Betla National Park

Previously known as the Palamu Sanctuary, the Betla National Park is one of the most widely known national parks in the northeastern part of the Indian subcontinent. The national park sprawls over an area of around 979 sq km, out of which 232 sq km forms the core area. The sanctuary acquired the status of a national park in the year 1989. The Betla National Park has the eminence of being one of the 9 tiger reserves that were first established in the country. The western part of the Chhotanagpur Plateau constitutes the terrain of the park.



Wildlife Species in the Park
The vegetation of the Betla National Park ranges from tropical wet evergreen in the lower reaches and mixed deciduous forests in the middle to temperate alpine forests in the high altitude areas. Sal and bamboo trees cover a major portion of the national park while the river Koel along with its tributaries meanders through the northern part.

Due to a diversified ecosystem, the Betla National Park is home to a variety of animal species as well. The wildlife inmates include elephant, leopard, panther, jackal, monkey, Indian civet, chital, sloth bear, sambhar, nilgai, langur, mouse deer, porcupine and chinkara among others.

Birdlife of the Betla National is also quite rich. Bird watchers can enjoy the sights of avian species including rich featuring the hornbill, peafowl, red jungle fowl, black partridge, white necked stork, black ibis, swamp grey, pied born bill, wagtails, the harial, doves, drongo, the crested serpent-eagle, forest owls etc. Aquatic birds like teal, duck, snipe and geese can be easily spotted close to the Kamaldah Lake.
What else to see and do?

• Visit the historical monuments that the national park houses. Purana Quila and Naya Quila are important attractions for tourists. Though they are named the Old Fort and the New Fort, they seem to be built around the same time.
• Enjoy stunning views from the watchtowers and the ground hides that have been recently added to enhance the charm of wildlife spotting in the park.
• Other attractions that one must visit here include waterfalls and hot springs.
• Elephant rides into the jungle of Betla are a major draw for tourists visiting here.

Travel (Air/Rail/Road) Information
The closest airport from the Betla National Park is Ranchi, 180 km away. The airport at Ranchi has regular flights connecting to important Indian destinations like Kolkata, Patna, Mumbai and New Delhi. Daltonganj (25 km), which is also the nearest town, is the nearest railway station. Regular trains from the railhead connect to different parts of the country. Ranchi and Gaya are other major convenient railway stations located close to Betla. By road, the national park can be accessed from places including Daltonganj (25 kms) via Khudia morh (6km), Ranchi (140 kms), Hazaribagh (190 kms), Netarhat (211 kms), Patna (384 kms) and Kolkata (575 kms).
Wildlife Lodges/Resorts
The Forest Department runs rest houses for travellers. Besides, there are a number of private tourist lodges, cottages and hotels to cater to your needs.

• BSTDC’s Van Vihar
• Tree Houses