[saket77]

Hello BHPians,

Last weekend, I went on a impromptu trip to the Betla forest/ Palamu tiger reserve and Netarhat hills. Betla forest houses the one of the original tiger reserves of the country- The Palamu Tiger Reserve, while Netarhat is popularly called the 'Queen of Chotanagpur Hills'. It makes for nice hill station stay for the weekends. I would like to share my experience and some tips if you are planning for a trip to these places which should come handy.

I, along with a friend, started at about 06:30 in the morning at a leisurely pace as the original plan was to reach Betla first, take a safari inside the jungle and move to Netarhat before evening and stay at Netarhat for the night. The sunset and sunrise are the USPs of Netarhat. Almost the entire route is under heavy naxal influence, hence traveling after sunset is a strict no-no.




The route I took to reach betla was Ranchi-Kuru-Chandwa-Latehar-Betla. About 180 Kms. I reached Betla by around 11:15 AM as my drive included a few halts for breakfast, fuel, etc. There are no tolls in the route but since there was a lot of road widening work going on, the surface left a lot to be desired especially between Ranchi-Chandwa leg. Conditions improved thereafter a little though.

Once I was in Betla National Park (includes the Palamu Tiger Reserve), I booked a Mahindra Commander for the safari inside the Jungle for Rs. 900/- (Rs. 500 for the vehicle, Rs. 100/- for a guide, and Rs. 200/- as entry fee and Rs. 100/- for the Digital camera that I was carrying). Apparently the cost of vehicle remains the same even with more head counts; of course until you fit in the vehicle comfortably.

The Safari was nothing much to write about as we couldn't see anything except a few deers, bisons and swamp deers. It was completed in about an hour by 12:30 PM. There are a few hotels if you plan to stay in Betla which may be booked online. Better to book online as places of stay are not too many and may be completely booked on weekends/ holidays.




I decided to move to Netarhat, about 130 kms from Betla and started my journey through some really dense and remote jungles & ghat roads where not a single human soul was to be seen. If you are traveling through this section, do not expect any facilities/ food/ help in case such situation arises. You are entirely on your own and these jungles are really dense. A few police check posts are on the way and some of these are the ones where you need to get down from your vehicle, open the barrier crossing yourself, cross it, again get down and close the barrier and then move ahead. Probably a security ploy. You get to see the scenic views all along the way though with the Koel river too.

Post 130 kms, Netarhat is a tiny hill station in JH near Chattisgarh border, situated at about 4000 ft. which if reached directly from Ranchi, is about 160 kms. But when reaching out through Betla, it came to around 290 kms.

The original plan of mine was to stay in Netarhat for the night but after reaching there, I found that the only decent place to stay and eat was the property run by JH Tourism which was unfortunately fully booked. I somehow managed to get a below average lunch at a small eatery. I checked out almost every option of staying but either they were all booked due to the weekend or were below par.

Take my advice, if you plan to stay at Netarhat (which ideally you should), pre-book your stay in Hotel Prabhat Vihar run by the JH govt which is the only good place to stay there. Excellent location too. No affiliations!

With a heavy heart, I decided to visit a few sightseeing points and return the same day. Since, I was not with my family, returning through such roads in the night didn't bother me much.

I went to the sunset point, the famous Netarhat residential school and gave a miss to many other places like the waterfalls, Koel view point, etc. (which makes a strong case of visiting the place again)

I started my return journey by 6 PM and reached home by 10:45 PM after a stop for dinner and once for the snack on the way.

Just a word of caution - the road just before Netarhat is a ghat road which is very tricky as the road width keeps changing dramatically, so be very cautious in this section. The trucks for some reason are pretty rash in this section, so expect them in your lane at every blind turn. Probably due to narrow roads. So, honking may be a good practise here.

In all, I would say that Betla is over-rated (purely my view) and I found Netarhat to be a nice place, provided you have your bookings done in advance.

I shall close my post with some pictures of the trip.

I shall surely update the thread if I happen to travel to these places again.

Til then, thanks for going through!

Keep traveling!

Regards,
Saket.

[Wanderers]

Nice little travelogue Saket.
Did you visit Netherhat school as well. Would love to see some of its picture as this was one of first school, which my parent had thought for my admission but I could not clear the entrance examination.

What about the food. Any suggestion for Dabba nearby.

P.S.: I travel through Ranchi on my way to Bokaro.

[hothatchaway]

Its amazing how many such hidden gems exist in our country. I am from the East and while I am aware of the Palamau hills and have heard of Betla at some point, was unaware that a place like Netarhat even existed.


