Betla National Park’s Open Safari a Big Hit: Boosts Tourism and Local Economy

Since the launch of the new jungle safari service on October 5, Betla National Park in Jharkhand has witnessed a significant surge in wildlife tourism. Over 5,192 domestic and international visitors have explored the park, giving a boost to tourism and creating livelihood opportunities for the local community.

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Latehar, Jharkhand: The recently inaugurated jungle safari service at Betla National Park, which began on October 5, has brought a remarkable increase in wildlife tourism. According to P.K. Jena, Deputy Director of Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR), 3,640 tourists visited the park in October, including 3,637 Indians and 3 foreign visitors. By November 17, an additional 1,552 visitors—comprising 1,547 Indians and 5 foreigners—had toured the park, bringing the total to 5,192.

Safari Capacity Expansion Plans

P.K. Jena described this surge in visitor numbers as a positive sign for the state’s tourism sector, which is also benefitting local communities around the park. Initially, the safari service started with 27 vehicles. Due to growing demand, the PTR authorities are considering adding 15–20 more vehicles to accommodate more tourists and enhance their experience.

Additional Attractions

The open safari, long-awaited by wildlife enthusiasts, has added a new dimension to the park’s offerings. Visitors not only enjoy safaris but can also explore other attractions such as Suga Bandh Waterfall, Ghaghri Falls, and the Kamaldah waterbody, which attracts both local and migratory birds.

Restoration work on access routes and conservation efforts for the old and new Palamu forts have further enhanced the visitor experience. PTR remains one of India’s earliest tiger reserves and a popular destination for wildlife lovers from Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and neighboring states.

Conclusion

With the rising popularity of open safaris and ongoing infrastructure improvements, Betla National Park is fast establishing itself as a key wildlife tourism hub in eastern India, benefiting both the local economy and conservation efforts.