Palamu is known for its rich biodiversity, thick wood cover and dense foliage. The impenetrable forest cover in Palamu is home to around 44 tigers and several other animal species like chital, gaur Chinkara, common langur, dhole (wild dogs), elephants, wild boar, hares, monkey, mouse deer, sloth bear, panther, leopard, pangolin, sambar (deer), Indian porcupine, Nilgai, and wolves. Peafowl, partridges and red jungle fowl are some of the commonly spotted species of birds in the region. An exploration of the Palamu Park proves to be an enrapturing experience to all those to seek recourse in the bounty of nature and wish to reconnect to their primeval selves. This division in Jharkhand is well connected by both air and rail. While the nearest airport is in Ranchi, the nearest railway station is in Daltonganj, which is about 25 kms away from the district. Here are five places to visit in Palamu:
1. Betla National Park
The Betla National Park, located on the Ranchi-Daltonganj Road is a lush tract opulently enclosed within forests, valleys and hills. The national park which spans an area of 226 sq. kms is home to 39 species of mammals and 174 species of birds. Tiger, Sambhar, Leopard, Elephant, India Gaur (Bison), Chitalor, wild boar are the wildly found species in the area. The forest has about 970 species of identified plants, of which over 180 species have pharmaceutical benefits. Besides this, the region also harbours a number of exotic as well as indigenous reptiles. Tourists can explore the uncharted territories of the part in a jeep. They can hire a guide and drive through the think trails of sal and bamboo. They also have the option of roving the area on elephant backs or on foot. The park also has watch towers for a safer view of the wildlife. Tree houses can be rented out for an authentic experience of the park.
2. Palamu Tiger Reserve
The Palamau Tiger Reserve in Jharkhand was affirmed a tiger reserve under Project Tiger in 1973. This reserve spans across an area of 928 sq km and houses a rich biodiversity. The reserve brims with a variety of flora and fauna. Some of the animals seen in the Tiger Reserve are tiger, wild dog, jungle cat, and four-horned antelope. The reserve is also replete with a number of medicinal herbs, grassy patches and bamboo trees. The reserve attracts a number of nature enthusiasts owing to its mesmerising hills and cascading waterfalls. Netarhat, Gulgul, Huluk and Murhu are some alluring hills which flank the area of the reserve. The reserve is also known for its enticing and soothing waterfalls like the Suga Bandh Waterfalls, the Mirchaiya Waterfalls and the Lodh Falls. The Palamu Tiger Reserve is also included in Red data book of the International Union for Conservation of nature and neutral resources (I.U.C.N.) and the appendices of Convention on International trade in endangered species of flora and fauna (C.I.T.E.S.).
3. Lodh Waterfalls
About 60 kms away from Netarhat deep in to the forests the river Burha makes an enticing and majestic water fall of about 468 feet height claiming to be the highest waterfall of Jharkhand. The roaring sound of the Lodh Waterfalls reverberates up to 10 kms. The waterfalls provide the tourists with a holistic experience wherein calm and peace sink deep into the body and soul of the visitor. The sight of the cascading waters falling from a height of 468 feet is an enchanting and captivating experience.
4. Shahpur Village
Shahpur Village is situated on the banks of River Koel. The village is located opposite Daltonganj, the district headquarters, and is famous for its white temple. It is believed that the white temple and the masonry building were constructed in the 18th century under the rule of Gopal Rai. Shahpur stands on an elevated tract of land and the white temple and the masonry building offer a vivid view from Daltonganj. However, on a closer look, the white temple is seen to be an incomplete building of little architectural relevance.
5. Palamu Fort
There are two forts inside the jungle of Aurangabad on Sher Shah Suri tract near Daltonganj. Legend has it that these forts were the palaces of the Chero Kings. Although built more or less around the same time, the two forts are distinguished as Purana Qila and Naya Qila. These majestic forts were built according to the Mughal architecture and were meant to provide resistance against danger from all directions. The Naya Quila is famous for its majestic Nagpuri Gate, which was believed to be brought here by the Rajas of Palamu. The two forts are of immense cultural and historical relevance.
The best time to visit this district in Jharkhand will be after summer, right before the advent of winter. This place also attracts a number of wildlife documentarians and wildlife photographers.
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