Just checked reviews on a travel website, did you take the Ranchi Gumla road or via Daltonjanj, because apparently the second one, while being breathtaking also passes through some desolate sections.


I wonder how a drive or ride from Kolkata be to this place?! Seems tantalizing!


Thanks for sharing

[saket77]

Originally Posted by Wanderers

Nice little travelogue Saket.
Did you visit Netherhat school as well. Would love to see some of its picture as this was one of first school, which my parent had thought for my admission but I could not clear the entrance examination.

Thanks a lot. Here's the one I could click during my short stay. Not the best of the shots, but still...

Originally Posted by Wanderers

What about the food. Any suggestion for Dabba nearby.

Unfortunately, both staying and fooding options are very very limited. The only good place, as I stated is the Hotel Prabhat Vihar, run by JH tourism. Don't bank on anything else.

Originally Posted by hothatchaway

Its amazing how many such hidden gems exist in our country. I am from the East and while I am aware of the Palamau hills and have heard of Betla at some point, was unaware that a place like Netarhat even existed.
Just checked reviews on a travel website, did you take the Ranchi Gumla road or via Daltonjanj, because apparently the second one, while being breathtaking also passes through some desolate sections.
I wonder how a drive or ride from Kolkata be to this place?! Seems tantalizing!
Thanks for sharing

Thank you! Since I went first to the Betla, I took the route through Daltonganj and I took the Gumla route for return. I took the following route for the entire journey.



In fact, Betla to Netarhat stretch is also quite desolate. I suggest that all this should be done only during the day time.

I saw quite a few WB regd. cars coming for the weekend in Netarhat. Please pre-book in advance, else you shall be disappointed as there is hardly a good place to stay except one.

Regards,
Saket

[Samba]

This is one lovely and crisp travelogue.

We drive 1000,s of miles to search beauty in the interiors of Himalaya but these places are often ignored. So close to our home and we normally miss out on these beautiful spots. Thanks a ton for sharing this travelogue.
I still regret missing the Ranchi trip this year. If you remember i called you for guidance, but due to a viral fever had to give that trip a miss.

I bet these places look majestic, specially in monsoon. The lush green scenery's these places offer are so soothing to our eye's and mind, that it can't be described by words!

Took these pics a couple of years back near Dalma in Jharkhand, during monsoon!




After reading this travelogue, am getting more reasons to visit Ranchi and cover these beautiful spots !

[saket77]

Originally Posted by Samba

We drive 1000,s of miles to search beauty in the interiors of Himalaya but these places are often ignored. So close to our home and we normally miss out on these beautiful spots. Thanks a ton for sharing this travelogue.
I still regret missing the Ranchi trip this year. If you remember i called you for guidance, but due to a viral fever had to give that trip a miss.

I bet these places look majestic, specially in monsoon. The lush green scenery's these places offer are so soothing to our eye's and mind, that it can't be described by words!
After reading this travelogue, am getting more reasons to visit Ranchi and cover these beautiful spots !

Yes Samba Da, I remember us speaking about your trip to Ranchi. Would encourage you to come down here soon.

I would go on to say that I couldn't capture the panoramic views of the high mountains around Netarhat because of my average camera & skills, but I am sure you can do wonders. Netarhat is actually itself at some height and is surrounded by hills all around which actually makes it quite picturesque. More so during sunrise & sunsets, esp during summer months due to the direction of sun.

Waiting to see the place through your camera.

Regards,
Saket.

[sayakc]

Hello Saket,

Hope you are doing well!

I came across this travelogue of yours (redirected from the Parsnath one - again a fantastic travelogue ).
No doubt superbly written and some great photos out there.

There are hardly any article on this region and seeing you have covered it, I have a few questions
1. Safety: How safe is it to visit with family?
2. Are there accommodation options in Betla ? Or do you (if travelling with family) prefer to stay in Daltonganj?
3. How do we book the accommodation at Netarhat?

Best Regards,
Sayak

Originally Posted by saket77

[center]Hello BHPians,

Last weekend, I went on a impromptu trip to the Betla forest/ Palamu tiger reserve and Netarhat hills.

[saket77]

Thank you Sayak! Glad that you liked it.

Coming to your queries:
It is absolutely safe to travel with family. I recently visited both places with my family and my sisters family. Only thing to keep in mind: plan all your movement during the day time.
Regarding accommodation, I would suggest you to stay in Netarhat rather than betla. JH tourism runs a hotel named Prabhat Vihar in Netarhat. Link: https://jharkhandtourism.gov.in/hote...ngDetails/2136
This is a basic hotel- no luxuries.

