Betla National Park is a major sacred place located in the district of Jharkhand. It includes animals like tiger, elephant, leopard, sambar, chital, nilgai, sloth bear. Activities like jeep safari, trekking, and bird watching can be done here.
Brief introduction of Betla National Park
Betla National Park is a national park located on the Chota Nagpur Plateau in the Latehar and Palamu district of Jharkhand, India. The park hosts a wide variety of wildlife. Betla National Park is about 36 km away from Latehar district.
Apart from jungle safari, recreational activities include jungle safari, waterfall, watch tanner, tree house, lodge, hotel, local house, fort, mountain, river, waterfall, dam, many wells and more than 970 species of plants, more than 174 species of birds and more than 180 species of medicines.
It connects many districts and cities like Ranchi, Patna, Delhi, Lucknow, Kanpur, Mughalsarai by rail and road. Here you can stay, eat, drink, spend the night, do photography etc. Two rivers pass through Betla National Park. First, Auranga river on one side and Koel river on the other side.
The entire Betla National Park is spread over an area of 1,315 square kilometers. Tiger, deer, elephant, leopard, chatal, sambhar, nilgai, wild boar, polar bear, wolf, jackal, hyena, hyena, monkey, Indian peacock, hornbill, vulture and many other species of animals and birds can be seen here.
Jungle safari takes place here every day. In which tourists from India have to pay Rs 10 and tourists from other countries have to pay Rs 200. Parking facility is also available here. There is a small park as soon as you enter the main gate for children to play.
The best time to visit here is from November to March. In the rest of the time, very few wild animals can be seen. It is open for tourists only from 1 June to 30 October. In the off season, the managers here take care of it. At that time many animals are about to give birth, that is why they are confined to their homes.
Historical importance of Betla National Park
Initially, Betla National Park was reserved for Palamu Tiger Reserve. Then its total area was about 1026 square kilometers. The history of Betla National Park is linked to the 1960s when this area was first established as Palamu Wildlife Sanctuary.
To increase its number, Project Tiger was started in 1974 AD. In which it was expanded to protect the wild animals and to protect the forest. In 1974, it was included under Project Tiger Reserve, which is a major conservation program started by the Government of India.
This park received the status of a national park in 1986, which further increases the importance of its conservation. It was the first national park of India at that time. The park was under the administration of the Forest Department.
Betla National Park was developed as a park in 1989. Later it was extended by 216 kilometers. Which includes about 63 kilometers of Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary. The historical importance of Betla National Park is also associated with the Palamu Fort located within it.
This fort was built by the Nagavanshi kings in the 16th and 17th centuries and is now known as a major tourist attraction. Today, this Betla National Park touches the border of both Palamu and Latehar districts.
Description of being located in Latehar district of Jharkhand
Latehar district of Jharkhand state is known for many such tourist places. Such as Narayanpur Fort, Tattapani, Kanti Fall, Indra fall, Lodha Waterfalls, sugga bandh Waterfalls, Latehar, Datam-Patam fall, Betla National Park, Koel View Point and other tourist places are present.
Where people from other districts come to visit here. Apart from this, Latehar district has one Nagar Panchayat, 2 subdivisions, 9 blocks, 773 villages, 12 police stations and the total area is spread over 3622 square kilometer. You can reach here by rail and road.
Geography and Biodiversity of Betla National Park
The entire Betla National Park is spread over 1315 square kilometers. Apart from bush forests, mountains, rivers, streams, ponds, forts, wells, houses, lodges, watch towers, rest rooms, jungle safari, many species of animals and birds can be seen.
Betla National Park is located at a distance of about 170 kilometers from Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand. A total of five watch towers have been constructed. The timing of jungle safari is from 6 am to 10 am and from 2 pm to 6 pm.
Jungle safari is for 6 people at a time, in which there is one guide, one driver, total 8 people. It is necessary to bring your identity card with you. Auranga river flows on one side of Betla National Park and Koel river flows on the other side.
In Betla National Park, you can find tiger, deer, wild boar, polar bear, wolf, jackal, hyena, hyena, monkey, elephant, leopard, spotted deer, sambhar, nilgai, Indian peacock, hornbill, vulture and many other species of animals and birds.
A medical home has also been built here for the protection of animals. In this, many animals are treated when they fall sick or get injured due to some reason.
Natural beauty of the park
Talking about the beauty of Betla National Park, there are two rivers, Auranga River and Koel River, located in the park. Government and private houses are also available for stay at this place. The view of the park from there looks very beautiful.
From the watch tower here, you can enjoy the views of forests and mountains from far away. There are many tree houses, which are located at some distance from the main gate of the park and in the middle of the forests. The rent of both is taken separately.
There are many tree houses and guest houses. Where you can stay. Here you can do online and offline booking. Only government vehicles are used for jungle safari. In which a driver and a guide are given. Who keeps giving information about the views here and the animals roaming in the forest while safari.
It is kept closed here for some months of the year. So that the local animals can give birth to their children. And its population can increase in the forest here. The best time to visit this park is from November to March. At that time, green trees and plants are seen everywhere. The environment here is clean and clear.
