Betla National Park, located in the Latehar district of Jharkhand, is one of the most popular wildlife reserves in India. Spread over an area of 979 square kilometers, the park is known for its diverse flora and fauna, making it a paradise for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It was established as a sanctuary in 1974 and later declared a national park in 1989.
Betla National Park is situated in the Chota Nagpur Plateau region of Jharkhand, near the town of Betla. The park is characterized by dense forests, rolling hills, rivers, and waterfalls, creating a picturesque and serene environment for visitors. The park is surrounded by the Palamu Tiger Reserve and forms a part of the larger Palamau Biosphere Reserve.
The park is open to visitors from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM in the morning and 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the evening.
The entry fee for Betla National Park is INR 25 for Indian adults and INR 10 for children. Foreign tourists are charged INR 100 for entry.
Betla National Park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. The park boasts a rich diversity of plant species including sal, bamboo, and teak forests. It is also a habitat for several endangered and rare animal species such as tigers, elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and various species of deer and birds.
Visitors to Betla National Park can engage in a variety of activities such as wildlife safaris, bird watching, hiking, and nature walks. The park also offers opportunities for camping and picnicking in designated areas.
The charges for a jeep safari in Betla National Park are INR 500 per person for Indian visitors and INR 1500 per person for foreign tourists.
The entry fee for Betla National Park is INR 25 for Indian adults, INR 10 for Indian children, and INR 100 for foreign tourists. There is no specific age criterion for entry, but children below a certain age may need to be accompanied by adults.
Senior citizens visiting Betla National Park may avail special facilities such as transportation assistance and designated seating areas for resting. Discounted entry fees may also be applicable for senior citizens upon providing valid identification.
The best time to visit Betla National Park is during the winter months from October to February when the weather is pleasant and the wildlife is most active. The monsoon season from July to September is also a good time to visit for lush greenery and vibrant flora.
Some of the nearby attractions to Betla National Park include the Palamu Fort, Netarhat Hills, Koel River, and the Lodh Falls. These places offer unique experiences and picturesque landscapes for visitors to explore.
Betla National Park provides designated parking areas for visitors who arrive by private vehicles. Parking fees may apply based on the vehicle type and duration of stay.
Visitors to Betla National Park are required to follow certain rules and regulations to ensure the safety of wildlife and maintain the ecological balance of the park. Some common rules include not littering, not feeding animals, and not disturbing the natural habitat.
Betla National Park is well-connected by road and can be accessed from major cities like Ranchi, Patna, and Varanasi. The nearest railway station is Barwadih Junction which is about 25 kilometers away from the park. The closest airport is Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi, approximately 140 kilometers from the park.