Betla

Betla, commonly referred to as Betla National Park, is a protected area in the state of Jharkhand, India. It lies in the Latehar district on the Chota Nagpur Plateau and forms part of the larger Palamu forest ecosystem. Betla is associated with the Palamau (Palamu) Tiger Reserve, a core area established for tiger conservation since the era of Project Tiger in the 1970s.

The park encompasses a varied landscape that includes rugged hills, valleys, and streams set within deciduous forest. Its vegetation is dominated by sal and other dry deciduous species, with clearings and grasslands that provide diverse habitats for wildlife. The climate features hot summers and a cool, misty winter season, with a monsoon that supports lush growth during the mid-year.

Betla supports a diverse fauna. The area is known for elephants and tigers, along with leopards, gaurs, sambar, chital, barking deer, and sloth bears. A wide range of avifauna and other wildlife species also inhabit the park, making it an important site for wildlife research and conservation in eastern India.

Administration falls under the Jharkhand Forest Department, with management focused on habitat protection, anti-poaching measures, and regulated tourism within a buffer zone. The park has long been a focus of conservation efforts aimed at maintaining tiger populations and maintaining ecological integrity in the Palamu landscape.

Tourism is a key aspect of Betla, with visitors engaging in jeep safaris and nature walks to observe wildlife and birdlife. The park is typically accessed from nearby towns and railheads, with facilities and accommodations available to support eco-tourism, education, and research while emphasizing conservation and local community involvement.