Sunrise and sunset are the USP of Netarhat, so staying there helps you enjoy it. I would suggest that you start from Ranchi early morning, say by 6 am. Betla is a 4 hour drive. If you like, take a safari inside the forest. Still you would be done by 12 -1 pm at the max. Leave for Netarhat which is approx 100 kms. This route is scenic and goes through dense forests and along the Koel river. But drive during the day. You will reach Netarhat before sunset.

Trust that helps. Shoot more queries if you need more on it.

Regards,
Saket.

Originally Posted by sayakc

Hello Saket,

Hope you are doing well!

I came across this travelogue of yours (redirected from the Parsnath one - again a fantastic travelogue ).

[soumiksett]

Originally Posted by sayakc

There are hardly any article on this region and seeing you have covered it, I have a few questions
1. Safety: How safe is it to visit with family?
2. Are there accommodation options in Betla ? Or do you (if travelling with family) prefer to stay in Daltonganj?
3. How do we book the accommodation at Netarhat?

Dada,

I visited both the places with family in January 2019, with 2 night at each places, total 4 nights. I can say something on your query

1. Both the area are completely safe to visit with family, but you have to restrict yourself at hotels after sunset. No traveling at all after sunset, specially Netarhat-Betla stretch. There is a local market at Netarhat, but in Betla there is nothing.

2. Accommodations : In Netarhat, only standard accommodation is Hotel Prabhat Vihar, (JKTDC), you can book online. In worst cases you can avail Ravi & Sashi Lodge, if necessary, but no other lodge is suitable for family accommodation. Palamou Dak Bunglow, and Netarhat Forest Bunglow is very decent accommodations, if you are influential person.

Netarhat Forest Bunglow



Hotel Prabhat Vihar



Palamau Dak Bunglow



Betla Tourist Lodge



Betla Tree House



We at Netarhat



In Betla there is Hotel Van Vihar (JKTDC), can be booked online. Another good option at Betla is tree house, betla tourist lodge (under palamou tiger reserve) can be booked online.

3. All these accommodations can be booked online.

[sayakc]

Thank you Saket and Soumik - very informative!

Soumik,

Why don't you write an account of your blog. It will be beneficial for many

Summarizing below, please let me know in case of corrections:
1. Accommodation at Netarhat: Hotel Prabhat Vihar --> Which can be booked online. But do you know how can we book either of Palamou Dak Bungalow and Netarhat Forest Bungalow?

2. Palamou Dak Bungalow (in Netarhat) and Palamou Tiger reserve (part of Betla Tiger reserve) share the same name but are in reality hundred miles away from each other. Please confirm.

3. Accommodation at Betla: Which one do you recommend to stay?

Best Regards,
Sayak

Originally Posted by soumiksett

Dada,

I visited both the places with family in January 2019, with 2 night at each places, total 4 nights. I can say something on your query

Originally Posted by saket77

Regarding accommodation, I would suggest you to stay in Netarhat rather than betla. JH tourism runs a hotel named Prabhat Vihar in Netarhat. Link: https://jharkhandtourism.gov.in/hote...ngDetails/2136
This is a basic hotel- no luxuries.

Trust that helps. Shoot more queries if you need more on it.

Regards,
Saket.

[saket77]

Originally Posted by sayakc

1. Accommodation at Netarhat: Hotel Prabhat Vihar --> Which can be booked online. But do you know how can we book either of Palamou Dak Bungalow and Netarhat Forest Bungalow?

2. Palamou Dak Bungalow (in Netarhat) and Palamou Tiger reserve (part of Betla Tiger reserve) share the same name but are in reality hundred miles away from each other. Please confirm.

3. Accommodation at Betla: Which one do you recommend to stay?

1. Yes, Prabhat Vihar in Netarhat can be booked online. For the Forest bunglow, you will need someone in the Govt bureaucracy high up in the ladder who can help; preferably in the forest dept. For Dak Bunglaw, I am not sure but this link may help: https://latehartourism.com/dak-bunglow-netarhat/

2. Yes. That is right.

3. Hotel Van Vihar is JTDC's accomodation in Betla. Check here: https://jharkhandtourism.gov.in/hotelBookingDetails/3

Regards,
Saket

[soumiksett]

Originally Posted by sayakc

Thank you Saket and Soumik - very informative!

Soumik,

Why don't you write an account of your blog. It will be beneficial for many

Summarizing below, please let me know in case of corrections:
1. Accommodation at Netarhat: Hotel Prabhat Vihar --> Which can be booked online. But do you know how can we book either of Palamou Dak Bungalow and Netarhat Forest Bungalow?

