wildlife sanctuaries and national parks around Gaya and what they have to offer.

1. Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary Located just 60 kilometers from Gaya, the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves wildlife and nature. Spread over an area of more than 1300 square kilometers, the sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The sanctuary is known for its population of leopards, sloth bears, and hyenas. Visitors can also spot other animals like sambar, spotted deer, wild boar, and langur monkeys. The sanctuary is also home to several species of birds, including the Indian roller, grey hornbill, and crested serpent eagle. The best time to visit the sanctuary is between November and March when the weather is pleasant, and wildlife sightings are more frequent.
   Address: Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhagwanpur, Bhabhua, Bihar 821101, India
   Website: https://forest.bih.nic.in/KaimurWildlifeSanctuary.htm
   Email: ccfwildlife-bih@gov.in

2. Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary The Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary is located around 110 kilometers from Gaya and is spread over an area of more than 680 square kilometers. The sanctuary is known for its dense forests and hilly terrain. It is home to several species of animals, including leopards, hyenas, and Indian foxes. Visitors can also spot several species of birds, including the Himalayan griffon vulture, crested serpent eagle, and Indian peafowl. The sanctuary is also home to several hot springs and waterfalls, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
   Address: Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary, Pachasa, Bihar 821101, India
   Website: https://forest.bih.nic.in/BhimbandhWildlifeSanctuary.htm
   Email: ccfwildlife-bih@gov.in

3. Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary The Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary is located around 75 kilometers from Gaya and is spread over an area of more than 36 square kilometers. The sanctuary is known for its natural beauty, and visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The sanctuary is home to several species of animals, including leopards, sambar, and barking deer. Visitors can also spot several species of birds, including the black kite, grey hornbill, and Indian roller. The sanctuary is also home to several ancient temples and ruins, making it a popular destination for history buffs.
   Address: Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajgir, Bihar 803116, India
   Website: https://forest.bih.nic.in/RajgirWildlifeSanctuary.htm
   Email: ccfwildlife-bih@gov.in

4. Valmiki National Park Valmiki National Park is located around 220 kilometers from Gaya and is spread over an area of more than 880 square kilometers. The park is located on the border of Bihar and Nepal and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. The park is known for its population of tigers, leopards, and Indian rhinoceros. Visitors can also spot other animals like sambar, spotted deer, and langur monkeys. The park is also home to several species of birds, including the Bengal florican, great Indian hornbill, and white-throated kingfisher. The park also has several trekking trails, making it a popular destination for adventure seekers.
   Address: Valmiki National Park, West Champaran District, Bihar 845449, India
   Website: http://valmikinationalpark.com/
   Email: valmikinationalpark@gmail.com

5. Betla National Park Betla National Park is located around 250 kilometers from Gaya and is spread over an area of more than 1000 square kilometers. The park is located in the Chota Nagpur Plateau and is known for its dense forests and rolling hills. The park is home to several species of animals, including tigers, leopards, and elephants. Visitors can also spot other animals like barking deer, sambar, and langur monkeys. 
   Address: Betla National Park, Palamu District, Jharkhand 822118, India
   Website: https://www.betlanationalpark.org/
   Email: betlanationalpark@gmail.com