Introduction
Palamau Tiger Reserve was established in 1974 as one of the first 9 tiger
reserves under India's acclaimed Project Tiger. It is located in the newly-created
eastern Indian state of Jharkhand.
Spread over 1,026 sq km of prime
wilderness, the tiger reserve is famous for its magnificent wildlife and
scenic,
undulating terrain.
The
tiger reserve encompasses the Betla National Park (226 sq km), which
constitutes the core area of the reserve, and the Palamau Sanctuary (980
sq km).
The main attractions of Palamau are the tiger,
elephant, gaur, leopard, wild dog and sambar.
Palamau is also steeped in history. The area played a major
role during the 1857 War of Independence. The ruins of two ancient forts
built by the Chero kings can be found within the tiger reserve.
Palamau forests protect the catchment areas of three important rivers --
the North Koel, Auranga
and Burha.
About
100,000 people living in some 200 villages are economically dependent on
the
tiger reserve. The
beautiful valleys, forests and hills, as well as the magnificent wildlife,
endow this wilderness area with immense tourist potential.