Betla National Park is a protected area located in the Latehar and Palamu districts of Jharkhand, India. It is the only national park in the state. The park covers an area of 226.32 km² (87.38 sq mi) and is part of the Palamu Tiger Reserve. It was established as a national park in 1986. The park is home to many different types of wildlife.

Geography

Betla was one of the first national parks in India to become a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 1974. It was declared a national park in 1986. The park covers an area of 226.32 km (87.38 sq mi) in Palamu and Latehar districts. It is part of the Palamu Tiger Reserve, which includes a total area of 1,129.93 km (436.27 sq mi). The tourist area within the park is located in the buffer zone and covers 53 km (20 sq mi). The name "Betla" stands for bison, elephant, tiger, leopard, and axis-axis, which are animals found in the park. The park is managed by the Forest Department.

Flora

The forests in the park have many types of plants, including sal trees and bamboo, as well as several kinds of medicinal plants. The North Koel River and its smaller streams run through the northern part of the park, creating grassy areas.

Fauna

The park has many different types of environments and is home to a wide variety of wild animals. The national park is home to many types of 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.

The park has many types of birds such as 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.

Ecotourism

The park offers many chances to see different types of wildlife up close. Jeep safaris are available with guides to explore the park. Watch towers have been built to help visitors see the animals.

Betla National Park is located 25 km (16 mi) south of Medininagar, 65 km (40 mi) northwest of Latehar, and 170 km (110 mi) northwest of Ranchi.

The tourist complex has several places to stay, including hotels, lodges, log huts, and tree houses inside the forest.