Betla National Park is unique in the sense that this is the place where in 1932 first census of Tigers was conducted and this is the first national Park in India which under the Project Tiger becomes a Tiger Reserve in the year 1989. Actually out of the original area of 1026sq. KM of Palamau Sanctuary, as the Btela National Park was known in past, a core area of around 232 sq. KM is declared as the Betla Tiger Reserve.
Situated in the Chota Nagpur Plateau of the Palamu district of Jharkhand, Betla National Park is one of best Wildlife travel destination in India. Betla National Park Provides natural habitat and shelter to 27 Tigers, more than 60 Leopards, 210 Wild Elephants & 250 Bisons, along with Sloth Bear, Panther, Wild Bear, Wolf, Jackal, Hyena etc. and often referred as the Glittering crown of wildlife tourism in Jharkhand & Bihar.
Eight tribes populated among the 200 odd small villages situated inside the park are adding charm to this wildlife safari with their traditional folk culture and life style. Bihar Tourism is running a Van Vihar tourist complex, situated close to entrance of sanctuary is one of the best place for tourist stay. For the adventure lovers Tree house accommodation option is there. These fully furnished tree houses are inside the Betla National Park, surely this is quite thrilling experience to bent down to see the wild animals at a water hole just few yards away.
Moving around the Betla National Park you can opt either a Jeep Safari or Elephant Safari; Private vehicles are permitted provided you have an authorized guide. Betla National Park has only one entrance gate at the Betla Village which is just 25 KM from the Daltonganj and about 170 KM from the Ranchi, state capital city.
