Palamu shot to lame as early as 1932 for its tiger census - the first of its kind in the world. In 1974 it became one of the countrys earliest tiger reserves. Endowed with thick tropical forests and a rich variety of fauna, the core area of the sanctuary has been declared as Betla National park (232 sq. kms.). This park is a great attraction to tourists. The Park, at an average elevation of 1,000 ft. is open throughout the year although February to March are the best months. It is 140 kms from Ranchi.

          Smaller then hazaribaug but with good concentration of wildlife. Large herds of Gaur and Chital are commonly seen. Elephants are present mostly after the monsoons up to the time when water holes begin to dry up in March. Tiger, Panther, Sloth Bear, Wild Bear, Sambhar, Nilgai, Kakar, Mouse Deer are also permanent residents. Large families of langurs are an ever present attraction. Palamu is now one of the nine Tiger Reserves in India under Project Tiger

         It has waterfalls and hot springs too. Once the seat of Chero kings,it has many historical monuments and a fort of 16th century inside the forest. The other rivers which which drain Palamu are Koel and Burha which eventually empties into the famous Sone river. The forest department has made arrangements for providing jeeps for viewing the wildlife here. Betla is easily accessible by road. It is 25 kms from Daltonganj and 140 kms from Ranchi. The nearest airport is Ranchi. For accommodation, one can consider BSTDC's Van Vihar Tel: 06562-86513 or forest department's Rest Houses, besides other tourist lodges, cottages and hotel.

Dhanbad
         The mining town of Dhanbad is internationally famous for its from Jamshedpur. This industrial and commercial town in the Chotanagpur Plateau has the distinction of lying in the heart of India's richest coal - fields at Jharia.

Excursions

         The Collieries, various technical institutions and research centres of high order, attractive neighbourhood and the landscape are the attractions of this industrial city.

Topchanchi Lake
         The Topchanchi lake lies 37 kms from Dhanbad and is almost on N.H.2. It is an artificial lake surrounded by green hills and forests and a wonderful place for picnics and spending quiet holidays .

         JHARIA - In suburb of Dhanbad is a rich colliery centre and has extensive commerce.
SINDRI - 30 kms - Fertiliser and other factories and Bihar Institute of Technology is there.
MAITHON DAM - It is 52 kms from Dhanbad. Maithon can also be translated as 'Mother'-g Abode'. Maithon has the biggest reservoir in the Damodar Valley Corporation. This dam, designed for flood control, has been built on the Barakar river. It has a unique underground power station which is first of its kind in South East Asia. Just a little away from the dam lies an ancient temple at Kalyaneshwari .

         The lake at Maithon is spread over an area of 65 sq. kms. On an island in the lake is a rest house which offers accommodation. Boating and fishing facilities are available. Close by, a deer park and a bird sanctuary have been established.

         PANCHET DAM is constructed on Damodar river,is 22,155 k. long and 134 ft. high. A hydel station has also been constructed against the ground of Panchet Hillin the eastern side of the dam.

HOW TO REACH

Rail : Dhanbad has an important railway station on Eastern Railway and is very well connected with Patna, Calcutta and otherimportant cities of India.

Road : Dhanbad is very well connected by road with important towns of Bihar.

ACCOMMODATION
There are many big and medium class hotels.A Tourist Bungalow is also being run by BSTDC.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Bokaro
         Next door from Dhanbad is Bokaro, located on the southern bank of river Damodar along the Dhanbad- Ranchi Highway is India's biggest steel complex. Bokaro is 47 kms from Dhanbad which is on Delhi- Howrah line. Besides the steel plant other places of interest are Garga Dam, city park, stadium, cooling pond, etc. Hotels and guest houses are available here.

Jamshedpur
         Jamshedpur or Tatanagar, a model town, is well known as the steel city of India. This town with picturesque surroundings, is a major industrial centre of India, with a chain of multiple industries.

         Dalma Sanctuary (193 sq kms) near jamshedpur is the best elephant habitat of Bihar, where the pachyderms love to spend their summer. Unlike Palamu reeling under scorching sun, Dalma continues to be pleasing with temperatures under 30. Gubilee Park, in the heart of the city is a well planned garden like Vrindavan in Mysore.

OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST
Tata Iron and Steel Co.
Tate Locomotive and Engineering Co.
Indian Tube Co.
Tinplate Co. of India
Rivers Meet
Dolwa Hilll Top (Altitude 3,060 ft. 41 kms.

ACCOMMODATION
Good Hotels of Indian and Western style are available here.

HOW TO REACH
Rail : Its railway station is named Tatanagar and is located on Howrah - Mumbai line on South Eastern Railway.

Road: Jamshedpur is very well connected by road with important towns of Bihar.