Medininagar

Daltonganj is the headquarters of Palamu district in the state of Jharkhand in India.

Situated on the banks of the river North Koel, the town is named after Col Dalton, a commissioner of Chota nagpur during the British raj. It is 825 km south east of New Delhi and is accessible by train from Patna, Ranchi, Calcutta and Delhi. The nearest airport is at Ranchi (180 km). Daltongunj is well connected with Ranchi by road.

The famous Palamau National Park, known for its wild life is located nearby. The park is spread over a core area of 250 square kilometers. The area is rich in flora and fauna but also prone to severe droughts. The Palamau National Park was brought under Project Tiger in the year 1973 and is among the original Tiger Reserves of India. Sal and Bamboo are the main vegetation.

World's first tiger-census was done in the Palamau forests in the year 1932. Counting was based on pugmarks. There were around 44 tigers when the last census was done. There are several other wildlife found in the sanctuary - Chital, Chinkara, Common Langur, Dhole (wild dogs), Elephants, Gaur, Hares, Indian porcupine, Nilgai, Monkey, Mouse Deer, Leopard, Pangolin, Panther, Sambar, Sloth Bear, Wild Boar and Wolves. Peafowl, Red Jungle Fowl and Partridges are the common birds found here.

The tourists can drive through dense patches of Sal and Bamboo in the park. A guide and jeep can be hired from the forest department. Watch towers are there to observe the wildlife in relative safety.