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Betla National Park and Palamau Forest

Betla is one of the first national park in India located in the Chotanagpur Plateau of the Latehar district of Jharkhand. Palamau wildlife Sanctuary was initially created with an area of 980 sq km. Later in 1989 with an area of 227 sq km of Palamau Sanctuary was declared as Betla National Park. Palamau forests are covered with raw jungles with above 969 species of plants. The forest is abode of about some 36 tigers, 61 leopards, 211 elephants, 250 bison and 174 species of birds. There have five rickety observation towers for watching wildlife in Betla Park. The sanctuary has also several historical monuments and forts, inside the Betla forests.

elephant safari, betla national park

(Elephant Safari in Betla National Park)

The core area of Palamau Forest, the Betla National Park, is the main attraction in the forest. It provides you a great experience of elephant safari or guided jeep safari for a minimum charge. Eight local tribes reside around the forest of Palamau in 200 small villages. Their culture is another attraction in the forest. This wildlife sanctuary has a variety of diverse eco-systems and plenty of wild animals. Some most attractive of them are Elephants, Tiger, Bear, Panther, Wolf, etc. Some major species of birds are hornbill, peafowl, red jungle fowl, White-necked Stork, black ibis, swamp grey, crested serpent eagle, forest owlets, etc.

Tour spots in and around Betla National Park

Betla Forts: there have two historical forts of Chero Kings inside the Betla National Park. These forts were constructed during 16th century and now these are in ruin. One of these forts is about 401 ft high. The Chero kings considered themselves as descendants of Chandravanshi (descendants of the moon).

Kechki Sangam is the meeting point of two local River Namely Koel and Orga. It located about 10 km away from Betla. If you plan to visit this spot then the rainy seasonis perfect for you. It is an ideal place for picnicking. You can also indulge in swimming and boating here.

Talah Hot Water Spring is a tourist attraction located about 34 km away from Betla. It is famous for its remedial properties. Some other important tour spots around the Betla National Park are Mirchaiya Falls (30 km), Suga dam (60 km), Mandal dam (45 km), and Shiv Temple Barawadih (15 km).

How to reach Betla Park?

Travel by Roadways
Betla national park is well connected to its nearest city Daltonganj which situated just 24 km away from the park. Other major cities adjoining to the park are Latehar (64 km) and and Ranchi (168 km). You can reach to this park from any points of India via Daltonganj, Latehar or Barwadih. There have regular bus services are between Barwadih and Daltonganj to Betla National Park.

Travel by Railways
Barwadih Railway Station is nearest to Betla national park. It is located about 16 km away from the park. Daltonganj is the nearest big city to Betla, from here you can rental a car to reach here. Other important stations close to the park are Latehar, Ranchi and Sasaram.

Travel by Airways 
Brisa Munda Airport of Ranchi is closer to Betla National Park. It is well connected to other major cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Culcutta, etc with regular flights. You can also arrive at Patna airport which is about 252 km away from Betla.

Hotels in Betla National Park

Van Vihar tourist complex
Jharkhand Tourism Hotel
Phone: 06567-226513
Betla Tiger Project Bungalow
Forest Rest House
Phone: 06567-222650
Hotel Debjani
Booking at Kolkata
Phone: 06567-64527077
Hotel Naihar
Betla National Park
Phone: 06567-286505
Hotel Madhuban Hotel Manas
Hotel Bink Palace Hotel Maharaj

General info of Betla Park

Country India
State Jharkhand
District Palamau District
Established 1989
Area 227 sq km
Elevation 601m to 1101m above sea level
Languages Hindi, Santhali.
Climate Minimum Temp: 4°C (January) and Maximum Temp: 39°C (June)
Best season to visit September to March
Targeted Railway Station Barwadih Railway Station
Airport Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi