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{{short description|National park in Jharkhand, India}}
{{short description|National park in Jharkhand, India}}
{{more citations needed|date=March 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox protected area
{{Infobox protected area
| name = Betla National Park
| name = Betla National Park
| iucn_category = II
| iucn_category = II
| map = India Jharkhand
| map = India Jharkhand#India
| map_caption = Marine National Park
| map_caption = Location in Jharkhand
| photo =Entrance of Betla national park.jpg
| image = Entrance of Betla national park.jpg
| photo_caption = Entrance of Betla national park
| image_caption = Entrance of Betla national park
| location = [[Chota Nagpur Plateau]], [[Latehar district]](80%) and [[Palamu district|Palamu]](20%), [[Jharkhand]], [[India]]
| location = [[Latehar district|Latehar]] and [[Palamu district]], [[Jharkhand]], [[India]]
| nearest_city = [[Daltonganj]]
| nearest_city = [[Medininagar]]
| coordinates ={{coord|23.8878|N|84.190139|E|region:IN-JH_type:city|display=inline,title|name=Betla}}
| coordinates = {{coord|23.87|N|84.19|E|format=dms||display=inline,title}}
| area_km2 =  
| area_km2 = 226.32
| established =  
| established = {{ubl| 1974 ([[Tiger Reserve]])|1986 (National Park)}}
| visitation_num =
| visitation_num =  
| visitation_year =
| visitation_year =  
| governing_body =
| governing_body = [[Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change]], Jharkhand Forest Department
|relief=y}}
| url = [https://forest.jharkhand.gov.in/wings_wildlife_protectedarea_betla.aspx Betla National Park ]
'''Betla National Park''' is a national park located on the [[Chota Nagpur Plateau]] in the [[Latehar district|Latehar]] and [[Palamu district]] of [[Jharkhand]], [[India]]. The park hosts a wide variety of wildlife.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tourism.webindia123.com/tourism/wildlife/tigerreserves/betla_national_park/index.htm|title=BETLA NATIONAL PARK & TIGER RESERVE|website=tourism.webindia123.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/states/jharkhand/winter-holiday-rush-at-betla-netarhat/cid/1340501|title=Winter holiday rush at Betla, Netarhat|website=telegraphindia.com}}</ref>
| relief = y
| mapframe = Yes
}}
'''Betla National Park''' is a national park located in the [[Latehar district|Latehar]] and [[Palamu district]] of [[Jharkhand]], [[India]]. Its the only national park in the state.<ref>{{Cite web |author=OT Staff |date=2025-08-26 |title=Did You Know About Jharkhand's Only National Park, Betla? |url=https://www.outlooktraveller.com/experiences/nature/did-you-know-about-jharkhands-only-national-park-betla |access-date=2025-08-30 |website=Outlook Traveller |language=en}}</ref> It is spread over an area of {{cvt|226.32|km2}} and is a part of the  [[Palamau Tiger Reserve|Palamu Tiger Reserve]].<ref name="news9live2024">{{Cite news|url=https://www.news9live.com/knowledge/natural-beauty-of-jharkhand-this-is-the-states-only-national-park-2508960|title=A journey to Betla National Park, the only national park in the state|publisher=news9live|date=23 April 2024|access-date=7 January 2025}}</ref>  It was declared a national park in 1986. The park hosts a wide variety of wildlife.<ref name="tourism.webindia123">{{cite web|url=https://tourism.webindia123.com/tourism/wildlife/tigerreserves/betla_national_park/index.htm|title=BETLA NATIONAL PARK & TIGER RESERVE|website=tourism.webindia123}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/jharkhand/winter-holiday-rush-at-betla-netarhat/cid/1340501|title=Winter holiday rush at Betla, Netarhat|website=telegraphindia|date=11 November 2017}}</ref>


==History==
==Geography==
Initially comprising {{convert|1026|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} of the [[Palamau Tiger Reserve|Palamu Tiger Reserve]], an additional {{convert|226|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} was added to the park in 1989 and {{convert|63|km2|sqmi|abbr=on}} of the Mahuadar wolf sanctuary.<ref>{{cite web|title=List of National Parks of India|url=http://www2.wii.gov.in/nwdc/list_existing_np.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070109172600/http://www.wii.gov.in/nwdc/list_existing_np.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 January 2007|publisher=Wildlife Institute of India|access-date=8 March 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=List of National Parks of India|url=http://www2.wii.gov.in/nwdc/nparks.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120805215014/http://www2.wii.gov.in/nwdc/nparks.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 August 2012|publisher=Wildlife Institute of India|access-date=8 March 2012}}</ref> Betla was one of the first national parks in India to become a tiger reserve under [[Project Tiger]], in 1974.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Destination ::Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.|url=https://jharkhandtourism.gov.in/destinationDetails/70|website=jharkhandtourism.gov.in|access-date=2020-05-11}}</ref> The park is under administration of the Forest Department.
Betla was one of the first national parks in India to become a tiger reserve under [[Project Tiger]] in 1974.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Destination ::Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation Ltd.|url=https://jharkhandtourism.gov.in/destinationDetails/70|website=jharkhandtourism.gov.in|access-date=2020-05-11|archive-date=2019-10-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023060635/http://jharkhandtourism.gov.in/destinationDetails/70|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was declared a national park in 1986. It is spread over {{cvt|226.32|km2}} area in [[Palamu district|Palamu]] and [[Latehar district]] and is a part of [[Palamau Tiger Reserve|Palamu Tiger Reserve]], which comprises a total area of {{cvt|1129.93|km2}}.<ref name="news9live2024"/> The tourist zone area is {{cvt|53|km2}} in the buffer zone.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.outlookindia.com/national/dna-profiling-of-elephants-as-part-census-begins-in-jharkhand-news-286452|title=DNA Profiling Of Elephants As Part Census Begins In Jharkhand|publisher=Outlook India|date=15 May 2023|access-date=9 January 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/tiger-spotted-in-tiger-less-jharkhands-palamau-reserve-after-3-years-1201442.html|title=Tiger spotted in 'tiger less' Jharkhand's Palamau reserve after 3 years|date=18 March 2023|access-date=11 January 2025}}</ref> Betla is an acronym for [[bison]], [[elephant]], [[tiger]], [[leopard]] and axis-axis which are found in the Park.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://latehar.nic.in/places-of-interest/|title=Places of Interest|website=Latehar.nic|access-date=31 January 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.travelandleisureasia.com/in/destinations/india/netarhat-ecotourism-destination-in-jharkhand/|title=Jharkhand To Promote Netarhat As An Ecotourism Destination; Here's All About The Serene Hill Station|work=Travel and Leisure asia|date=20 December 2022|access-date=31 January 2025}}</ref> The park is under the administration of the Forest Department.<ref>{{cite web|title=List of National Parks of India|url=http://www2.wii.gov.in/nwdc/list_existing_np.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070109172600/http://www.wii.gov.in/nwdc/list_existing_np.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=9 January 2007|publisher=Wildlife Institute of India|access-date=8 March 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=List of National Parks of India|url=http://www2.wii.gov.in/nwdc/nparks.htm|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120805215014/http://www2.wii.gov.in/nwdc/nparks.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=5 August 2012|publisher=Wildlife Institute of India|access-date=8 March 2012}}</ref>


==Flora==
==Flora==
The forests of the park have a vast range of vegetation consisting of [[Shorea robusta|sal]] and [[bamboo]] as the major components along with a number of medicinal plants. The [[North Koel River]] and its tributaries flow through the northern portion of the park, producing grasslands.
The forests of the park have a vast range of vegetation consisting of [[Shorea robusta|sal]] and [[bamboo]] as the major components along with a number of medicinal plants. The [[North Koel River]] and its tributaries flow through the northern portion of the park, producing grasslands.<ref name="Economictimes2021">{{Cite news|url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/india/leopards-now-rein-in-tigers-palamu-abode-once-credited-with-worlds-1st-tiger-census/articleshow/83279349.cms|title=Leopards now rein in Tigers Palamu abode, once credited with world's 1st tiger census|publisher=Economic Times|date=6 June 2021|access-date=7 January 2025}}</ref><ref name="tourism.webindia123"/>