2. Palamou Dak Bungalow (in Netarhat) and Palamou Tiger reserve (part of Betla Tiger reserve) share the same name but are in reality hundred miles away from each other. Please confirm.


3. Accommodation at Betla: Which one do you recommend to stay?

Best Regards,
Sayak

1. Palamou Dak Bunglow - Deputy Commissioner, Latehar District Tourism
Netarhat Forest Bunglow - DFO, Lohardaga/Ranchi
But there is the possibility of cancellation of booking if any high officials

visit during your stay, I faced this once.


2. Palamou Dak Bunglow actually called Netarhat Dak Bunglow, but due to

its presence in Palamou district, it can be called Palamou Dak Bunglow.

And Betla is a part of Palamou Tiger Reserve, which is 96 km far from

Netarhat, both are seperate.


3. In Betla, if you prefer to stay beside forest, choose Tree House, you can find deer, birds, other animals sitting in the balcony. But it has poor service, canteen closes at 8 pm, less luxury. Otherwise choose Van Vihar, which is opposite side of the forest, and you can see the road from the hotel. My recommendation is Tree House.

[nihilultra]

Dear Saket

Wonderful Travelogue.

I am planning to Ranchi in the coming days and hence have a few questions for you with an itinerary which you can guide me with.

Day 1: Kolkata to Ranchi via Dassam Falls.
Day 2: Ranchi sightseeing - Bio-diversity Park - Nakshatra Park - Kanke Dam - Rock Garden - Tagore Hill - Dhurwa Dam - Ranchi
Day 3: Ranchi - Sita Falls - Johna Falls - Hundru Falls - Getalsud Dam - Patratu Valley - Ranchi Jagannath Temple - Ranchi
Day 4: Rest Day
Day 5: Ranchi - Deori Temple - Kolkata.

Is the aforesaid a workable Itinerary, or I am missing out a few interesting places?
Since, I will have my family, how safe are these places now? Also, from the perspective Hotel booking, which area would be convenient place to book hotels with Parking?

[saket77]

Originally Posted by nihilultra

Dear Saket

Wonderful Travelogue.

Is the aforesaid a workable Itinerary, or I am missing out a few interesting places?
Since, I will have my family, how safe are these places now? Also, from the perspective Hotel booking, which area would be convenient place to book hotels with Parking?

Thank you for going through. I shall respond in the order:

Day 1: Kolkata to Ranchi via Dassam Falls:
Doable. No problems there if you leave very early.

Day 2: Ranchi sightseeing - Bio-diversity Park - Nakshatra Park - Kanke Dam - Rock Garden - Tagore Hill - Dhurwa Dam - Ranchi

All these places are inside the city. In my opinion, you can drop off Nakshatra Van from your list. Bio-Diversity park & Dhurwa Dam should be done in one leg. Include the Jagannath temple (from day 3) on this day as it is almost on the way. They are not very close to each other but on the same end of the city. Kanke Dam- again nothing special. My opinion is that you may visit the Rock garden from where you can get a near about aerial view of the Kanke dam as well. They are very close to each other. You save much needed time this way.

Tagore hill- you will need to do some climbing stairs. All these places are doable in one day even after discounting some time for lunch.


Day 3: Ranchi - Sita Falls - Johna Falls - Hundru Falls - Getalsud Dam - Patratu Valley - Ranchi Jagannath Temple - Ranchi

Not possible in one day by any means. As stated earlier, go to Jagannath temple on the day you visit the Dhurwa dam. Moving on, Sita falls and Jonha falls are close to each other and about 45-50 kms from Ranchi. You can visit both. Jonha involves a lot of stairs (~500) so that will take some time and energy. If you go to Jonha, you won't be able to go to Hundru- because there is no straight route from Jonha to Hundru and more importantly- hundru again involves alighting around 650 stairs. I don't think after visiting Jonha (~800+ stairs) you and your family will be looking forward to another 1200+ stairs.

Patratu is again on a different route. It will be very difficult to cover it same day. But I strongly advise that you visit Patratu. You will not regret adding an additional day.

Day 4: Rest Day-

You can drive to Patratu on this day (~40 kms) and relax yourself in the park for the day. Won't be taxing on you.

Day 5: Ranchi - Deori Temple - Kolkata.
That is fine.

No problems relating to safety at all- day or night. Just leave the falls before it gets dark.

Regarding hotel booking, you can look at Green acres- near airport- this will be near to Dhurwa. Good place to stay with family away from crowd (& jams); or hotel Ginger in hinoo. Or you can stay in Patratu itself in the lake resort. Will be good place to stay and relax.

Regrds,
Saket