BETLA
Located about 170 km from Ranchi, Betla is a শান্ত (shanto – serene) tribal village in the Palamau district of Jharkhand, surrounded by lush সবুজ বন (shobuj bon – green forests), hills, valleys, and waterfalls. It is the main tourism hub of the famous Palamu Tiger Reserve. Here, graceful চিতল হরিণ (chital horin – spotted deer) and mighty bison roam freely across the ঘাসের মাঠ (ghasher math – grasslands). One of the highlights for tourists is the elephant safari – where মহুত (mahout – elephant rider) leads visitors deep into the jungle, offering a thrilling chance to watch wild elephants and other animals up close. A baby elephant named Rakhi, who once got separated from her herd, has now become a special attraction for tourists. For adventure seekers, the guided jeep safaris in Betla National Park are truly unforgettable, giving a chance to spot wildlife and exotic birds. The sanctuary also has five watchtowers, providing perfect unobstructed views of the animals in their natural habitat – making Betla a paradise for nature and wildlife lovers.
ATTRACTIONS
Palamau forts
The Palamu Forts (Hindi: पलामु किला) are two historic ruins located about 75 km south-west of Latehar in Jharkhand, surrounded by পাহাড় (pahar – mountains), dense বন (bon – forests), and the flowing Auranga River. Hidden deep inside the jungles of Betla, near the famous Betla National Park, these forts stand as silent witnesses to a glorious past. There are two large forts – one built on the plains and the other on an adjoining hill – both attributed to the ভানবংশী (Vanvanshi) kings of the Chero dynasty. The fort in the plains was designed with defences on three sides and had three majestic gateways. The magnificent structure is said to have been built by Raja Medini Ray, reflecting the blend of royal grandeur and strategic strength of that era. Today, the Palamu Forts remain a fascinating গন্তব্য (gontobbo – destination) for history lovers, explorers, and those seeking to experience Jharkhand’s hidden heritage.
Kamaldah lake
Kamaldah Lake, located about 35 km from Daltonganj, is a serene মানবরচিত (manobrochit – artificial) lake built during the reign of Raja Medini Rai. Its name comes from the beautiful পদ্মফুল (padma phool – lotus flowers) that bloom gracefully on its waters. The lake is closely connected with the wilderness of the Palamau Tiger Reserve – where majestic হাতির পাল (hatir pal – herds of elephants) are often seen bathing and playing in its cool waters. During the শীতকাল (sheetkal – winter season), Kamaldah Lake turns into a birdwatcher’s paradise as Siberian migratory birds arrive, adding life and color to the tranquil দৃশ্য (drishyo – view). This blend of history, nature, and wildlife makes Kamaldah Lake a unique and unforgettable গন্তব্য (gontobbo – destination) for travelers.
Kechki Sangam
Around 17 km from Daltonganj lies the picturesque মিলনস্থল (milonsthal – confluence) of the Koel and Auranga rivers. This serene spot, embraced by nature, offers a calm and refreshing ambiance for visitors. For those wishing to stay longer, a divisional বন বাংলো (bon banglo – forest rest house) is available, allowing tourists to soak in the beauty of the surroundings. The enchanting দৃশ্য (drishyo – view) of two rivers meeting, along with the lush greenery, makes it a perfect পিকনিক গন্তব্য (picnic gontobbo – picnic destination) for families, friends, and nature lovers.