==Fauna==
==Fauna==
[[File:Monkey in betla park.jpg|thumb|A monkey in the Betla National Park]]
[[File:Monkey in betla park.jpg|thumb|A monkey in the Betla National Park]]
The park has a variety of diverse eco-systems and abundance of wild animals. [[Asian elephant|Elephants]] in large numbers are seen mostly between the end of the monsoon season, to the time when water holes begin to dry in March.
[[File:Wild gaur.jpg|thumb|[[Gaur]] in Betla National Park]]
The park has a diverse ecosystems and an abundance of wild animals. The national park is home to variety of wild animals including [[chital]], [[sambar deer|sambar]], [[gaur]], [[Indian elephant|elephants]], [[nilgai]], [[muntjac]], [[wild boar]], [[Golden jackal|jackal]], [[Indian wolf|wolf]], [[Indian leopard|leopard]], [[tiger]], [[Striped hyena|hyena]], [[sloth bear]], [[Colobinae|langurs]], [[Rhesus macaque|rhesus monkeys]], [[Indian giant squirrel]], [[Chevrotain|mouse deer]], [[four-horned antelope]]s, [[Small Indian civet|small indian civet]], [[Indian pangolin]], [[Indian porcupine]], [[mongoose]] and [[jungle cat]].<ref name="tourism.webindia123"/><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7R2aDQAAQBAJ&pg=PT46|title=National Parks of India|author=R. S. Bisht|page=46|publisher=Publications Division Ministry of Information & Broadcasting|year=1995|isbn=9788123022963|access-date=7 January 2025}}</ref>


Predators include the [[sloth bear]] and [[Leopard|panther]], while scavengers include the [[wolf]], [[jackal]] and [[hyena]]. Other animals include large herds of [[gaur]] and [[chital]], large families of [[Colobinae|langurs]], [[Rhesus macaque|rhesus monkeys]], Indian giant squirrels, [[Chevrotain|mouse deer]], [[Sambar (deer)|sambhar deer]], [[four-horned antelope]]s, [[nilgai]], [[Muntjac|kakar]], small Indian [[civet]]s, ant eating [[pangolin]], [[porcupine]] and [[mongoose]]. White tigers that remained in the park were transported to zoos.
The park hosts a variety of birds including the [[hornbill]], [[peafowl]], [[red jungle fowl]], [[black partridge]], [[white-necked stork]], [[black ibis]], [[Grey-headed swamphen|swamphen]], [[quail]], [[Bucerotidae|pied hornbill]], [[wagtail]], [[harial]], [[dove]], [[drongo]], [[crested serpent-eagle]], [[forest owlet]] and [[Common hawk-cuckoo|papeeha]].<ref name="tourism.webindia123"/><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JYFmoOWfmX8C&pg=PA61|title=Handbook of National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Biosphere Reserves in India|author=Sharad Singh Negi|page=61|publisher=Indus Publishing Company|year=2002|isbn=9788173871283|access-date=7 January 2025}}</ref>
 
Birds include the [[hornbill]], [[peafowl]], [[red jungle fowl]], black [[partridge]], [[white-necked stork]], [[black ibis]], swamp grey, [[quail]], [[Bucerotidae|pied hornbill]], [[wagtail]], [[harial]], [[dove]], [[drongo]], [[crested serpent-eagle]], [[forest owlet]], [[Common hawk-cuckoo|papeeha]], and other birds usually found in dry deciduous forests. The Kamaldah lake attracts several varieties of water birds including the common [[Anas|whistling]], [[cotton teal]], [[knob-billed duck]], [[snipe]] and [[geese]].


==Other points of interest==
==Other points of interest==
The park features waterfalls and hot springs. There are also two historical forts known as [[Palamu Forts]], one of them situated near the Betla at {{convert|400|ft|m|abbr=on}}, erected in the 16th century as the seat of [[Chero dynasty|Chero Kings]]. It is now deep inside the forest, but the main sentinel of the old fort is visible high on the hill with defences in three directions and three main gates.
*[[Palamu Fort]], 17th century fort built by [[Chero dynasty|Chero Kings]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/places/in-jharkhand-the-twin-forts-of-palamu-near-betla-are-the-remains-of-the-mughal-era-chero-dynasty/cid/1857554|title=Tracing history at the Mughal-era forts of Palamu|publisher=Telegraph India|date=25 March 2022|access-date=7 January 2025}}</ref>


==Tourism==
==Ecotourism==
The park provides several opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife at close range. There are elephant rides and jeeps available with guides for venturing inside the park. Watch towers and ground hides have been constructed to view the wildlife.
The park provides several opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife at close range. Jeep safaris are available with guides for venturing inside the park. Watch towers have been constructed to view the wildlife.<ref name="tourism.webindia123"/>
 
The park is open throughout the year. Wildlife sightings are highest in the hot season (May to June), when foliage is not as thick. The most comfortable time to visit in terms of climate is between November and March.


