Palamu Tiger Reserve, located in Jharkhand, India, spans 1,026 square kilometers and was established in 1974 as part of Project Tiger. It encompasses Betla National Park and features diverse landscapes of tropical dry deciduous forests, hills, and rivers. Dominant tree species include Sal, Mahua, and Palash. The reserve is home to Bengal tigers, leopards, and Indian wild dogs, with herbivores like elephants, gaur, and deer providing a substantial prey base. Birdwatchers can find peafowl, hornbills, and various eagles. Reptiles such as the Indian rock python and cobras are also present. The reserve faces challenges like poaching and habitat degradation, but ongoing conservation efforts aim to protect its rich biodiversity and support local communities.
Jharkhand, North India
Gypsy / Jeep, Canter / Bus, Other (Elephant, Boat)
Barwadih Junction, Daltonganj
Morning, Evening
Birsa Munda Airport, Gaya Airport
Tiger, Elephant, Leopard, Grey wolf, Wild dog, Gaur, Sloth bear
1,500 - 2,000 Average Safari Price *
July, August, September
1,500 - 2,000 Average Safari Price
Safari Price depends on operators and services and may exceed the average price shown
Currently Closed
Core Zone Open
Buffer Zone Open
Palamu Tiger Reserve, situated in the Latehar and Garhwa districts of Jharkhand, India, covers an area of 1,026 square kilometers. Established in 1974, it is one of the first nine tiger reserves created under Project Tiger, a conservation program aimed at protecting Bengal tigers and their habitats. The reserve is part of the Betla National Park and features a diverse landscape of forests, hills, and rivers.
The reserve's history dates back to the 17th century when it was a hunting ground for local rulers. Over time, the need for conservation became apparent, leading to its designation as a tiger reserve. Palamu is also historically significant due to the presence of ancient fort ruins within its boundaries, adding a cultural dimension to its natural beauty.
Tourism in Palamu Tiger Reserve is managed to minimize environmental impact while providing educational and recreational opportunities. Visitors can explore the reserve through guided jeep safaris, which offer a chance to see the area's rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes. The reserve also has watchtowers and designated viewpoints for observing wildlife.
The reserve faces challenges such as poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and habitat degradation. Conservation efforts focus on mitigating these issues through anti-poaching measures, community involvement, and habitat restoration projects. The reserve also works to foster coexistence between local communities and wildlife, promoting sustainable livelihoods that support conservation goals.
Overall, Palamu Tiger Reserve plays a vital role in protecting wildlife and habitats in Jharkhand, contributing to the broader objectives of biodiversity conservation and environmental education.
The reserve's vegetation is primarily composed of tropical dry deciduous forests, interspersed with patches of dry thorn forests and bamboo groves. Sal trees (Shorea robusta) dominate the landscape, accompanied by species such as Terminalia, Anogeissus, Boswellia, and Madhuca. The undergrowth includes a variety of grasses, shrubs, and medicinal plants. During the monsoon season, the forest floor comes alive with a burst of greenery and wildflowers, enhancing the reserve's biodiversity.
Palamau Tiger Reserve is renowned for its population of Bengal tigers, making it a crucial area for tiger conservation. Other significant mammals include Indian leopards, elephants, gaur (Indian bison), and sloth bears. The reserve also supports a variety of deer species, such as chital (spotted deer), sambar, and barking deer, along with smaller mammals like langurs, rhesus macaques, and Indian wild boars.
Birdwatchers can spot numerous avian species, including peafowl, red junglefowl, various species of eagles, hornbills, and owls. The diversity of birdlife is a testament to the rich habitats provided by the reserve's varied ecosystems.
Reptiles such as pythons, cobras, and various species of lizards and amphibians also inhabit the reserve. The presence of rivers and water bodies within the reserve adds an aquatic dimension, supporting fish and other aquatic organisms.
By Road
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