Betla National Park Jharkhand

Introduction

Betla National Park is one of the most visited national parks in the North eastern Indian subcontinent. Formerly known as the Palamau Sanctuary, the park is sprawled over an area of  approximate 979 sq km out of which a small section makes the park. Enriched flora and fauna of the park has brought international recognition to this. Resulting which, the tourists keep it on the top in their list of must visit places during their Jharkhand visit.

History

The sanctuary was awarded with the title of a national park in the year 1989. Being a prime national park of the country, Betla was one of the top names that were covered under the title of Tiger Reserve. Snuggled  in the lap of Chota Nagpur Plateau, Palamau Tiger Reserve was covering a huge area. A range of plants and rich fauna has grabbed the attention of not only national as well as international tourists.

Flora

Tourists visiting Betla national park can see a wide range of flora here. Sal forest, teak trees and bamboo thickets are the common names that greet the visitors of the park. Some rare species of the vegetation can also be seen here. This beautiful park boasts of its rare and unseen variety of the flora. Highlight of the region is Echinocactus grusonii, a very beautiful species of cactus and a large number of medicinal plants.

Fauna

Wildlife of this green land is extremely different. Elephant, gaur, sloth bear, pangolin, four horned antelope, cheetal, sambar, civet, mouse deer and wolf are some commonly visible animals in the park. Being a location under Project tiger, the park has a tiger reserve. Betla stands up chin with its title of being home to large number of tigers.

Excursion

Lodh Falls is a popular attraction, located at a distance of around 95 km from the park. Ruins of the Chero Kings’ Fort also deserve a visit.