A few weeks ago we wrote about Netarhat, the popular town and hill station in the Latehar district of the Jharkhand State. For its beauty and appeal, it is referred as the ‘Queen of the Chotanagpur Plateau’ as well. Today, we are treading a step further and writing about the Betla or the Palamau National Park located 120 kilometres away from the Netarhat town. Notably, it’s another big tourist attraction of the Latehar district.
Attractions
Out of all the popular national parks in the country, the Betla or the Palamau national park of the Chotanagpur Plateau is an outstanding one. Although it is spread around 1026 square kilometres, only 213 square kilometres area is in its core zone and the rest of the areas are the buffer zone. The forest growth mostly comprises of the Mahua and Palash trees. Besides, a wide variety of wildlife species breathes and breeds in the forest area including tiger, elephant, chital, deer, monkeys, wild dogs, wild pigs, wildcats, gaur, sambar, bison, barking deer, monkeys, hyena, squirrel, hornbill, peacock, cuckoo, eagles, etc. It’s one of a kind national park and it is believed that the first time ever tiger counting process began from here.
Elephant and Jeep Safaris are available here for the visitors to explore the forest areas. The timing of the elephant safari is from 7am to 8am every day. However, visitors may explore the forest region by jeep as well. The jeep ride for six people is Rs 600 while an elephant safari for four people is RS 400. The entry fee of the park and the guide charge is Rs 200 each. However, the park remains closed for visitors in the monsoon from 1st of July to 30th of September every year.
To get there
The only bus for Betla departs from Netarhat at 7am in the morning. The distance between the destinations is 120 kilometres. However, visitors coming from Kolkata may board the Howrah-Jabalpur Shaktipunj Express to exit at Daltongunj. It’s a daily express that departs from the Howrah Station at 2:30pm (day) to cover the distance of 574 kilometers to reach Daltongunj at 1:55am (night). Betla located 24 kilometers away from the Daltongunj station. The jeep ride from the station may cost around RS 700 to RS 800. Alternatively, visitors may get down at the Baradi Station as well and cover rest of the distance on a jeep. The jeep fare may cost around Rs 500 to RS 700. However, one of the best options for visitors is to visit Betla and Netarhat on a package tour from Ranchi. Notably, the distance between Ranchi and Betla is 215 kilometers.
Staying
Hotel Van Vihar of the Jharkhand State Tourism Development Nigam is available for comfortable lodging. Rent for the double bed is RS 600 to RS 900. To experience the touch of modernity one may plan to stay on tree houses. The rent ranges from RS 1000 to RS 1200. Besides, lodges of the forest department are also available for comfortable staying. For booking one may contact: DFO Daltonganj (South), Forest Department, Daltonganj-822 101. Some other hotels in the Daltonganj are Hotel Natraj, Hotel Satyam, Hotel Koyel, etc.