About Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary
Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary is a forested wildlife reserve spread over 193 sq km across the Dalma Hills in East Singhbhum and Seraikela-Kharsawan districts, about 10 km from Jamshedpur near Chandil, Jharkhand. Established in 1975, it is best known for its resident Indian elephants and other wildlife including barking deer, sloth bear and leopards. The sanctuary features dry deciduous forests, hills, watchtowers and a Shiva temple on the hilltop.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a dry deciduous forest landscape on the Dalma Hills with winding forest roads, trekking trails, watchtowers and viewpoints overlooking Jamshedpur and Chandil Dam. The sanctuary offers opportunities to spot elephants, deer, wild boar and diverse birds, visit the hilltop Shiva temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and stay at forest rest houses at Makulakocha and Nimdih. Facilities are basic and the terrain is hilly with unpaved paths.
Key highlights
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Resident population of Indian elephants and elephant migration corridor
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Dalma Hills trek to hilltop Shiva temple with panoramic views
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Dry deciduous forest with barking deer, sloth bear, leopards and giant squirrels
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Watchtowers and viewpoints for wildlife viewing and photography
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Forest rest houses at Makulakocha and Nimdih inside the sanctuary
History of Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary
Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1975 and inaugurated in 1976 to protect the elephant population of the Dalma Hills. It was created as an important elephant habitat and corridor between Jharkhand and West Bengal forests and is managed by the Jharkhand Forest Department.
Culture & Context
The sanctuary encompasses Dalma Hills which houses a revered Shiva temple on the hilltop visited by pilgrims, especially during Shivratri. The surrounding region is inhabited by tribal communities including Santhal groups, and the forest holds traditional significance for local communities.
Route
| By air |
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