Palamu National Park: A Haven For Mighty Endangered Tigers

A fascinating view of a fierce tiger sitting on top of a wooden lodge during the daytime.

Palamu National Park is in the Palamu district of Jharkhand, India. Covering over 1,000 square kilometres, the national park boasts varied species, such as the elusive Bengal tiger, leopards, and many birds. The dense forest, complemented by hilly terrain, makes it an idle backdrop for some adventurous activity including an enthralling safari and mysterious nature walks. The national park is about a lifetime experience and daring with a lot to explore and discover adventure for a wildlife explorer or a laid-back nature lover.

Location

A stunning view of a brown and black leopard standing on top of a lush green tree.

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The national park is in the district of Palamu, in the state of Jharkhand, India, in a setting that presents an authentic wilderness experience over a vast expanse of more than 1,000 square kilometres amidst dense forests and rough terrain of the Chotanagpur Plateau. Combining an extended large area with diversified landscapes guarantees a great diversity of wildlife and scenic beauty, making it a destination of choice.

How To Reach

A stunning view of a straight road surrounded by lush greenery during the daytime.

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By Road: You can reach the national park by road from major cities such as Ranchi or Patna. It is well connected through state highways.

By Train: The second option is rail, as the nearest railway station is Daltonganj, 40 km from the park. Many trains connect this railway station to other important cities.

By Air: The nearest airport is Ranchi, about 160 km from the park. A taxi can be hired from there, or the park can be reached by bus.

Things To Do

From witnessing a variety of endangered species to taking serene walks, there are a lot of activities you can indulge in at the park.

1. Wildlife Safaris

Taking wildlife safaris is one of the best things to do in Palamu National Park for all.

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Indulge in exciting wildlife safaris at the national park, home to the diverse forest of this place, and spot the rare Bengal tiger, leopard, and numerous deer species. Expert insights about the park’s ecology and wildlife behaviour are made known with the help of guided tours, thereby deepening the experience. To get the best opportunity to see the most varied selection of wildlife, it is recommended that you go out during the morning and evening safaris.

2. Nature Walks

Taking nature walks is one of the most interesting things to do in Palamu National Park.

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Have a nature walk in the park, which is an eye-opener to the tranquil beauty of the reserve. One of the main highlights of this trek is the variety of ecosystems inside the park, forming dense forests and scenic hills. On this trek, one can observe rich flora and fauna, along with detailed knowledge about the uniqueness of the plant species and their ecological roles inside the park. On the other hand, nature treks bring you closer to the environment.

3. Bird Watching

Bird watching is one of the best things travellers can do in Palamu National Park.

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The nature experience gained at this park is more heightened, particularly for the budding ornithologists. The Park provides strong bird life with several avian species. Please spend some time bird-watching your day to see the various species of beautiful and unique birds in their natural habitats. The varied ecosystem of the park attracts many species of birds, both resident and migratory. The best time to watch birds is in the early morning when many species are active.

Places To Visit In And Around Palamu National Park

The national park is a storehouse of natural bounty and wilderness. Some of the places that should not be missed out when in and around the park are:

1. Betla Fort

Belta Fort is one of the best places to explore in the Palamu National Park for all.

Photo: Marian kispotta / Wikimedia Commons

Betla Fort, amid the vast national park, is a spectacular historical site that adds a distinct dimension to your visit. The ancient fort, set smartly on a hilltop, provides breathtaking panoramic views of the park’s surrounding forests and wildlife habitats. The historical significance and beauty place Betla Fort into the category of captivating sites for historians and naturalists. A visit to the fort adds to your experience of the national park.

Location: Palamau Fort (New), Medininagar, Jharkhand 822111
Best Time To Visit: October to March

2. Hariharganj

Hariharganj is one of the most serene and lovely places near Palamu National Park.

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The beautiful village of Hariharganj, close to the national park, is a lovely place to take a cultural tour, and the park’s natural beauty is excellent. With its serene surroundings and the conventional way of living, Hariharganj allows visitors to truly live the culture amidst the scenic beauty of the neighbouring countryside. A visit to this charming village complements your adventure at the national park by providing an insight into rural life and traditional practices that enrich the exploration of the region.

Location: Hariharganj, Jharkhand 822131
Best Time To Visit: Throughout the year

3. Lohardaga

Lohardaga is one of the best places around Palamu National Park for travellers to explore.

Photo: Rupesh Kumar Sahu / Wikimedia Commons

Lohardaga town is almost near to the park. The city is very vivid regarding its rich cultural heritage and peace. This hustle-bustling town offers a vibrant experience with the markets in full swing, local handicrafts, and scenic beauty. The visit to Lohardaga adds to your understanding of the the national park, especially in terms of familiarising you with the Said culture and community lives because it provides a drastic yet dynamic difference to the serene yet wild beauty of the park. Lohardaga is, in every respect, a benefit to the value of your travel.

Location: Jharkhand 835302
Best Time To Visit: October to March

Where To Stay

A stunning view of a bedroom with a bed lined with blue sheets and lamps on the side.

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When visiting the national park, various accommodation options are available to suit individual tastes and budgets. The Forest Rest House is inside the park, offering basic facilities with easy access to the wildlife viewing areas. If you want to stay in style and comfort, the Palamu Tourist Lodge offers modern amenities amidst scenic surroundings. In both instances, you are always very close to the park’s natural attractions, which adds immensely to your experience.

Where To Eat

A mouth-watering view of a black ceramic plate served with cooked rice and greens.

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Several local eateries and restaurants around the park offer glimpses of the regional cuisine for you to enjoy. The most preferred place is Hotel Roshni in Daltonganj due to its variety of food dishes and the comfort of the place. It serves Indian and international cuisine. The Chandni Restaurant serves local food and traditional meals to taste the local flavour.

Best Time To Visit

A breathtaking view of a brown and black tiger in a wildlife sanctuary during the daytime.

Photo: Jack Merlin / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

The best time to visit Palamu National Park in Jharkhand, India, is generally from October to March. The place is more comfortable during this time, with little humidity and cooler temperatures, and is ideal for wildlife spotting and exploring the features of the park’s natural beauty.

Other Factors To Consider

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Average Cost Of Trip

The average cost of the trip can range anywhere between ₹3,000 – 5,000 per person, which includes food, stay, and transport. Keeping spare cash in hand is also advisable in cases of unforeseen circumstances.

Tips For Travellers

  • Try to carry cash mostly as ATMs are only available in some places.
  • Book accommodation and safari in advance.
  • Refrain from going near any animal and respect the park’s law.
  • Carry water and consume it while on an expedition.

The Palamu National Park is a fantastic site that is a must-visit for everyone interested in witnessing the beauty of natural India. Those who like to plan can keep track of the timings to ensure they experience the best of the park. The Palamu National Park photos give an essence of its landscape and wildlife, preparing you for the beautiful sights in advance. Plan a trip with TripXL for a hassle-free experience amidst nature’s lap.

Cover Photo: Blake Meyer / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

The park is open daily from 8 AM to 4 PM except Tuesdays.
The entry fee for the wildlife sanctuary is ₹50 for Indians and ₹200 for foreigners.
Some park rules include walking only on the park's laid paths, not littering or feeding the wildlife, and ensuring that getting in and out is done according to the prescribed time. Photography may require a special permit.
Palamu National Park is a reserve that has also been engaging in several conservation programs, specifically about Bengal tigers. The park falls under the Palamu Tiger Reserve, a reserve committed to ensuring the presence of tigers and their homes.
Tourists can indulge in activities such as photography, nature walks and bird watching in the national park.

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