Air National Guard unit to extend rail-trail
A Pennsylvania Air National Guard unit from Fort Indiantown Gap is in the planning stages of a project to extend the Lebanon Valley Rail-Trail farther into Lebanon.

Palamau National Park is the second major national park in the state of Jharkhand, India. It's situated in the western part of the Chotanagpur plateau. This wildlife sanctuary is declared as the Protected Forest or Reserved Forest under the Indian Forest Act, 1927. This Tiger Reserve is solely dedicated to the protection of tigers. The core area of the park spreads 250 square km, and was declared as a National Park in September, 1989, also well known as Betla National Park.

World's first tiger-census was done here in the year 1932, based on pugmark count. This sanctuary is spread over 1,026 sq km of untamed wilderness, and is famous for its magnificent wildlife and scenic, undulating terrain. Palamau was one of the initial nine Tiger Reserves launched in 1973. Palamau is a historic place, which was ruled by the Ghero kings. The park has two of 16th-century forts, made by the Adivasi Kings of the Chero dynasty.

Location

Palamau Wildlife Sanctuary is situated within the Indo-Malayan realm, and is located in the district of Palamau. The region extends from the latitudes 23 degree 25 inch and 23 degree 55 inch, North and Longitudes 83 degree 50 inch and 84 degree 36 inch, eastern in the state of Jharkhand, with a total area of 1026.00Sq.Kms.

Ecological System & Wildlife (Flora & Fauna)

Palamau Tiger Reserve is a mix of lakes, rivers, valleys and beautiful low lying waterfalls. The winding North Koel River and its river branch, the Auranga, slash through the rocky lands of the northern part of Palamau. The Kanhar and Amanat rivers run through the Betla region of the tiger reserve area, which lies in the midst of lush tracts of Sal and other dry deciduous trees. The soil in many parts of the sanctuary is strongly impregnated with iron.

An estimated 44 tigers inhabit this reserve with wild animals such as Barking Deer, Cheetal, Elephant, Fourhorned Antelope Indian Ratel, Leopard, Mouse Deer, Pangolin, Sambar, Tiger, Wild Dog and Indian Wolf. The place also has several plant reserves such as Acacia catechu, Adina cardifolia, Bombax ceiba, Bothriochloa Montana, Butea monosperma, Dendrocalamus strictus, Diospyros melanoxylon, Imperata arudinacea, Indigofera pulchela, Lannea coromandlica, Mitragyna parviflora and Shorea robusta etc. The healthy eco-system of the Palamau wildlife sanctuary supports this wildlife.

Climate

The climate of Palamau varies can be divided in to three main seasons. The cold seasons from November to March, the hot season from March to May and the monsoon season from June to September. Temperature varies from 47 degree to 38 degree C during the summer month while in the monsoon months it is only 6 degree C to 8 degree C.

Adventures & Activities in the Park

One can explore the Purana Kila and Naya Kila of the 16th century built by the Chero dynasty. The best adventurous activity here is animal sightings, as the animals are mostly dependant on man-made water holes, so it becomes easy to trace the wildlife. One can hire a guide and a jeep from the forest department for such an activity. Watch towers and ground hides have been created to see the wildlife. Motoring and hiking are the major activities carried in the park.

Nearby Attractions

Kechki just 18 km from Daltonganj has lush green hills and grasslands. Hazaribagh National Park has the same eco-system and inhabitants as Palamau. Ranchi is 140 km away and is a favorite shopping destination. Netarhat, the 'Queen of Chotanagpur' is at an elevation of 3,700 feet above sea level with special attractions of natural beauty of the Plateau and lots of Eucalyptus trees and big trees. Magnolia point is famous for sunset & sun rise can be also visible. Mirchaia waterfalls near Guru, Suga Bandh Falls close to Baresand are the best nearby attractions and a must to visit locations while being on the trip to Palamau national park.

Palamau Tiger Reserve - Approach and Access

By Air: Ranchi (180 km) is the nearest airport to this Tiger Reserve.

By Rail: Daltonganj (25 km) is the nearest railway station.

By Road: Connected with many important cities such as Daltonganj, Ranchi, and Dhanbad etc. Daltonganj is the nearest town that is located at a distance of 25 km.

Best Time to Visit: Between the months of October to March.

Accommodations & Other Facilities

Accommodations at Palamau National Park and around the park are available in many types and forms for the tourists. There are tourist lodge and forest rest houses in the Betla portion of the sanctuary and rest houses at Kerh, Kechki and Mundu are available. Facilities like STD/ISD, Postal, Telegraph and Internet in some areas are also available.

Travel Tips

The tourists should carry light cotton clothes during the summers and heavy woolens during the winters. Do not throw any non biodegradable material like polythene bags, lit matches, cigarette buds around. The flora should not be plucked. Avoid taking firearms and chemicals inside the park. Do not blow horns or play loud music inside the park.

For more information on Palamau National Park and Wildlife Attractions please visit our website.