Ticket Prices for Jungle Safari
- Children’s play area in the park – Rs. 10
- Entry fee for 6 persons – Rs. 300
- Parking maintenance fee – Rs. 100
- Car fare – Rs. 650
- Guide fare – Rs. 150
- Camera fee – Rs. 100
NOTE: Information Teasing or molesting of any wild animal or letting the ground of sanctuary is a punishable offence.
Means of Transportation to Latehar District
By Bus: Distance between Ranchi and Latehar Bus Stand is 108 kms or 67.1 miles or 58.3 nautical miles.
Origin : Ranchi, Jharkhand, India Destination: Latehar Bus Stand, Latehar, Jharkhand, India Driving Distance : 108 kms or 67.1 miles or 58.3 nautical miles Driving Time : 2 hours, 9 minutes
By Train: There is/are 4 direct train(s) from Ranchi to Latehar. These train(s) is/are Tata Jat Exp (18101), Palamu Express (13347), Shaktipunj Exp (11448) and Rnc Bsb Express (18611) etc.
Railway Station(s): Latehar (LTHR)
By Air: Latehar does not have an airport. Nearest airport is Ranchi Airport. Betla National Park can be reached by road by bus or small vehicle from the local town.
Accommodation and food facilities
Accommodation facilities are available in Betla National Park. Here you can get the best tree houses, lodges, government buildings, and many other small and big hotels on rent for overnight stay. You can book online or offline. There are many food and drink facilities available around the park.
Where you get to eat local dishes. You can also order from your place of stay. Delivery facility is available here, so there is no problem of any kind. Apart from this, you can also stay in the local city Latehar. There are many big hotels there.
Security arrangements in Betla National Park
As soon as you enter the park, it is surrounded with wire. So that no unknown person is caught inside even by mistake. And the wild animals here do not come towards the people roaming outside. For this, guidelines have been given at various places, to be cautious of wild animals.
Enjoy the views here. Do not harm any animal. A fine can be imposed for doing so. For safety, you can do jungle safari here only in government vehicles. Using a private vehicle can be a little dangerous. It is mandatory for all people to follow the guide’s instructions.
No one should get down from the vehicle without his permission. This violates security. Be alert while doing jungle safari and follow all instructions. A total of five watch towers have been built for viewing.
You can enjoy this park by looking far and wide from the top. Medical facilities are available here. Roads have been built to roam around at various places.
What can’t you do in Betla National Park?
During jungle safari, you can’t visit any place alone. don’t disturb any animal. You can’t picnic here. You can’t do camping, trekking, hiking, boating, walking, self-guide etc. This is against security. Due to which you can do recreational activities here, but as per the orders of the guide here.
Suitable time and season for visit
It is open for tourists only from 1st June to 30th October. During summer, the managers here take care of it. At that time, many animals are about to give birth, due to which it is closed. November to March is a good time. During the rest of the time, very few wild animals can be seen.
Apart from this, coming during the rainy season can be useless. Best of all, you can see all the animals here during the winter season. During the summer season, all the wild animals here can be seen on the banks of the local pond and river.
To overcome the shortage of water in summer, all the animals roam around the area near water. Going there at that time can cause some trouble due to heat.
Important Tips for Travel
The most important thing for traveling to Betla National Park is to carry your identity card here. Entry is prohibited without it. Select the right time of travel and only then go. It is important to carry weather-appropriate clothes with you.
Book the necessary permits and tickets for entering the park in advance. Get information about entry fee, camera fee, and guide fee. It is important to follow the local rules. Follow the orders given by the guide. Take things according to your convenience.
You can also take food items with you. Before coming here, get information about this Betla National Park from the local people. Do not get into the online trap. The information given online can be correct or wrong. Like about the silk here. About the jungle safari. It is possible that the rules may change with time.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the entry timing of Betla National Park?
Betla National Park is usually open from 6:00 am to 12 pm and 2 pm to 6:00 pm.
2. What is the best time to visit Betla National Park?
The best time to visit Betla National Park is between October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant.
3. Are there any special permits required to enter the park?
Yes, an entry fee and permit is required to enter Betla National Park. Apart from this, additional permits may be required for jungle safari or photography. All permit and fee information can be obtained at the park entrance or online.
4. Are there overnight stay facilities in Betla National Park?
Yes, there are a variety of accommodation options available in and around Betla National Park, including government guest houses, forest rest houses, and private resorts.
5. What are the major wildlife to be seen in Betla National Park?
Tiger, elephant, leopard, sambar, chital, nilgai, sloth bear, wolf, and a variety of birds can be seen in Betla National Park.
6. Are there food facilities available in the park?
There are a few small eateries and dhabas in and around the park that serve local and simple Indian food.
7. Where is the Betla National Park situated?
Betla National Park is a national park located on the Chota Nagpur Plateau in the Latehar and Palamu district of Jharkhand, India. The park hosts a wide variety of wildlife.
8. Which river flows through Betla National Park?
Auranga River on one side and Koel River on the other side.