Ranchi, Jharkhand – The city of hills, waterfalls and forests

The term Ranchi has been derived from a local word “Archi,” which means bamboo forest.  It is a quaint destination resting in the Chota Nagpur Plateau and surrounded by different beauties of nature like hills, waterfalls and forests. It is also endowed with various religious destinations. It is shrouded with emerald hilly areas, barren rocks and lush green valleys. Ranchi is also called the ‘city of waterfalls’ for you will find a number of gushing fountains from here. From here you can visit the nearby destinations like Hundru Falls, Jonha Falls and Dasham Falls. Ranchi is the present capital of Jharkhand state in India

Places to see in Ranchi: Nature has bestowed Ranchi with endless natural beauty. A number of tourist attractions furnish the place. The Rock Garden, located near the Albert Ekka Chowk is a must visit for all tourists in Ranchi. Spend some quality time in utter desolation at the top of Tagore Hill, named after the Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. Visit the Divyayan and Agararian Vocational Institute and the Ramakrishna Mission Ashram nestled at the foot of the Tagore hill. You will truly admire the majestic sight of the Kanke Dam in Ranchi nestled at the foothills of the Gonda Hills. The serene atmosphere, unpolluted air, secluded ambience and pleasant weather makes this lake a favorite spot for tourists yearning for seclusion and relaxation.

The religious minded tourists can visit the temple of Lord Shiva, locally known as Pahari Mandir, located at the top of Ranchi hill, boasting an altitude of 2140 feet from sea level. You can savour an enchanting view of the entire Ranchi city from the temple premises. At the base of this colossal Ranchi hill, you will also find a pristine lake. You will be amazed to find that the Jagannath Temple of Ranchi features the same architectural style of the renowned Puri Jagannath temple. Tourists are mainly attracted to this temple during the festival of Rath Yatra, celebrated with much vigour and pomp. The Deer Park of Ranchi is also a central tourist attraction, which is home to hundreds of different species of deer. The park is decorated with splendid gardens, parks for children and well laid pathways. You will truly enjoy the park safari at the location.

Nearby attractions of Ranchi: Numerous waterfalls are located near Ranchi, the most popular being Hundru Falls, Jonha Falls, Dasham Falls, Hirni and Panchghagh Falls. River Subarnarekha features many waterfalls on its course among which Hundru Falls is the most admirable, falling from a towering height of 320 feet. Hundru Falls makes a scenic landscape and is a favourite picnic and resting spot of tourists in summer. The picturesque Jonha Falls formed by Kanchi River is popularly known as Gautam Dhara named after Gautam Buddha. Other nearby waterfalls includes Dassam falls and Sita falls. However, you need to step down around 500 steps to admire the natural splendour of the Johna Falls. The marvellous sight of the Panchgagh waterfall comprised five waterfalls cascading in a row offer ultimate visual pleasure.

Tourists can also make a tour to Birsa Zoological Garden, located near Ormanjhi on the Ranchi-Patna National highway, close to Ranchi. This eco friendly tourist spot is a safe retreat of several wild life including tigers, lions, monkey and deer.

Angrabadi temple complex, placed amidst a calm and tranquil atmosphere is a legendary temple complex in Khunti, located nearby Ranchi. Tourists visit this temple to uplift their spirituality by offering prayers to Lord Shiva, Ram-Sita and Hanuman.

Things to do in Ranchi: Boating in the Ranchi Lake or in the pool made by the Hudru falls is a real wonderful experience. You can also organize picnic near the Kanke dam or the Hudru falls. Enjoy a park safari at the Deer Park. Visit the fair organized near the Jonha Falls on every Tuesday and Saturday. If you are adventurous, experience the challenging hilly safaris. Above all, savour the eternal beauty of this exotic location.

Best time to visit Ranchi: Ranchi welcomes tourist all throughout the year. However, you can avoid the peak summer season.

How to go ?

Ranchi airport is situated at Hinoo, nearly 7 km from the city centre. The closest international airport is at Kolkata, located 400 km from Ranchi. Ranchi railhead is well linked with all important rail routes of the country, the nearest station being located at Hatia. Ranchi is well connected with bus routes from Bokaro, Chaibasa, Dhanbad, Patna and Jamshedpur.

Where to stay ?

A number of hotels, lodges and guest houses are found in Ranchi suitable to all budgets. The accommodation also arranges for decent dining facility. Few options are:

Radisson Blu Hotel: (91) (651) 6602222, 800 180 0333, 800 616 1263 (Toll-free) Website: www.radissonblu.com
Hotel Ranchi Ashok: (91) (651) 2480759-765 Website: www.hotelranchiashok.com
Capitol Residency: (91) (651) 6607777 Website:www.capitolhotels.in
The Pinnacle Hotel: (91) (651) – 2212348, 2212384, (91) (651) 2212348 Website:www.hotelthepinnacle.com

Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.