Ranchi -Tourism

Ranchi, situated about 338 km. from Patna was the former summer capital of Bihar. It was originally a tribal country with vast parts of forest lands. Today, Ranchi is the capital of Jharkhand. Ranchi is a large and beautiful hill resort and the countryside around it boasts of beautiful waterfalls. Ranchi is located on the higher ground in the heart of the Chotanagpur plateau and located close to the beautiful waterfalls and lakes. Today, Ranchi has grown as a famous industrial town and Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd. Company is also located here. Ranchi is also a major educational centre in south Bihar. Hindi, Nagpuri, Oraon, Mundari and Kurmali are the main languages which are spoken in Ranchi.

History of Ranchi- In ancient times, the tract which corresponds to the district of Ranchi and the neighbouring areas was located in the undisturbed possession of Munda and Oraon tribes and was known to Aryans as Jharkhand or the 'forest territory'. The area was also part of the Magadh Empire during the reign of Ashoka. Jarasandh, the mighty emperor of Rajgriha in the Mahabharat period and Mahapadmanand Agrasen of Magadh, also exercised some control over Jharkhand. Earlier, Ranchi was also known as Lohardaga. This district came into existence after the creation of the south-west frontier as a result of the Kol rising in 1831-32. The name of the district was changed in 1899 from Lohardaga to Ranchi after the name of a small village now comprised within the headquarters.

Geography of Ranchi- Subarnarekha, South Koel and Sankh are the three main rivers that flows in Jharkhand. The Subarnarekha river originates near Ratu. It flows in an easterly direction until it descends at Hundru fall, then it enters into the Singhbhum District. The South Koel river rises near Mandar and flows in a north weterly direction for some distance. Then, it turns towards the south near Lohardaga and flows across the Singhbhum District. The Sankh river rises in the north western part of the district near the Rajadera plateau. The entire district of Ranchi is covered by red soil except for a small portion in the south east which contains red and black soil. The forests cover a considerable portion of the district. Sal is the main type of tree which is found in this district. The trees found along with Sal are Gamhar, Asan, Kend, Simul and Mahua.

Tourist Attractions in Ranchi- The main tourist attractions in Ranchi are Hundru Falls, Jonha Falls, Dassam Falls, Ranchi Hill, Sun Temple, Jagannathpur, Netrahat, Gonda Hill and Rock Garden and Tagore Hill.

Hundru Falls- Hundru Falls are situated about 40 km. north-east of Ranchi. Hundru Falls are one of the highest and picturesque waterfalls in Asia. These falls are formed by the 100 m drop of the Subarnarekha river and is very impressive just after the monsoons. There is a magnificent view of the river from top of the Falls. The pools at the bottom of the falls are favourite picnic and bathing spots.

Jonha Falls- Jonha Falls, also known as Gautamdhara is situated around 40 kms from Ranchi. These falls can be admired by descending around 500 steps. There is a tourist rest house which contains the Lord Buddha temple.

Dassam Falls- Dassam Falls is situated about 34 kms from Ranchi on Ranchi-Tata Road near Taimara village. Here, the Kachni river falls from an altitude of 144 feet. It is also known as Dassam Gagh.

Sun Temple- The Sun Temple is situated about 40 kms. from Ranchi on the Ranchi Tata Road. This temple was built by Sanskriti Vihar headed by Sitaram Maroo. It is built in the form of a chariot with 18 wheels drawn by 7 white horses. It is surrounded by a pond which is used by devotees during Chhath Puja for worshipping of Sun.

Jagannathpur- The Jagannathpur village is situated about 10 km. south-west of Ranchi. The Jagannath Temple in the village of Jagannathpur is a miniature replica of the Jagannath temple at Puri in Orissa. This temple was built in 1691. Rath Yatra, the car festival is celebrated here with great enthusiasm, but not like Puri. 

Netrahat- Netrahat is the famous tourist spot in the Ranchi. Netrahat is located about 160 km. west of Ranchi and the visitors who have plenty of time can visit this place. The place itself and the road leading to Netrahat are surrounded by dense forests.

Ranchi Hill- Ranchi Hill is situated at the centre of the town. It is a bare black land outcropping in the midst of a flat land. The Shiva Temple, also known as Pahari Mandir is located on the top of the hill. An artificial Ranchi lake is situated at the foothills of the hill and flanked by two temples and a pillared bathing ghat.

Gonda Hill and Rock Garden- Gonda Hill and Rock Garden is situated about 4 kms from Ranchi on Ranchi Kanke Road. The rock garden is carved out of the rocks of Gonda Hill. At the base of the Hill is Kanke dam. The Rock Garden is a picturesque picnic spot.

Tagore Hill- The Morhabadi Hill, also known as the Tagore Hill is an important tourist spot. The elder brother of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore has built a house (Shantidham) on the hill. At the bottom of the hill is Ramakrishna Mission Ashram.

How To Reach Here

By Air- Ranchi has directly connected by air with Patna, Calcutta, Delhi and Lucknow.

By Rail- Ranchi has direct rail connection with Calcutta, Patna and various other cities. 

By Road- Ranchi is also directly connected by road to Calcutta, Gaya, Patna, Rajgir, Nalanda and Bodh Gaya.