Betla

Betla National Park & Tiger Reserve

Accredited to be one of the first national parks in India to become a tiger reserve under Project Tiger, the Betla National Park is located in the Palamu district of the Indian state of Jharkhand. The park boasts a variety of wild animals, predators, resident and migratory bird species,and thick natural vegetation. The park houses a large number of elephants, which are generally seen in herdsafter monsoon. A visit to this park is no less than a treat for wildlife enthusiasts. The large families of Langur and rhesus monkey, predators like Panther, Wolf, Sloth Bear, and Wild Bear are the biggest attractions of the park. Huge herds of Gaur and Chital are the common sight in the park. Apart from wild residence, the park is also abode of rich and colourful birdlife. Bird lovers can expect the sight of hombill, swamp grey, quail, harial and doves. The nearby Kamaldah Lakedisplays a wide variety of water birds viz. the comb duck, geese, snipe and whistling and cotton teal. Jeep Safari Tours are organized by the State Tourism Department, which is also the most adventurous way to get a glimpse of rare tigers. The Betla National Park exhibits wildlife and natural attractions equally, astounding the visitors. The thick deciduous forest, the unadulterated beauty of grasslands in the flowing area of the Koel River and glittering waterfalls and hot springs completes the tour tothe Betla National Park. Other points of interest include 480 ft.Lodh falls in Mahuadar, Mirchaiya Falls, two historic forts inside the park - Purana Quila (Old Fort), and Naya Quila(New Fort), and elephant ride in the forest.