The park is home to diverse wildlife including tigers, leopards, Indian bison (gaur), sloth bears, elephants, and various deer species like sambar and chital. Over 200 species of birds inhabit the park, including peacocks, red jungle fowl, and various raptors. Notable reptile species include pythons, monitor lizards, and various snake species. The park also supports numerous butterfly species and other insects. The presence of both herbivores and carnivores makes it an important ecological hub in eastern India.
Betla's vegetation primarily consists of moist deciduous forests with over 970 species of plants. The dominant tree species include sal, bamboo, mahua, kendu, and semal. The park also features extensive grasslands and numerous medicinal plants. Different forest types can be observed, including northern tropical moist deciduous forests, dry peninsular sal forests, and northern dry mixed deciduous forests. The understory is rich with various shrubs, climbers, and herbs, creating a complex ecosystem.
The park is characterized by diverse geological features including hills, valleys, and plateaus of the Chotanagpur Plateau. The terrain consists of ancient metamorphic rocks, primarily gneiss and schist, dating back to the Precambrian era. The landscape is marked by undulating hills reaching heights of up to 1,000 meters, interspersed with numerous streams and waterfalls. The soil is primarily red and lateritic, supporting the region's rich biodiversity.
Betla National Park, established in 1986, was originally part of the Palamau Tiger Reserve created in 1974. The area has rich historical significance, featuring the ancient Palamau Fort built in the 16th century by the Chero kings. The park was designated as a protected area to conserve its unique wildlife and forest ecosystem. The name 'Betla' is derived from the local Oraon tribal language, where 'Bel' means wood apple tree and 'Tala' means home, referring to the abundance of wood apple trees in the region.
Key attractions include the historic Palamau Fort, offering panoramic views of the surrounding forest, and the Kechki Forest Rest House, a colonial-era building. The park features several watchtowers strategically placed for wildlife viewing, particularly near water bodies. The Auranga River flowing through the park creates beautiful riverine landscapes. The park also contains several prehistoric cave paintings and archaeological sites. The presence of indigenous tribal communities like the Oraons and Mundas adds cultural significance to the area.
Betla National Park experiences a tropical climate with three distinct seasons. Summers (March-June) are hot and dry with temperatures reaching 38-42°C. The monsoon season (July-September) brings heavy rainfall and high humidity, making some areas less accessible. Winters (October-February) are mild and pleasant with temperatures ranging from 10-25°C, making it the ideal time for visitors. The park receives an average annual rainfall of 1,400mm, primarily during the monsoon months.
India
23.8830°, 84.2000°
1986
231.67
Betla National Park is part of the Palamau Tiger Reserve. The park features sal forests and grasslands with ancient fort ruins. It supports populations of tigers, elephants, and various deer species along with rich bird life.