It’s India’s very own ‘Hamilton’ … a city known for its exquisite falls, lush green hills, picturesque valleys and serene lakes! The erstwhile summer capital of Bihar, today the picturesque Ranchi is better known as the capital of Jharkhand or better still Dhoni’s hometown! ;0)
Located at a height of approx.2100 feet above sea level, and in the midst of the Chotanagpur tribal region, this scenic city derives its name from the word ‘Archi’ which means a Bamboo forest. While waterfalls here are one of the primary attractions, to know about Ranchi beyond its falls, read up!
One of the main attractions of the place is the Tagore Hill named after the famous Bengali Poet, Rabindranath Tagore who is believed to have written several books even parts of the Gitanjali atop this hill. Once here it’s not difficult to understand why the place inspired Tagore! However its breathtaking views is not the only reason why tourists are drawn to this hill, from adventure sports like rock climbing to trekking, one can enjoy it all here, while the Ramkrishna Mission Ashram located at the base of this hill draws its share of visitors.
Around 4 km away from the city is one of Ranchi’s most visited tourist spots, the Gonda Hill an ideal picnic ground known for its massive lake, Kanke dam and Rock Garden. While the lake is known for its beauty the Rock Garden here carved out of rocks of the Gonda Hill and designed after the Rock Garden of Jaipur is said to be second in importance amongst attractions in Ranchi. Attractions at the Rock Garden include sculptures, water bodies, as well as a jhula made of iron rod.
Another hillock here known for its breathtaking views of the city and some spectacular sunsets and sunrises is the Ranchi Hill. Also home to a temple (Pahari Mandir) dedicated to Lord Shiva, this hill is most visited by tourists/pilgrims during the Mahashivaratri festival. At the foot of this hill is the beautiful Ranchi Lake, frequented by tourists for its beauty. Tourists heading to the Pahari temple also take a dip in the Lake before visiting the temple.
Constructed by the king of Barkagarh Jagannathpur Thakur Ani Nath Shahdeo, Jagannathpur Temple located on a small hillock (Jagannathpur Hill) is a major pilgrim site attracting its share of tourists. Similar to the Jagannath Temple of Puri though smaller in size, it is known for the annual fair held here during the time the Rath Yatra is held in Puri, and has thousands of devotes flocking to visit it during that time.
Other temples drawing its share of devotees include the interesting Sun temple for its architecture. Designed like a massive vehicle and drawn by seven horses it is surrounded by a beautiful landscaped lawn that even houses a pond considered sacred by devotees. A dip here is believed to cleanse the soul of sins.
Situated at the confluence of two rivers, the Damodar and the Bhairabi or Bhera is the Rajarappa Mandir dedicated to Goddess Kali or the deity of Chinnamasta. Adding to the beauty is the waterfall at Rajarappa that is located close by. Being considered as one of the 51 Pithas or most holy places of the country, the Temple of Chinnamasta is visited by many tourists visiting Ranchi who can also visit some amazing attractions like the Raj Kund Hot Spring, Tilaiva Dam,Konar Dam, Tiger Reserve Palamau, and Fort of the Chero King Medini Roy close by.
Other temples here known for their beauty and architecture include the Bhawani Shankar Mandir, Dewri Temple, Durga Badi, Parasnath or Shikharjee.
Said to be a blend of mythology, science and environment, the Nakshatra Van is a park designed in such a way that visitors can not only enjoy the natural ambience it provides, but also get to know about celestial bodies, medicinal value and zodiac signs. Located in front of the Jharkhand Raj Bhawan, its attractions include a flower garden, medicinal plants garden, medicinal plants library, a children’s park, central musical fountain, zodiac trees planted in a circle, and an artificial water body complete with a waterfall and bridge where visitors can enjoy boating activities.
Another interesting park is the Birsa Zoological Park or Birsa Jaivik Udyan, a brilliant place to enjoy Ranchi’s wildlife in its own habitat. Home to animals that include lions and tigers, what makes this zoo stand out from many others in the country is the opportunity of being a part of the special animal adoption program this zoo has created in a bid to create awareness of conservation and protect wildlife.
About 23 km from here, near Omanjhi is the Muta Crocodile Breeding Centre that promotes breeding and conservations of these endangered species of crocodiles. Other wildlife must visits here include the Betla National Park, and the Hazaribagh National Park.
The ‘city of falls’, some of the most prominent falls here include the Hundru Falls said to be Ranchi’s most beautiful falls, the Johna falls also known by the name of Gautamdhara, Dassam falls or the Dassam Gagh falls, Hirni falls, and Panchghagh Falls.
Dr. Zakhir Hussain Park, Deer Park, Aqua World or Machli Ghar, Ranchi Science Centre, McCluskiganj, an early European settlement where old European styles houses can still be found and The Ranchi Museum are some attractions tourists can enjoy here.
The dazzling waterfalls, lush greenery, pleasant weather found here make Ranchi a great getaway not just for the people staying around but also for those from other parts of the country!
