The land of forests, Jharkand, is located in the eastern part of India on one of the oldest land formations in the world. As part of the Chota Nagpur Plateau, the state has 23,605 sq. km (9114 sq. mi) of forest land, which is almost 30% of its total area. Jharkhand’s wildlife sanctuaries are heaven for nature lovers and thrill-seekers worldwide. They are not only filled with elephants and tigers but also beautiful waterfalls. Wildlife safari tours offered here enthral travelers and present them with an opportunity to experience the jungle at its best. Cave paintings here prove the existence of life in Jharkand as early as 5000 BC. Additional attractions include Jagannath Temple in Ranchi built by King Thakur Ani Nath Shahdeo in 1961 along with several Jain temples. For wildlife tourism, there are various options that travelers can explore. Check out our list of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Jharkhand, India.
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1. Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary
Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, an elephant paradise, is only 10 km (6.2 mi) away from the ‘Steel City’ of Jamshedpur. As the largest city in Jharkhand, there are many transport facilities from Jamshedpur that will take you to the wildlife sanctuary in less than 30 minutes. Besides being home to more than 100 elephants, the sanctuary also has many rare and endangered animals and birds that will delight any wildlife enthusiast. It is an ideal spot for trekking and will find favor with adventure seekers and adrenaline junkies too. For the spiritual traveler, a Lord Shiva Temple is located here and attracts a massive number of devotees in February for Shivaratri (a Hindu festival) festivities.
Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: National Highway 33, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand 832401
2. Gautam Budha Wildlife Sanctuary
Gautam Budha Wildlife Sanctuary falls in both Jharkhand and the neighboring state of Bihar. Only 65 kilometers (40 miles) from Gaya Airport in Bihar, it is easily accessible to tourists. The sanctuary derives its name from Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, who received enlightenment in Gaya during the sixth century BC. Spread out over a vast area of 259 sq. km (100 sq. mi), Gautam Budha Wildlife Sanctuary’s flora includes ravine thorn, dry riverine, and moist forests. The safari in this wildlife sanctuary is a combination of driving and short trekking to reach scenic viewpoints for travelers to enjoy the wilderness.
Gautam Budha Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: Sitwa Junrormin, Jharkhand 825410
3. Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated 89 kilometers (55 miles) from Jharkhand’s capital, Ranchi, Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary is very scenic. From Ranchi airport, it is only 108 kilometers (67 miles) away and, hence, reachable from anywhere in the world. Situated 2108 feet above the sea level, it spans an area of 184 sq. km (71 sq. mi). It has many towers that make it easy for travelers to get a bird’s eye view of the wildlife.
Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: Pokharia Rajderwa Raod, Pokharia, Jharkhand 825411
Website: Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 10am - 5pm; Tue: 9am - 8pm
4. Betla National Park
Betla is an acronym for ‘bison, elephant, tiger, and leopard axis.’ Betla National Park is one of the most famous national parks of India. It falls in Jharkhand’s Palamau district, which is 173 kilometers (107.5 miles) away from the state capital, Ranchi. A train run by the Indian Railways departs from Ranchi every day and takes 4 hours and 45 minutes to reach Betla. The flora at this national park includes tropical evergreen forests that have bamboo and sal trees. The best time to visit is during the summer holidays with many safaris available to enjoy this national park to its fullest.
Betla National Park
Address: SH9, Betla, Jharkhand 822111
Website: Betla National Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
5. Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary
As per an Indian Government notification issued in 2019, Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the four areas to fall under the ESZ or eco-sensitive zone in the state. The other three are Koderma, Lawalong, and Palamau wildlife sanctuaries. Comprising dry deciduous forests, Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary is a refuge for elephants, leopards, jackals, and many more majestic animals. It is located 25 kilometers (15.5 miles) away from Gumla district and 92 kilometers (57 miles) southeast of Jharkhand’s capital, Ranchi. You should avoid visiting Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary during the monsoon season, but all other times are suitable to see the magnificent wildlife present here.
Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: Banaidega, Jharkhand 835228
6. Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary
Situated in the scenic Mahuadanr Valley, also known as Chechari Valley, Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary comes under the administration of Palamau Tiger Reserve. Located 186 kilometers (115.5 miles) from Ranchi, it is easily accessible to visitors who want to explore its many hilltops and valleys. Spread across an area of 63 sq. km (24 sq. mi), many rivers like Burha, Aksi, and North Koel (home to Lodh Fall), flow through the sanctuary. The best time to see the dens of wolves here is from October to June, with peak tourist season being the summer holidays.
Mahuadanr Wolf Sanctuary
Address: Orsa, Jharkhand 822119
Opening hours: 8am - 6pm (daily)
7. Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary
Situated on the Chota Nagpur Plateau, Lawalong is 98 km (61 mi) from Gaya and 90 km (56 mi) from Tori Railway Station. Hence it is easily accessible by air, train, and road. Its 211 sq. km (81 sq. mi) terrain has many undulating rivers and streams. Different kinds of forests, including moist, dry, mixed deciduous, dry savannah, and dry tropical riverine can be found here. Bison, tiger, and many beautiful birds live in the sanctuary and the best time to see them is from November to March.
Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: Lawalong, Jharkhand 825404
8. Koderma Wildlife Sanctuary
Koderma Wildlife Sanctuary is an eco-sensitive zone in Jharkhand. Situated in Koderma district, forests make up 41 per cent of the sanctuary’s total area. There are many wild animals and birds in these dense forests. Since it is conveniently located 175 km (109 mi) away from Ranchi, you can easily reach the sanctuary to see its many animals and birds. Wild pigs, bears, peacocks, monkeys and antelopes are some animals that you can spot here. Although the wildlife sanctuary is open throughout the year, it is recommended to avoid visiting it during the monsoon season. The nearest international airport is Birsa Munda Airport in Ranchi, which is 170 km (105 mi) away.
Koderma Wildlife Sanctuary
Address: Sitwa Junrormin, Jharkhand 825410
Check out the beautiful wildlife sanctuaries of Jharkhand
The eastern state of Jharkhand, India, is well-known among tourists for its beautiful waterfalls and Jain temples of Parasnath Hills. The wildlife and nature parks of Jharkhand also entice many local and international tourists. Visit one of the wildlife sanctuaries in the state and admire the amazing native flora and fauna.
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