Welcome to Jharkhand , a land of lush green forests, stunning waterfalls, and rich tribal culture. Often called the “Land of Forests,” this state is a hidden gem in eastern India, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, ancient temples, and thrilling wildlife. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or a spiritual traveler, Jharkhand has something special for you. Here is a guide to some of the most beautiful and unforgettable places you must visit.
1. Ranchi: The City of Waterfalls(Heart of Jharkhand)
The capital city, Ranchi, is famous for its numerous beautiful waterfalls. It’s a great starting point for your Jharkhand journey.
- Hundru Falls: This is one of the most magnificent waterfalls in the state, where the Subarnarekha River falls from a height of 320 feet. The thundering sound and misty spray create a truly magical atmosphere.
- Dassam Falls: Also known as Dassam Ghagh, this waterfall is formed by the Kanchi River. It’s a popular picnic spot and a great place to relax and enjoy nature’s beauty.
- Jonha Falls: Located on the Ranchi-Purulia Highway, this waterfall is also called Gautamdhara. You have to climb down a series of steps to reach the base, but the view is well worth the effort.
- Tagore Hill: For a beautiful view of the sunrise and sunset, head to Tagore Hill. It’s said that Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore spent time here.
2. Jamshedpur: The Steel City
Known as India’s first planned industrial city, Jamshedpur is a mix of urban development and natural charm.
- Jubilee Park: Inspired by Mysore’s Brindavan Gardens, this park is a green oasis in the city. It’s perfect for a leisurely walk, and the lighting in the evening is a sight to behold.
- Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary: Located on the Dalma Hills, this sanctuary is home to a large population of Indian elephants. It’s a great place for a jungle safari and a treat for wildlife enthusiasts.
- Dimna Lake: This serene lake is surrounded by hills and makes for a perfect spot for boating and a quiet picnic.
3. Spiritual and Historical Sites in Jharkhand
Jharkhand is home to some of the most revered and historically significant temples and unique settlements.
- Baidyanath Dham, Deoghar: This temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, making it a very important pilgrimage site for Hindus. Millions of devotees visit every year, especially during the Shravan month. The temple complex has a total of 22 temples.
- Chhinnamastika Temple, Rajrappa: This ancient temple is a revered Shakti Peeth dedicated to Goddess Chhinnamasta. The temple is known for its unique headless deity and a stunning location at the confluence of the Damodar and Bhera rivers.
- Jagannath Temple, Ranchi: Built on a hillock, this temple is a miniature replica of the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. It is known for its annual Rath Yatra festival, which attracts a large number of devotees.
- Deori Temple (Ranchi)
- Location: Tamar, near Ranchi.
- Why it’s famous: This ancient temple is dedicated to Goddess Durga and is known for its unique and powerful 16-armed idol. It’s believed that the temple is over 700 years old. What makes it particularly special is the belief that the Goddess fulfills wishes when worshipped here. It’s also a famous spot, as Indian cricket legend MS Dhoni is known to visit the temple to seek blessings before important events.
- Pahari Mandir (Ranchi)
- Location: On a hillock in Ranchi.
- Why it’s famous: This is one of the oldest and most important temples in Ranchi. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it offers a panoramic view of the entire city from the top. Devotees have to climb a series of steps to reach the temple, and it’s a popular pilgrimage site, especially during the month of Shravan. It also holds historical significance, as it’s said that the British used it as a gallows and jail before India’s independence.
- Surya Mandir (Bundu, Ranchi)
- Location: Bundu, on the Ranchi-Jamshedpur highway.
- Why it’s famous: This temple is a magnificent architectural marvel dedicated to the Sun God (Surya). It is designed in the shape of a giant chariot with 18 wheels, pulled by seven horses. The temple is built from white marble and is a beautiful sight to behold, especially with the reflection in the nearby holy pond. It’s a popular spot for both pilgrims and tourists.
- Basukinath Temple (Dumka)
- Location: Near Dumka, in the Santhal Parganas region.
- Why it’s famous: Basukinath is a very important pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Shiva. It is often visited after the main pilgrimage to Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar, as it is believed that the journey is incomplete without a visit to Basukinath. It has a beautiful, peaceful atmosphere and is a significant part of the famous Kanwar Yatra.
- Harihar Dham (Giridih)
- Location: Giridih district.
- Why it’s famous: This temple is home to one of the largest and tallest Shiva Lingas in the world, standing at an impressive 65 feet. The temple is a major draw for pilgrims and is a testament to the strong spiritual traditions of the region.
4. Netarhat: The Queen of Chotanagpur
Nestled in the Latehar district, Netarhat is a peaceful hill station with pleasant weather and stunning views.
- Magnolia Point: This is a famous viewpoint for watching the most breathtaking sunrise. The view of the valleys and forests from here is simply unforgettable.
- Koel View Point: For another spectacular view of the landscape, including the Koel River, head to this viewpoint.
- Lodh Falls: The Highest Falls in Jharkhand: Located in the Latehar district, the magnificent Lodh Falls, also known as Burhagagh Falls, is the highest waterfall in the state. Dropping from a height of 469 feet, it creates a powerful and majestic sight, especially during the monsoon season.
5. Betla National Park: A Wildlife Adventure
For those who love wildlife and nature, Betla National Park is an unmissable destination.
- Jungle Safari: Go on an exciting safari to spot various animals like tigers, elephants, spotted deer, and more.
- Palamau Fort: Located within the park, these ancient forts tell a story of the region’s history and are a great spot for a trek and photography.
6.Parasnath Hill: The Sacred Peak
Located in the Giridih district, Parasnath Hill is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Jains. Known as Shikharji, it is believed that 20 of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras attained salvation here. The sacred trek to the top of the hill, which is also the highest peak in Jharkhand, is a challenging but spiritually rewarding journey. Along the way, you will find beautiful temples (tonks) dedicated to each Tirthankara.
7. McCluskieganj: The Forgotten Anglo-Indian Homeland
This peaceful and scenic village, located about 65 km from Ranchi, was founded in the 1930s by Anglo-Indian businessman Ernest Timothy McCluskie as a “homeland” for his community. Today, with its old bungalows and a serene atmosphere, it is a quiet retreat often called “Mini-London.”
Conclusion
Jharkhand is a state that truly surprises every traveler with its raw and untouched beauty. From the cascading waterfalls of Ranchi to the spiritual energy of Deoghar and the wild landscapes of Betla, it offers a diverse and enriching travel experience. Explore Jharkhand with DikshaVerse and plan your next trip to this incredible state and discover a side of India you never knew existed.