• Betla National Park is the only national park in Jharkhand, India, located in the Latehar and Palamu districts.
• It covers an area of about 226.32 square kilometers and is part of the larger Palamu Tiger Reserve, which has a total area of approximately 1,129.93 square kilometers.
• Established as a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 1974 and declared a national park in 1986, Betla National Park is known for its diverse wildlife and dense tropical forests dominated by sal and bamboo trees.
• The park's name "Betla" is an acronym derived from some of the key animals found there: Bison, Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, and Axis deer.
• Its fauna includes species such as tigers, leopards, elephants, gaur (Indian bison), chital (spotted deer), sambar, sloth bear, jackal, wolf, and a rich bird life including hornbills and peafowl.
• The park also features important rivers and natural features like the North Koel River, waterfalls, and hot springs.
• Tourism facilities in Betla include guided jeep safaris and elephant rides to explore the forest. Accommodation options range from forest lodges and hotels to tree houses inside the forest.
• The park is accessible by road, rail, and air, with the nearest major city being Ranchi, about 170 km away.
• Additionally, Betla National Park holds historical significance with two forts inside its boundaries, including a 16th-century fort built by tribal rulers. It is a key destination for wildlife observation and ecotourism in Jharkhand.

Download Pdf