Jharkhand, Eastern India

Jharkhand, known for its rich mineral resources, dense forests, scenic landscapes, and tribal culture, is an emerging tourist destination in India. The state boasts a wide range of attractions from ancient temples to lush waterfalls and wildlife sanctuaries. Whether you’re interested in nature, adventure, culture, or history, Jharkhand offers something unique for every traveler.

 

1. Ranchi – The Capital City

Tourist Attractions:

    • Ranchi Lake:

      • Entrance Fee: Free.
      • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
      • Highlights: A serene man-made lake surrounded by beautiful hills, perfect for boating and picnics. The surrounding park and gardens add to its tranquility.
      • How to Get There: Located in Ranchi city, easily accessible by taxis, auto-rickshaws, and buses.

    • Jagannath Temple:

      • Entrance Fee: Free.
      • Opening Hours: 5:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
      • Highlights: A famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Jagannath. The architecture and the scenic views from the temple are breathtaking.
      • How to Get There: Located 10 km from the city center, easily accessible by auto-rickshaw or taxi.

    • Rock Garden:

      • Entrance Fee: ₹20 for Indians, ₹50 for foreigners.
      • Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
      • Highlights: A unique garden made entirely of rocks and stones, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. It’s an excellent spot for photography and relaxation.
      • How to Get There: Located near Ranchi Lake, easily accessible by foot or auto-rickshaw.

    • Hundru Falls:

      • Entrance Fee: ₹10 (local area charge).
      • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
      • Highlights: A scenic waterfall located 45 km from Ranchi. The falls are one of the tallest in Jharkhand and are surrounded by lush green forests, perfect for trekking and photography.
      • How to Get There: Accessible by taxi or private vehicle.

    • Tagore Hill:

      • Entrance Fee: Free.
      • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
      • Highlights: A hill offering a panoramic view of Ranchi, named after the great poet Rabindranath Tagore. It’s an ideal spot for watching sunsets.
      • How to Get There: Located around 3 km from Ranchi, accessible by auto-rickshaw.

How to Get Around:

    • Auto-Rickshaws: Commonly used for short distances within Ranchi.
    • Taxis: For more comfortable travel to distant attractions like waterfalls or hill stations.
    • Local Buses: Public buses operate within the city.
    • Private Vehicles: Renting a private car or bike can be a good option for longer trips to remote locations.

Popular Local Food:

    • Litti Chokha: A traditional Bihari dish popular in Jharkhand, consisting of wheat dough balls stuffed with roasted gram flour and served with mashed vegetables.
    • Thekua: A sweet, deep-fried biscuit made from wheat flour, sugar, and coconut.
    • Dal Pitha: A type of dumpling filled with spiced lentils, served with chutneys.
    • Chana Ghugni: A spicy chickpea curry, typically eaten with rice or flatbreads.
    • Chilka: A traditional rice and gram flour pancake, often eaten with chutney or curd.

2. Hazaribagh – Known for its Wildlife and Natural Beauty

Tourist Attractions:

    • Hazaribagh National Park:

      • Entrance Fee: ₹10 for Indians, ₹50 for foreigners.
      • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
      • Highlights: A picturesque wildlife park known for its dense forests, diverse flora and fauna, and scenic landscapes. It’s a popular spot for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.
      • How to Get There: 60 km from Ranchi, accessible by taxi or private vehicle.

    • Kundru Falls:

      • Entrance Fee: Free.
      • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
      • Highlights: A beautiful waterfall nestled in the heart of nature. The falls offer a refreshing sight during the monsoon season.
      • How to Get There: Located around 35 km from Ranchi, accessible by taxi.

    • Hazaribagh Lake:

      • Entrance Fee: Free.
      • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
      • Highlights: A serene lake surrounded by gardens and hills, perfect for boating and relaxation.
      • How to Get There: Located in the town, easily accessible by foot or auto-rickshaw.

How to Get Around:

    • Auto-Rickshaws: Convenient for short distances within Hazaribagh town.
    • Taxis and Private Vehicles: Best for visiting remote attractions like the national park and waterfalls.

3. Jamshedpur – The Industrial Hub with Natural Beauty

Tourist Attractions:

    • Jubilee Park:

      • Entrance Fee: ₹10 for Indians, ₹50 for foreigners.
      • Opening Hours: 5:30 AM – 9:00 PM.
      • Highlights: A well-maintained park that is perfect for evening walks, picnics, and family outings. It also has a beautiful lake for boating.
      • How to Get There: Easily accessible from the city center by auto-rickshaw or taxi.

    • Tata Steel Zoological Park:

      • Entrance Fee: ₹20 for Indians, ₹50 for foreigners.
      • Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
      • Highlights: A popular zoo that houses various species of animals, birds, and reptiles. It’s great for a family visit.
      • How to Get There: Located in the heart of the city, accessible by auto-rickshaw.

    • Dimna Lake:

      • Entrance Fee: ₹10.
      • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
      • Highlights: A peaceful lake surrounded by lush green hills. It’s an ideal spot for boating and nature walks.
      • How to Get There: 13 km from Jamshedpur city center, accessible by taxi or private vehicle.

How to Get Around:

    • Auto-Rickshaws: Ideal for short distances within the city.
    • Taxis: Best for reaching farther attractions like Dimna Lake and the zoological park.
    • Private Vehicles: Renting a car can be useful for more flexibility.

4. Bokaro – The Steel City

Tourist Attractions:

    • Bokaro Steel Plant:

      • Entrance Fee: No entrance fee for the plant area.
      • Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (visits are generally by permission).
      • Highlights: One of the largest steel plants in India, showcasing industrial power. Visitors can get an overview of the operations and the city’s industrial importance.
      • How to Get There: Easily accessible by taxi or private vehicle.

    • Khandoli Lake:

      • Entrance Fee: ₹20.
      • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
      • Highlights: A beautiful lake surrounded by hills, offering boating and fishing opportunities.
      • How to Get There: Located around 15 km from Bokaro city, accessible by taxi.

    • Bokaro Thermal Power Plant:

      • Entrance Fee: Free.
      • Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
      • Highlights: An industrial site with historical significance, showcasing the city’s industrial journey.
      • How to Get There: Accessible by taxi or private vehicle.

5. Palamu – The Land of Nature and Wildlife

Tourist Attractions:

    • Palamu Tiger Reserve:

      • Entrance Fee: ₹50 for Indians, ₹200 for foreigners.
      • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
      • Highlights: A prominent wildlife sanctuary and tiger reserve, known for its diverse wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and several species of birds.
      • How to Get There: Located about 140 km from Ranchi, accessible by taxi or private vehicle.

    • Betla National Park:

      • Entrance Fee: ₹20 for Indians, ₹100 for foreigners.
      • Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
      • Highlights: Known for its dense forests and diverse wildlife, including elephants, tigers, and leopards. A perfect destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
      • How to Get There: 20 km from Daltonganj, accessible by taxi or private vehicle.

How to Get Around:

    • Auto-Rickshaws: Useful for short distances within towns.
    • Private Vehicles: Best for exploring remote nature spots

Nightlife in Jharkhand:

  • Ranchi offers some nightlife options, including bars, pubs, and lounges such as:
    • The Bounty Restaurant & Bar (Happy Hours: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM)
    • The Ranchi Club (Happy Hours: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
  • Jamshedpur and Bokaro also have a few bars and restaurants with live music and events.

Jharkhand offers a wonderful mix of natural beauty, wildlife, adventure, and cultural experiences. Whether you’re trekking in forests, exploring industrial cities, or visiting ancient temples, there’s something for everyone to discover in this beautiful state.