Netarhat is a hill station at about 1,100 metres on a forested plateau, often called the 'queen of Chotanagpur'. It is famous for its sunrises and sunsets, seen from points such as Magnolia Point, and for its pine forests. A well-known residential school founded in 1954 stands here. The cool climate is welcome in summer.

Betla National Park, on the Koel River, is one of the oldest tiger reserves in India, part of the Palamu Tiger Reserve set up in 1973. Sal forest and bamboo shelter elephants, gaur, deer, sloth bears and many birds; tigers are rarely seen. Jeep safaris and watchtowers are available. The park is open year-round but best from November to March.

The Palamu Forts are two ruined forts in the forest beside the Auranga River near Betla. The old fort in the plains and the new fort on a hill were built by the Chero kings in the 16th and 17th centuries, and later taken by the Mughals. The carved Nagpuri Gate, high walls and a mosque survive amid the jungle.