Jharkhand
Jharkhand is a state in eastern India. Jharhkand shares its border with the states of Bihar to the north, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh to the west, Orissa to the south, and West Bengal to the east. The industrial city of Ranchi is its capital. The other major cities and indurstrial centres are Jamshedpur, Bokaro, Giridih, and Dhanbad. Jharkhand is known for its mineral wealth and forestry products together with its excellent human resources.
The demand for a separate Jharkhand state can be traced back to the early 1900s, when Jaipal Singh, an Indian Hockey captain and Olympian, suggested the idea of a separate state consisting of the southern districts of Bihar. The idea did not become a reality, however, until August 2nd, 2000, when the Parliament of India passed the Bihar Reorganisation Bill to create the state of Jharkhand, carving 18 districts out of Bihar to form Jharkhand state on 15th November, 2000. It became the 28th state of India.
Most of the state lies on the Chota Nagpur Plateau, which is the source of the Koel, Damodar, Brahmani, Kharkai, and Subarnarekha rivers, whose upper watersheds lie within Jharkhand. Much of the state is still covered by forest. Forest preserves support populations of tigers and Asian Elephants.
| What to See | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ranchi | Palamau | Chatra | Other Interest Places |
It is the Capital of the State is known for the Tagore Hill, Lamle Da,. Kagammatj Temple which is believed to have been built during the 17th century, and on Ranchi - Hazaribagh road is the War Cemetery.
Ranchi was the center of the Jharkhand movement for a separate state for the tribal regions of South Bihar . As a part of Bihar , it used to be the summer capital from the time of the British Raj because of its cool climate. It is not very far from Rajrappa, another seminal place in the state of Jharkhand.
The city of Ranchi is located on the plateau of Ranchi. Subarnarekha River flows by the side of the city. The city as well as its immediate hinterland is endowed with several scenic spots. Ranchi has a salubrious climate.
Ranchi is well known for its scenic attractions, waterfalls, barren rocks & hillocks. It has a number of Industrial Complexes, which are very important in the Industrial life of the country. While on the one hand beautiful and exciting waterfalls are scattered around this town, on the other hand huge industries are also to be seen there, which do attract visitors. There are many scenic attractions in and around Ranchi that hold tourists for days together. It is also an important place for the study of tribal ways; of life it offers an ideal opportunity to those interested in Anthropology. Bihar Tribal Research Institute and museum is well worth a visit for those seeking to know more about the tribes of Bihar . One can consider some of above all it is the central point of Chotanagpur, which one cannot miss to visit. Due to its good climate, lots of people come here for health sake too. It gets 1530 mm rain annually.
HOW TO REACH
By Air - Ranchi is connected by regular Indian Airlines services with Calcutta, Patna, Mumbai, Lucknow and New Delhi.
By Rail - Ranchi is on the South Eastern Railway and is directly connected with Calcutta, Patna, Rourkela, Delhi etc.
By Road - Ranchi is situated on National Highway No.23 & 33 and there are nets of good roads around it. Ranchi is directly connected by regular bus services with all the main places in the state and also outside the state.
WHEN TO GO
Best Time to Visit Ranchi is September to May.
WHAT TO SEE
Pahari Mandir - One of the popular place of Ranchi. It is situated at an altitude of 2140 feet from the sea level. There is a temple of God Shiva at the top of the hill. The whole city can be seen from there. The trees of various kinds multiply the beauty of the hill particularly in the rainy season. In Shrawan month the people offer JAL to God Shiva in the same way as at Baijnath Dham in Deoghar.
Rock Garden - Rock Garden is the best place to spend holiday. It is situated about 4 km. far from the Albert Akka Chowk. It has tried to resemble its design to the Rock Garden of Jaipur. There is a Jhula, made of Iron rod has only two pole. This has become very popular among teens.
Tagore Hill - It is situated about 3 Km far from Albert Akka Chowk. It is supposed that several books have been written by Ravindra Nath Tagore at the top of the hill. There is a castle on the hill in a rough condition.The views are very pleasant to eyes.
Sun Temple - Sun temple is situated about 39 km. far from Ranchi on Ranchi-Tata road. There is a village near temple called Bhundu. There is a statue of a RATH attached with 18 wheels and 7 horses. This is a very beautiful place to spend holiday with family.
Jagannath Mandir - Jagannath temple had been built by the king of Barkagarh Jagannathpur, Thakur Ani Nath Shahdeo on 25th December 1691. This temple is situated about 10 km. far from Albert Akka Chowk (Firayalal Chowk). It is one of the religious places of ranchi . The holy Jagannath Rath Yatra is also organized here as in Puri, Orrisa. Its architectural design resembles the Jagannath temple of Puri.