===Access===
===Access===
Betla village (at {{coord|23.8878|N|84.190139|E|region:IN-JH_type:city|display=inline|name=Betla}}) is the only entry point to the park. The driving distance to the village is {{convert|25|km|mi|abbr=on}} south from [[Medininagar]], {{convert|65|km|mi|abbr=on}} northwest from [[Latehar]] and {{convert|170|km|mi|abbr=on}} northwest from [[Ranchi]].
Betla National Park is {{convert|25|km|mi|abbr=on}} south from [[Medininagar]], {{convert|65|km|mi|abbr=on}} northwest from [[Latehar]] and {{convert|170|km|mi|abbr=on}} northwest from [[Ranchi]].<ref name="Economictimes2021"/><ref name="news9live2024"/>


===Accommodation===
===Accommodation===
The accommodation facilities in the tourist complex include a three star hotel, tourist lodges with canteen, log huts and tree houses inside the forest with fully furnished suites. The tree house overlooks a watering hole a few yards away where the animals gather in the summers to quench their thirst. There is grassland near tree house and canteen, where herds of [[Spotted Deer]] come to graze. [[Subscriber trunk dialling]]/[[International direct dialing]], postal and internet facilities are available in the reserve area. For local tourists, Core Area Division runs a tourist bus on Saturday and Sunday.{{citation needed|date=January 2018}} Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation operates the Van Vihar for accommodation. A stay outside the park is possible at Betla, Garu, Maromar and Baresanr.{{citation needed|date=January 2018}}
The accommodation facilities in the tourist complex include hotels, tourist lodges, log huts and tree houses inside the forest.<ref name="prabhatkhabar2023">{{Cite news|url=https://www.prabhatkhabar.com/state/jharkhand/palamu/no-entry-removed-in-betla-national-park-some-new-rules-implemented-for-visiting-tourists-advance-booking-started-jbj|title=बेतला नेशनल पार्क में नो इंट्री खत्म, घूमने के लिए कुछ नए नियम लागू, एडवांस बुकिंग शुरू|publisher=[[Prabhat Khabar]]|date=30 September 2023|access-date=7 January 2025|language=Hindi}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
==External links==
{{commons category|Betla National Park }}
{{Wikivoyage inline|Betla National Park}}


{{National Parks of India}}
{{National Parks of India}}

Latest revision as of 10:26, 22 February 2026


Betla National Park
Map showing the location of Betla National Park
Map showing the location of Betla National Park
Location in Jharkhand
Map showing the location of Betla National Park
Map showing the location of Betla National Park
Betla National Park (India)
LocationLatehar and Palamu district, Jharkhand, India
Nearest cityMedininagar
Coordinates23°52′N 84°11′E / 23.87°N 84.19°E / 23.87; 84.19
Area226.32 km2 (87.38 sq mi)
Established
Governing bodyMinistry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Jharkhand Forest Department
Betla National Park

Betla National Park is a national park located in the Latehar and Palamu district of Jharkhand, India. Its the only national park in the state.[1] It is spread over an area of 226.32 km2 (87.38 sq mi) and is a part of the Palamu Tiger Reserve.[2] It was declared a national park in 1986. The park hosts a wide variety of wildlife.[3][4]

Geography[edit | edit source]

Betla was one of the first national parks in India to become a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 1974.[5] It was declared a national park in 1986. It is spread over 226.32 km2 (87.38 sq mi) area in Palamu and Latehar district and is a part of Palamu Tiger Reserve, which comprises a total area of 1,129.93 km2 (436.27 sq mi).[2] The tourist zone area is 53 km2 (20 sq mi) in the buffer zone.[6][7] Betla is an acronym for bison, elephant, tiger, leopard and axis-axis which are found in the Park.[8][9] The park is under the administration of the Forest Department.[10][11]

