Jharkhand is an eastern state of India and is known for its beautiful forests, Jain temples and waterfalls. One of the most famous national parks of the country is in this State, called ‘Betla National Park’ known for its tigers. The state is known for its bio-diversity that has a wonderful range of animals as well as birds. Let us look at the top five national parks in Jharkhand.
1. Betla National Park
One of the most well-known parks of the area, the Betla National Park is an acronym for ‘bison, elephant, tiger, leopard, axis-axis’. The park has tropical evergreen forests that include bamboo as well as Sal trees. The river Koel flows through the area and creates a rich fertile soil for many medicinal plants to grow. The Park was established initially as the Palamau tiger reserve which was then added to the Mahuadar Wolf Sanctuary. During monsoons, the park becomes a place of safety for the elephants that stay here in hordes. Elephants can be seen here till the month of March, until their water sources aren’t dried up. The best time to visit the park is during May to June when the tourism is at its peak with jeep safaris and elephants rides up for hire. The park also boasts of many waterfalls as well as hot springs and the occasional historical fort.
2. Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in the Dalma Hills, Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary is only 10 kilometres from Jamshedpur city and houses elephants, deer, porcupines as well as the sloth bear. The whole area is under dense forests that double up as safe habitats for wild animals. The sanctuary is a quiet place that one can visit for a short stay with the indigenous flora and fauna.
3. Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary
Inaugurated in the year 1955, Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary is located about 90 kilometres from the city of Ranchi. The sanctuary is acts as a home to wild animals like leopards, tigers, neelgai as well as black bears and hyenas. One of the well-known parks of the state, the Hazaribagh Sanctuary is popular amongst tourists who come here to get a glimpse of the tigers. A must visit for anyone who visits the state; the sanctuary provides all facilities required to enjoy nature as its best.
4. Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary
Nestled between the Pataura and Berhale lakes, the Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary is the only bird sanctuary of the state. It is famous for being the stop-over point for a variety of birds that come towards this area during the winters. The overall beauty of the place is heightened with the colourful presence of hundreds of foreign birds that come here to visit. This place is very popular amongst the tourists and can be reached easily through road or by train. The birds that come here include the gray-headed myna, jacanas, dabchicks and many other rare species of birds that can only be found here.
5. Singhbhum Elephant Reserve
One of the very first elephants-only reserves in the country, the Singhbhum Elephant Reserve is one of the establishments created under the Project Elephant. The sheer number of elephants that stay here is amazing and the conservation of the bio-sphere here is impeccable. The elephant abode is home to many migratory birds that come here to visit and the reserve is also home to over 600 different kinds of medicinal plants! One of the very best places to witness wild elephants out in the open, the Singhbhum elephant reserve is a must visit for all elephant lovers!
Jharkhand is known for its forests, timber, temples and the local way of life that have been complimented with the conservation of wildlife and nature in the area. One of the densest forests can be found here, where maximum population of elephants reside. A true gem hidden amongst nature, Jharkhand is a must-visit for its wide range of flora and fauna!