Ranchi Lake - It is situated at the heart of the city. It was excavated by Col. Onsely, a British Agent in 1842. The lake has an added attraction of boating for the visitors.
WHERE TO EAT
Ranchi has numeorus eateries offering delicacies from India and world. Recently lots of restaurant's (Capitol Hill, Thai Spice, Masala Bowl etc.) have been offering delicacies from Latin America / Mediterranean regions as well. There are already a huge no. of traditional Indian eateries like Kaveri, Punjab Sweets, Shiv Sagar Chain etc. that are great places for family outings.
TopPalamau is a district of Jharkhand state, India . The district covers an area of 5043 square kilometers. Daltonganj, situated on North Koel River in the districts headquarter. The district is home to the famous Palamau National Park known for its wild life. The park is spread over a core area of 250 square kilometers. The area is rich in flora and fauna but also prone to severe droughts. The Palamau National Park was brought under Project Tiger in the year 1973 and is among the original Tiger Reserves of India. Sal and bamboo are the main vegetation. This forests now forms part of the two Forest Divisions namely project Tiger Division and Daltonganj South Division.
HOW TO REACH
By Air - The nearest airport is Ranchi which is about 180 Km. from Daltonganj and 195 Km. from Betla and Patna airport is about 250Kms. From Betla, tourist head quarter of the Palamu Tiger reserve.
By Rail - The nearest railhead is Daltonganj which is 25 Km. away from Betla, the center of the Forest Zone. Berwadih and Chhipadoher are also rail heads inside the reserve.
By Road - A road traverse from Garu to Banari from were one can go to Ranchi, Gumla ,Neterhat and Palamu.
WHEN TO GO
Best Time to Visit Palamu is February To March.
WHAT TO SEE
Palamu Fort - The old fort is of regular shape, about one mile in circumference. The ground upon which it stands rises in terraces. The four gates are strongly fortified with inner and outer courts and provided with watch towers. The walls are built of stones and concrete, like those at Rohtashgarh and Shergarh.
Kanti Water Fall - It is situated about 23 km far from Latehar in east direction in Amjharia Plateau. This is also very beautiful picnic spot but you have to go on foot about 2 km from the main road.
Tatha River - It is situated about 15 km north-west side of Latehar surrounded by forests and mountains. Vehicles facility is not available due to lack of road. The water of this river remains hot all the year. Its beautiful scenery has not been affected with time.
Palamu Forest - Palamau Tiger Reserve is located in the district of Palamau. It is headed by Divisional Forest Officers under the palamau project Tiger Circle.
Palamau's Betla National Park - It offers a fascinating study of wild life in natural surroundings studded with forests, hills and valleys. The Betla National Park , first established as a sanctuary and later upgraded to its present status, has carved a niche for itself within short span of its life. The national park has a large variety of wild life. The park authorities provide jeep fitted with a search light to the visitors for a fixed fair. As the light falls on the herds of deer, they watch innocently with eyes glowing like green electric bulbs. Scared rabbits and foxes scamper about and the wild boar rustle in the layers.
WHERE TO EAT
There are few good restaurants in the city and you can also try the restaurants at the luxury hotels.
TopThe gateway of Jharkhand particularly of Chotanagpur, has a glorious past having an eminent historical heritage. The land has been the silent spectator of the vicissitudes of the historical unfolding of human drama.
Chatra has been a seat of religious tolerance from time immemorial. It is mainly famous for "Shakti" cult. The noted seat of this cult is to be found in Hunterganj and Itkhori blocks. Some Muslim shrines are located in Pratappur block and Chatra sadar.
The district of Chatra, gateway of Jharkhand (Chotanagpur) is abundant in scenic picnic spots and rich in fountains, water falls and in flora & fauna. The enchanting beauty of its forests has everything that a nature lover would ever want. One can see an infinite variety of wild life and greenery.
How To Reach
By Air - The site selection for aerodrome is presently under process. At present, Chatra is not connected by airway. The nearest aerodrome is Gaya ( International Airport ), Ranchi and Hazaribagh.
By Rail -Chatra can be approached from Gaya Railway station of Bihar. The boundaries of Chatra district on Gaya. Chatra is at Gosaindih about 40 Kms from Chatra.
By Road - The district is well served by a network of good roads and has been called the motorists paradise.
When To Go
Best Time to Visit Chatra is September to May.
