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Betla National Park
The Betla National Park located in Jharkhand state’s district Palamu was the first park which was included in the Project Tiger and gained the status of a Tiger Reserve.The main attractions of this park are the tigers. It is an ideal spot for those who want to catch the glimpse of these endangered huge cats. The park also houses animals like Owls, Rhesus monkeys, mouse deer, civets, drongos, elephants etc.
The safaris are arranged for the tourists who wish to visit these parks. Daily safaris are usually conducted in the jeeps of the forest department. The jeeps are having protected grills hence it is very safe to move in Jungle on these jeeps. Thick and dense forest is covering the entire park. One can easily sight the wild life here. Many beautiful waterfalls and hot springs are also located in the park. The safaris also include the springs and waterfalls.
It is one of the finest parks located in the north eastern region of India. A large variety of wild life is observed here. One can enjoy Jeep safaris and animal rides and can built a lose relation with the nature. Guides and spotlights are available to venture in the interior of the park. The wild life can be viewed from the watch towers and the ground hides which have been constructed for the same purpose.
General Information
State | Jharkhand |
District(s) | Palamu |
Established | 1989 |
Nearest city | Ranchi |
Time zone | |
Area | 1,026 km² |
Elevation | |
Climate | |
Precipitation | |
Temperature | |
Summer | 30- 40 degree C |
Winter | 10-22 degree C |
History
The park was a home to the first tiger census in the year 1932. It is a part of the project tiger now. It is considered to be the undisputed natural gem of the Jharkhand state. The park is located at a distance of 140 kilometers towards the west of Ranchi. It is one of the popular places in India where one can spot the wild elephants. Although the park is a tiger reserve but the tigers are spotted very rarely here. The Palamau sanctuary is covering an area around 1026 square kilometer but the Betla National Park includes a core area of 232 square kilometers. It the year 1989 this area was declared to be the Betla National Park. The terrain of the park is constituted by the western area of the Chhotanagpur Plateau. There are nine tiger reserves in India and betla National park is the one which was first established.
Initially the park comprises Palamau tiger reserve which was spread in a total area of 1,026 km². Betla National park was known as Palamu Sanctuary previously. In the year 1989 additional 226 km² area was included in the park and around 63 km² area of the Mahuadar wolf sanctuary was also added to it. The forest department of india is looking after the administration of the park.
Best Time To Visit
The park is open throughout the year. October to April is the best time to visit the park. The best time to spot the tigers is in the month of May as the cover of the forests is reduced because of the heat and animals move out to look after the water holes. Those who can bear the scorching sun can visit the place in the month of May. The sightings of the wildlife are maximum in the months of May and June. The climate is pleasant from the month of November to March.
Distance From - National Park
Daltonganj is the nearest town from the entrance of the park at a distance of 25 kilometers from the park. Dalotganj is connected to Ranchi and it to takes around six hours to reach by bus. Ranchi is located at a distance of 140 km, Hazaribagh 190 km away, Netarh is 211 km away from the park and distance of the park from Patna and Kolkata is 384 km and 575km respectively.
How To Get There
Travel (Air/Rail/Road) Information
Ranchi airport is the closes airport from the Betla National Park. It is located at a distance of 180 kilometers from the park. This airport is connected to the cities like Kolkata, Mumbai, Patna, New Delhi by regular flights.
The nearest railway station is the Daltonganj railway station located in the nearest town Daltonganj at a distance of twenty five kilometers from Betla national Park. The other main railway stations located near to Betla are Ranchi and Gaya.
Daltonganj is the nearest town from the entrance of the park at a distance of 25 kilometers from the park. Dalotganj is connected to Ranchi and it takes around six hours to reach by bus. Ranchi is located at a distance of 140 km, Hazaribagh 190 km away, Netarh is 211 km away from the park and distance of the park from Patna and Kolkata is 384 km and 575km respectively.
Location Map
Things To Do In - National Park
The jeep safaris are available at the gate of the park at a cost of Rs 200 per hour. The local guide charges Rs 20 for an hour if the tourists want to roam in their own vehicle.
The elephant safari is also offered in the park at the rate of Rs 100 per hour. Up to four people can avail this at a time. Elephant safari gives the opportunity to roam away from the tracks of the vehicles.
Inside the park many beautiful hot springs and water falls are located. The two historic forts are also located inside the park. One situated near Betla was constructed in the sixteenth centuary at 120 metre or 400 feet. This fort was the seat of the Chero Kings. The fort is located in the depth of the dense forest. The main sentry of the fort is visible on the hill top. It is having three gates and defences in 3 directions. The Lodh falls are located 95 kilometer to the south of the park in Mahuadar region. These are 468 feet high falls.
What else to see and do?
One can visit the historical monuments nestled in the park. The major tourist’s attractions are the Purana Quila and Naya Quila.  Grund hides and watch towers have been built recently. From here tourists can enjoy the views and spot the wild life.
Accommodation
There are three star hotels, log huts, tourists’ lodges having canteens and tree houses inside the forests which have fully furnished suites. The tree house is constructed overlooking the watering hole which is situated at a distance of few yards. In the summer season many animals gather here. The reserve area also has STD/ISD, internet and Postal facilities.  The Van Vihar accommodation is operated by the Bihar State Tourism Development CorporationBihar State Tourism Development Corporation. Outside the park one can look for the accommodation at Kerh, Betla, Mundu, Baresand and Maromar. Details of the Van Vihar Tourist complex are:
Contact number: 06567-227513
Charges: Rs 400 without AC and Rs 700 with AC.
This option is open throughout the year. The rooms are very spacious, clean and bright. A tourist house is also run by the Jharkhand tourism.
There are many other private tourist lodges, hotels and cottages inside the park.
Contact
Director, Project Tiger (Jail Compound), Betla P.O.Daltonganj Palamau Phone: 0656286 -350.
- BSTDC’s Van Vihar
- Tree Houses
Weather
The climate of the national remains pleasant during the major part of the year. The conditions during the summer season are very harsh. There is a remarkable rise in the temperature during the summer season which lasts from the month of March till May. The maximum temperature rises up to 45°C during summers and lowest remains to be 35°C. May is the hottest month of the year.
The place is dry during most of the year. The rainfall occurs only during the monsoon season. The winters are cold and the temperature drops down during the night.
Photo Gallery