Palamau National Park is the second largest national park in the state of Jharkhand, India. It is situated in the western part of the Chotanagpur Plateau. This wildlife sanctuary is declared as a Protected Forest or Reserved Forest under the Indian Forest Act of 1927. This Tiger Reserve is solely dedicated to the protection of tigers. The central area of ​​the park extends over 250 square kilometers and was declared a National Park in September 1989, also known as Betla National Park.

The world’s first tiger census was taken here in the year 1932, based on the pugmark count. This sanctuary is spread over 1,026 square kilometers of unspoiled wilderness and is famous for its magnificent wildlife and picturesque, rolling terrain. Palamau was one of the initial nine tiger reserves launched in 1973. Palamau is a historical place, which was ruled by the Ghero kings. The park has two forts from the 16th century, built by the Adivasi kings of the Chero dynasty.

To lease
The Palamau Wildlife Sanctuary is situated within the Indo-Malay kingdom, and is located in the Palamau district. The region extends from latitudes 23 degrees 25 inches and 23 degrees 55 inches north and longitudes 83 degrees 50 inches and 84 degrees 36 inches east in the state of Jharkhand, with a total area of ​​1,026.00 square kilometers.

Ecological System & Wildlife (Flora & Fauna)
The Palamau Tiger Reserve is a mix of lakes, rivers, valleys and beautiful low waterfalls. The winding North Koel River and its branch, the Auranga, cut through the rocky lands of northern Palamau. The Kanhar and Amanat rivers run through the Betla region of the tiger reserve area, which is set amidst lush expanses of Sal and other dry deciduous trees. The soil in many parts of the sanctuary is heavily impregnated with iron.

It is estimated that 44 tigers inhabit this reserve with wild animals such as the barking deer, the cheetal, the elephant, the four-horned antelope, the Indian ratel, the leopard, the mouse deer, the pangolin, the sambar, the tiger, the wild dog and indian wolf. The place also has several plant reserves such as Acacia catechu, Adina cardifolia, Bombax ceiba, Bothriochloa Montana, Butea monosperma, Dendrocalamus strictus, Diospyros melanoxylon, Imperata arudinacea, Indigofera pulchela, Lannea coromandlica, Mitragyna parviflora and Shorea robusta, etc. The healthy ecosystem of the Palamau Wildlife Sanctuary supports this wildlife.

air-conditioned
Palamau’s climate varies and can be divided into three main seasons. The cold seasons from November to March, the hot season from March to May, and the monsoon season from June to September. The temperature varies from 47 to 38 degrees C during the summer month, while in the monsoon months it is only 6 to 8 degrees C.

Adventures and Activities in the Park
One can explore the 16th century Purana Kila and Naya Kila built by the Chero dynasty. The best adventure activity here is animal watching, as the animals rely mostly on man-made watering holes, so wildlife is easy to track. A guide and a jeep from the forestry department can be hired for such an activity. Watchtowers and hideouts have been created to observe wildlife. Motoring and hiking are the main activities that take place in the park.

nearby attractions
Kechki, just 18 km from Daltonganj, has lush green hills and grasslands. Hazaribagh National Park has the same ecosystem and inhabitants as Palamau. Ranchi is 140 km away and is a favorite shopping destination. Netarhat, the ‘Queen of Chotanagpur’ is at an elevation of 3700 feet above sea level with special attractions of natural beauty of the Plateau and many eucalyptus and big trees. Magnolia point is famous for sunset and sunrise can also be visible. Mirchaia waterfalls near Guru, Suga Bandh waterfalls near Baresand are the best nearby attractions and a must-see while traveling to Palamau national park.

Palamau Tiger Reserve – Approach and Access
By Air: Ranchi (180 km) is the closest airport to this Tiger Reserve.
By train: Daltonganj (25 km) is the nearest railway station.
By Road: Connected with many major cities like Daltonganj, Ranchi and Dhanbad etc. Daltonganj is the nearest town which is located at a distance of 25 km.
Best Time to Visit: Between the months of October to March.

Accommodation and other facilities
Accommodations in Palamau National Park and around the park are available in many types and forms for tourists. There are tourist lodges and rest houses in the forest in the Betla part of the sanctuary and rest houses in Kerh, Kechki and Mundu are available. Facilities like STD/ISD, Post, Telegraph and Internet in some areas are also available.

Travel tips
Tourists should wear light cotton clothing during the summers and thick wool during the winters. Do not throw away any non-biodegradable material such as polyethylene bags, lighted matches, cigarette butts. The flora should not be uprooted. Avoid bringing firearms and chemicals into the park. Do not honk horns or play loud music inside the park.