WHAT TO SEE
Bhaduli (Bhadrakali) - It is 35 kms. on the East of Chatra and 16 kms. west of Chauparan connected with G.T. Road . It is only half a km. away from Bhdrakali complex of Itkhori block headquarters situated on the bank of river Mahanad (Mahane) surrounded by hill and forest. There is a water reservoir which has a natural beauty of its own. People flock to watch its eternal beauty on ' Bishua' (Kartik Purnima- a festival after Chhath) and enjoy bath & sun bask.
Kauleshwari Devi - On Basant panchami and Ram navmi days, a large number of pilgrims flock to the hill top for worship. Sacrifice of goat in front of the temple is common. The temples and images are now a place of pilgrimage for the Hindus.
Kolhua Hill - Kolhua hill lies about 6 miles south east of Hunterganj. At hunterganj one has to cross the Lilangen River which is now bridged and jeep or walk through the uneven track to the foot of hill. The top of the hill is quite distinctive and is known as "Akash Lochan"(Sky Eye). There are some ancient temples, the most important of which is a temple of ' Kali' known as 'Kauleshwari Devi'
Kunda Cave - The cave is a hollow made at the base of a part of the hill, not so high. The entrance into the cave is very narrow and one cannot get inside without contracting one's body and bending one's head. The small hollows connected with their only passage with this central hall, are completely dark.
Tama Sin - It is an attractive beauty spot of Chatra situated on the north-east at the distance of 26 kms. Tamasin has a break up of 'tamasin' which means 'darkness prevails '. This area is full of mixed forest having high trees making the area dark even in the daylight. Tamasin is mainly famous for a very beautiful waterfall which is awaiting the due love of the tourists.
Goa - It is a beautiful water fall at the distance of 6 kms. on the west of Chatra on way to Maloodah. Up to 4.5 kms. it can be reached by jeep and the rest 1.5 kms. can be tracked on foot. The water falls in the reservoir from the height of 30 ft. On all the three sides there are rocks and in middle there is a reservoir. On each Monday during the month of Shrawan (rains) people flock here in multitudes, take a dip and enjoy jumping in the fall. It is the nearest picnic spot of Chatra District.
WHERE TO EAT
You can try the multi cuisine restaurants at the luxury hotels.
TopHazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary - The Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary is set in a similar ecosystem. Hence, most of the denizens of the wild found in Palamau can also be seen here. Sighting of wild boar, sambar, nilgai, cheetal, and kakar is assured especially near the waterholes at dusk. Tigers being less in number - 14 according to the 1991 census - are difficult to sight. The sanctuary is situated at an average altitude of 1800 feet and stretches over 184 square kilometers of undulating country and steep hills with dense tropical forests and grass meadows.
Netarhat - It is worth driving on a couple of hours through Betla to Netarhat, which is a pretty place at an elevation of 1250 meters. It is renowned for spectacular sunrises and sunsets plus the scenery.
Rajrappa - Rajrappa, 90 km from Hazaribagh town is famous for "Ma Chhina Mastika" temple where River Bhera joins the Damodar from a height of 20 ft. The little waterfall offers boating facilities, which introduces some very spectacular rock formations in this area.
Parasnath - It is the highest hill in Jharkhand, rising to a height of 4,480 ft. The loftiness here is of another order. According to Jain tradition, no less than 20 out of 24 tirthankaras or saints (including Parsvanatha) are believed to have attained salvation in the Sammeta shikhar or the Parasnath hills. The hill seems to have been an abode of Jains. Parsvanatha, the 23rd tirthankar was very popular among the tribal population of Chotanagpur. Both the Swetambara and Digambara Jains have many beautiful temples here on the hills.
Deoghar - Deoghar or Baidyanathdham is the most important Hindu pilgrimage site for the people of Jharkhand as well as Bihar . Lakhs of pilgrims visit this place on foot traveling for around 100 km during the month of Shravan to pay their reverence to Lord Shiva.
Top| North India | East India | West India | South India | Central India | North East India |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jammu & Kashmir | Bihar | Rajasthan | Andhra Pradesh | Madhya Pradesh | Assam |
| Himachal Pradesh | Orissa | Gujarat | Karnataka | Chhattisgarh | Sikkim |
| Punjab | Jharkhand | Goa | Kerala | Nagaland | |
| Uttarakhand | West Bengal | Maharashtra | Tamil Nadu | Meghalaya | |
| Uttar Pradesh | Manipur | ||||
| Haryana | Mizoram | ||||
| Tripura | |||||
| Arunachal Pradesh |
| Union Territories of India | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Chandigarh | Dadra and Nagar | Daman and Diu |
| Lakshadweep | Delhi | Pondicherry | |