If you are looking for a thrilling and adventurous getaway in India, you should definitely consider visiting Betla National Park, a wildlife paradise in Jharkhand. Betla National Park is one of the oldest and most popular national parks in India, and also a part of the Palamau Tiger Reserve.
It is home to a rich and diverse flora and fauna, including tigers, leopards, elephants, deer, monkeys, bears, wolves, jackals, hyenas, foxes, wild boars, pythons, cobras, crocodiles and many more. It also boasts of a scenic landscape of forests, hills, waterfalls and ruins of ancient forts.
Whether you want to witness the animals in their natural habitat, enjoy the scenic views of the forest and hills, learn about the ecology and conservation of the park, or explore the historical and cultural heritage of the region, Betla National Park has something for everyone. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this park, from its history and flora and fauna to its safari experience and nearby attractions. Read on to find out why Betla National Park is a must-visit destination for wildlife lovers and adventure seekers.
Flora and Fauna
Betla National Park covers an area of 979 square kilometers and is situated at an altitude of 300 to 1000 meters above sea level. The park has a tropical wet and dry climate, with hot summers and cold winters. The park receives an average rainfall of 1400 mm per year. The park has a diverse vegetation, consisting of sal, bamboo, teak, banyan, peepal and other deciduous trees. The park also has some evergreen patches and grasslands. The park is home to more than 970 species of plants, some of which are rare or endangered.
The park is also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, as it hosts more than 200 species of animals, birds and reptiles. The park is famous for its tiger population, which is estimated to be around 50. The park is also one of the few places in India where you can spot leopards and elephants in the same habitat. Other animals that can be seen in the park include deer (sambar, chital, barking deer), monkeys (langur, rhesus macaque), bears (sloth bear), wolves (Indian wolf), jackals (golden jackal), hyenas (striped hyena), foxes (Indian fox), wild boars (wild pig), pythons (Indian rock python), cobras (spectacled cobra), crocodiles (mugger crocodile) and many more.
The park is also a paradise for birdwatchers, as it has more than 150 species of birds, such as peafowl (Indian peafowl), hornbills (Malabar pied hornbill), eagles (changeable hawk-eagle), vultures (white-rumped vulture), parakeets (plum-headed parakeet), kingfishers (white-throated kingfisher), woodpeckers (black-rumped flameback) and many more.
The best way to appreciate the flora and fauna of Betla National Park is to take a safari in the park. You can choose from jeep or elephant safari options, depending on your preference and availability. The safari will take you through the different zones of the park, where you can observe the animals in their natural habitat. You can also enjoy the scenic views of the forest and hills along the way. The safari is conducted by trained guides who will provide you with information and insights about the ecology and conservation of the park.
Safari Experience
The safari experience in Betla National Park is one of the main attractions of visiting this park. The safari allows you to get close to the wildlife and nature of the park in a safe and comfortable manner. You can choose from two types of safari options: jeep or elephant safari.
Jeep Safari:
The jeep safari is the most common and convenient way to explore Betla National Park. The jeep safari is conducted by four-wheel drive vehicles that can accommodate up to six people. The jeep safari operates twice a day: morning (6 am to 10 am) and evening (3 pm to 6 pm). The jeep safari charges are Rs 300 per person for Indians and Rs 1000 per person for foreigners. The jeep safari also requires an entry fee of Rs 50 per person for Indians and Rs 300 per person for foreigners.
The jeep safari covers a distance of about 35 kilometers and takes about three hours to complete. The jeep safari takes you through the core and buffer zones of the park, where you can spot various animals and birds. The jeep safari also stops at some viewpoints and attractions, such as Lodh Falls, Chero Kings’ Fort and Netrahat.
Elephant Safari:
The elephant safari is a more adventurous and exciting way to explore Betla National Park. The elephant safari is conducted by trained elephants and mahouts who will guide you through the park. The elephant safari operates only in the morning (6 am to 8 am) and is subject to availability. The elephant safari charges are Rs 500 per person for Indians and Rs 1500 per person for foreigners. The elephant safari also requires an entry fee of Rs 50 per person for Indians and Rs 300 per person for foreigners.
