Wildlife
( Betla National Park )
Location
: 140
kms from Ranchi.
Area : 232 sq. Kms.
Speciality : Tigers
Palamu
shot to fame as early as 1932 for its tiger census - the first of
its kind in the world. In 1974 it became one of the countrys earliest
tiger reserves. Endowed with thick tropical forests and a rich variety
of fauna, the core area of the sanctuary has been declared as Betla
National park (232 sq. kms.).
This
park is a great attraction to tourists. The Park, at an average
elevation of 1,000 ft. is open throughout the year although February
to April are the best months. It is 140 kms from Ranchi. Large herds
of Gaur and Chital are commonly seen. Elephants are present mostly
after the monsoons up to the time when water holes begin to dry
up in March. Tiger, Panther, Sloth Bear, Wild Bear, Sambhar, Nilgai,
Kakar, Mouse Deer are also permanent residents. Large families of
langurs are an ever present attraction. Palamu is now one of the
nine Tiger Reserves in India under Project Tiger
It
has waterfalls and hot springs too. Once the seat of Chero kings,it
has many historical monuments and a fort of 16th century inside
the forest. The other rivers which which drain Palamu are Koel and
Burha which eventually empties into the famous Sone river. The forest
department has made arrangements for providing jeeps for viewing
the wildlife here. Betla is easily accessible by road. Itis 25 kms
from Daltonganj and 140 kms from Ranchi. The nearest airport is
Ranchi. For accommodation, one can consider BSTDC's Van Vihar Tel:
06562-86513 or forest department's Rest Houses, besides other tourist
lodges, cottages and hotel
|
