FACTS & FIGURES

Area : 183.89 sq km
Languages : Hindi and English
Best Time to Visit : October to March

INTRODUCTION
Nestling in low hilly terrain, at an average altitude of 615 meters in the Indian state of Bihar, the Hazaribagh National Park has an abundance of wild animals like the wild boar, sambar, nilgai, chital, sloth bear, tiger and panther.

CLIMATE
The climate in this region is tropical with hot summers and cold winters. Temperature during the summer months touch a high of 41.1°C and a low of 19.4°C. Winter months are better and the temperature ranges between a maximum and minimum of 19.4°C and 7°C. The monsoon months are July to mid-September.

VISITING THE PARK
Sighting of wild boar, sambar, nilgai, cheetal, and kakar is assured especially near the waterholes at dusk. Tigers being less in number-14 according to the 1991 census-are difficult to sight. The sanctuary stretches over 184 square km of undulating country and steep hills with dense tropical forests and grass meadows.

A 111-km road in the sanctuary takes motorists to the remotest corners and to masonry towers. Strategically located, the road offers excellent opportunities for viewing the wilds. The sanctuary is surrounded by tribal habitation. There are many watchtowers that provide perfect hideouts to see the wildlife in its true natural habitat.

PLACES NEARBY
The Palamau Forest Reserve is another major wildlife sanctuary in the region. Places of the tourist interest in the vicinity include Canari Hill-5 km, Rajrappa-Falls 89 km, and Suraj Kund hot spring-72 km.

REACHING THERE
Air: The nearest airport Ranchi (91 km) is connected with Calcutta, Patna, Lucknow and Delhi by regular Indian Airlines flights.

Rail: The nearest railway station is Koderma, which is 59 km away, or alternately one can approach the park from the Hazaribagh Road railway station (67 km) on the Howrah-Delhi Grand Chord line.

Road: Hazaribagh town is connected by road to Ranchi 91 km, Dhanbad 128 km, Gaya 130 km, Patna 235 km, Daltongunj 198 km, and Calcutta (via Asansol-Govindapur-Barhi) 434 km. The Hazaribagh National Park is 19 km from the Hazaribagh town. Regular bus services connect the town with Koderma, Hazaribagh Road railway station, Patna, Gaya, Ranchi, Dhanbad, Daltongunj and other nearby places.

Internal Transport
Unmetered Taxis, Auto Rickshaws, Cycle Rickshaws and Taxis are available for the park from the Hazaribagh town. The approximate charge for a taxi is Rs. 160 for a two-way journey.

STAYING THERE
There is a small tourist lodge with four single rooms at the park and next to it is a canteen. A short walk away is a Forest Rest house with a complete suite. Further on at the edge of a clearing are four cottages.

LINKS TO THE OUTSIDE WORLD
Hazaribagh is the nearest city and most of the communication facilities like STD/ISD and post services are available there. Internet facilities are available in Ranchi.

TRAVEL TIPS
A trip to the park starts at 1700 hours from the Divisional Forest Office, West Division, Hazaribagh and it ends at 2200 hours. Charges are Rs.50 per head. Reservation can be made with the Divisional Forest Officer, West Division, Hazaribagh. Entry fees for vehicles inside the park are Bus (full)- Rs.75; Mini Bus- Rs.50; Station Wagon/Car/Jeep/Private Car- Rs.20; Motor Cycle- Rs.10 and Taxi- Rs.25. No charges are levied for guides provided with the tour operators and there is no extra fee for carrying a camera to the park. Firearms are not allowed inside the park.