The elephant safari covers a distance of about 15 kilometers and takes about two hours to complete. The elephant safari takes you through the core zone of the park, where you can spot some rare or elusive animals, such as tigers, leopards and elephants. The elephant safari also gives you a chance to interact with the elephants and learn about their behavior and habits.
The safari experience in Betla National Park is a unique and memorable one that will leave you with a lasting impression of the wildlife and nature of the park.
Tips and Suggestions
Here are some tips and suggestions on how to make the most of your safari experience:
- Book your safari in advance, as the slots are limited and subject to availability.
- Carry your identity proof, as it is required for entry into the park.
- Follow the instructions and rules of the guides and park authorities, such as maintaining silence, not littering, not feeding or teasing the animals, etc.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, preferably in earthy colors that blend with the surroundings.
- Carry binoculars, camera, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, etc. for your convenience and safety.
- Enjoy the safari with an open mind and a sense of wonder, as you never know what you might encounter in the wild.
Activities and Attractions
Besides the safari experience, there are many other activities and attractions that you can enjoy in and around Betla National Park. Here are some of them:
Birdwatching:
Betla National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, as it has more than 150 species of birds, such as peafowl, hornbills, eagles, vultures, parakeets, kingfishers, woodpeckers and many more. You can spot these birds in different parts of the park, especially near water sources or fruit-bearing trees. You can also hear their melodious calls and songs in the morning and evening.
Camping:
If you want to experience the thrill of staying in the wilderness, you can opt for camping in Betla National Park. You can pitch your own tent or rent one from the park authorities. You can enjoy the starry night sky, the sounds of nature, the bonfire and the barbecue. You can also join some cultural programs or folk dances organized by the local tribes.
Trekking:
If you are feeling adventurous, you can go for trekking in Betla National Park. You can choose from various trails that range from easy to difficult levels. You can trek through the forest, hills, waterfalls and ruins of ancient forts. You can also enjoy some panoramic views of the park and its surroundings.
Photography:
If you are a photography enthusiast, you will find plenty of opportunities to capture some stunning shots in Betla National Park. You can photograph the wildlife, nature, landscape, culture and heritage of the park. You can also experiment with different angles, perspectives, lighting and filters to create some amazing images.
Lodh Falls:
Lodh Falls is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Jharkhand and a popular attraction near Betla National Park. It is located about 10 kilometers from the park entrance. It is also known as Burha Ghagh Falls or Buddha Ghagh Falls. It is formed by the Kechki River that plunges from a height of 468 feet into a deep gorge. It is surrounded by lush greenery and rocky cliffs. It is a sight to behold, especially during monsoon when it is at its full glory.
Chero Kings’ Fort:
Chero Kings’ Fort is another attraction near Betla National Park that showcases the historical and cultural heritage of the region. It is located about 4 kilometers from the park entrance. It is also known as Palamau Fort or Betla Fort. It was built by the Chero dynasty, who ruled the area from the 16th to the 18th century. The fort consists of two parts: the old fort and the new fort. The old fort is situated on a hill and has three gates, a temple, a pond and a cannon. The new fort is situated on a plain and has four gates, a palace, a mosque and a granary. The fort offers a glimpse into the past glory and architecture of the Chero kings. It also offers some stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Netrahat:
Netrahat is a hill station and a popular attraction near Betla National Park. It is located about 25 kilometers from the park entrance. It is also known as the Queen of Chotanagpur Plateau, as it is the highest point of the plateau. It is famous for its sunrise and sunset views, especially during summers. It has a pleasant climate throughout the year and is surrounded by pine forests, orchards and waterfalls. Some of the places to visit in Netrahat are Upper Ghaghri Waterfalls, Lower Ghaghri Waterfalls, Magnolia Point and Pine Forest.
You may also like to read: The Sad State of Jharkhand Tourism
Betla National Park is a wildlife paradise in Jharkhand that offers a variety of experiences and attractions for its visitors. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, adventure seekers and history buffs. It is also a great place to relax and rejuvenate in the lap of nature. If you are looking for a thrilling and adventurous getaway in India, you should definitely visit Betla National Park and explore its wonders.
We hope this article helps you plan your trip to Betla National Park. If you have any feedback or questions, please let us know.