Flora[edit | edit source]

The forests of the park have a vast range of vegetation consisting of sal and bamboo as the major components along with a number of medicinal plants. The North Koel River and its tributaries flow through the northern portion of the park, producing grasslands.[12][3]

Fauna[edit | edit source]

A monkey in the Betla National Park
Gaur in Betla National Park

The park has a diverse ecosystems and an abundance of wild animals. The national park is home to variety of wild animals including chital, sambar, gaur, elephants, nilgai, muntjac, wild boar, jackal, wolf, leopard, tiger, hyena, sloth bear, langurs, rhesus monkeys, Indian giant squirrel, mouse deer, four-horned antelopes, small indian civet, Indian pangolin, Indian porcupine, mongoose and jungle cat.[3][13]

The park hosts a variety of birds including the hornbill, peafowl, red jungle fowl, black partridge, white-necked stork, black ibis, swamphen, quail, pied hornbill, wagtail, harial, dove, drongo, crested serpent-eagle, forest owlet and papeeha.[3][14]

Other points of interest[edit | edit source]

Ecotourism[edit | edit source]

The park provides several opportunities to observe a variety of wildlife at close range. Jeep safaris are available with guides for venturing inside the park. Watch towers have been constructed to view the wildlife.[3]

Access[edit | edit source]

Betla National Park is 25 km (16 mi) south from Medininagar, 65 km (40 mi) northwest from Latehar and 170 km (110 mi) northwest from Ranchi.[12][2]

Accommodation[edit | edit source]

The accommodation facilities in the tourist complex include hotels, tourist lodges, log huts and tree houses inside the forest.[16]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ OT Staff (26 August 2025). "Did You Know About Jharkhand's Only National Park, Betla?". Outlook Traveller. Retrieved 30 August 2025.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "A journey to Betla National Park, the only national park in the state". news9live. 23 April 2024. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 "BETLA NATIONAL PARK & TIGER RESERVE". tourism.webindia123.
  4. ↑ "Winter holiday rush at Betla, Netarhat". telegraphindia. 11 November 2017.
  5. ↑ "Destination ::Jharkhand Tourism Development Corporation Ltd". jharkhandtourism.gov.in. Archived from the original on 23 October 2019. Retrieved 11 May 2020.
  6. ↑ "DNA Profiling Of Elephants As Part Census Begins In Jharkhand". Outlook India. 15 May 2023. Retrieved 9 January 2025.
  7. ↑ "Tiger spotted in 'tiger less' Jharkhand's Palamau reserve after 3 years". 18 March 2023. Retrieved 11 January 2025.
  8. ↑ "Places of Interest". Latehar.nic. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
  9. ↑ "Jharkhand To Promote Netarhat As An Ecotourism Destination; Here's All About The Serene Hill Station". Travel and Leisure asia. 20 December 2022. Retrieved 31 January 2025.
  10. ↑ "List of National Parks of India" (PDF). Wildlife Institute of India. Archived from the original (PDF) on 9 January 2007. Retrieved 8 March 2012.
  11. ↑ "List of National Parks of India". Wildlife Institute of India. Retrieved 8 March 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Leopards now rein in Tigers Palamu abode, once credited with world's 1st tiger census". Economic Times. 6 June 2021. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  13. ↑ R. S. Bisht (1995). National Parks of India. Publications Division Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. p. 46. ISBN 9788123022963. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  14. ↑ Sharad Singh Negi (2002). Handbook of National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Biosphere Reserves in India. Indus Publishing Company. p. 61. ISBN 9788173871283. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  15. ↑ "Tracing history at the Mughal-era forts of Palamu". Telegraph India. 25 March 2022. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
  16. ↑ "बेतला नेशनल पार्क में नो इंट्री खत्म, घूमने के लिए कुछ नए नियम लागू, एडवांस बुकिंग शुरू" (in Hindi). Prabhat Khabar. 30 September 2023. Retrieved 7 January 2025.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:Wikivoyage inline

Template:National Parks of India Template:Palamu Division topics Template:Protected areas of Jharkhand

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