Located just 10 km from Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary is often called a “paradise for elephants.” Established in 1975 and covering roughly 193 $km^2$ on the Chota Nagpur Plateau, it offers a rugged, hilly landscape that serves as a vital corridor for Indian elephants.

Key Features

• The Landscape: The sanctuary is centered around the Dalma Hills, which rise to nearly 915m (3,000 ft) above sea level. The terrain is a mix of dense forests, deep valleys, and perennial streams that feed into the Subarnarekha River.

• Vegetation: It primarily consists of Dry Peninsular Sal and Northern Dry Mixed Deciduous forests. You’ll find a wealth of medicinal plants like Sarpgandha and Satawari, alongside majestic trees like Sal, Mahua, and Semal.

• Religious Significance: The name “Dalma” comes from Dalma Mai, a local goddess. A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Dalma Mai sits at the hilltop, attracting both pilgrims and trekkers.