Betla National Park is in Jharkhand.
One of India's first national parks, it was formed primarily for the protection of tigers. Inside the park, there are two historical forts. One of them, situated near the Betla at 400 ft (120 m), was erected in the 16th century as the seat of Chero Kings. It is now deep inside the forest, but the main sentinel of the old fort is visible high up on the hill with defences in three directions and three main gates.
This is one of the ancient forest areas of India which was undisturbed for many years. During the British period this area was first developed. The whole area is occupied by the Aadiwashi, a Scheduled Tribe. The people are known for their bravery and strength.
The forests of the park have a vast range of vegetation consisting of tropical wet evergreen forests in the lower reaches, mixed (moist & dry) deciduous forests in the middle and temperate alpine forests in the upper reaches including sal and bamboo as the major components along with a number of medicinal plants. There are grasslands in the flowing area of the Koel river. Itself and its tributaries run through the northern portion of the park.
The park has a variety of diverse ecosystems and plenty of wild animals. Elephants in large numbers are seen mostly after the monsoons up to the time when water holes begin to dry up in March.
Permanent residents include as predators Sloth Bear, Panther, Wild Bear and Wolf. Jackal and hyena are common scavengers. Large herds of Gaur and Chital are commonly seen. Large families of Langur monkeys are an ever present attraction, as are rhesus monkey. Other animals to be found in the NP are Mouse Deer, Sambhar, Four-horned antelopes, Nilgai, Kakar, small Indian Civets, ant-eating Pangolin, porcupine and Mongoose.
The park's rich birdlife features the hornbill, peafowl, red jungle fowl, black partridge, White-necked Stork, black ibis, swamp grey, quail, the pied Hornbill, wagtails, the harial, doves, drongo, the crested serpent-eagle, forest owlets, the Papeeha and other birds usually found in dry deciduous forests. The famous Kamaldah lake attracts several varieties of water birds including the common whistling and cotton teal, the comb duck, snipe and geese.
The park is open throughout the year. Wildlife sightings are highest in the hot season (May to June), when foliage is not as thick. The most comfortable time to visit in terms of climate is between November and March.
Contact the Director, Project Tiger (Jail Compound), Betla P.O. Daltonganj Palamau Phone:+91 651 240 0981