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.