Scenic waterfalls, gushing rivers, lush green forests, verdant hills and a rich variety of flora and fauna, all come together to make Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, a popular natural retreat for tourists. Nestled in the Chhota Nagpur Plateau, one of the oldest land formations in the world, Ranchi is famed as the abode of a number of indigenous tribes of the country and attracts visitors with its rich cultural heritage. A treasure trove of minerals and natural resources, Ranchi is a bustling metropolis that acts as a gateway to some of the most picturesque regions of the Chhota Nagpur Plateau. The gorgeous Ranchi Hill and Tagore Hill, which surround Ranchi, offer amazing panoramas of the city. The age-old Shiva temple at the Ranchi Hill is one of the most visited spots of the city and devotees need to climb 500 steps to make it to the temple. If you want to witness majestic sunrises and sunsets, head to the Tagore Hill and enjoy a bird's eye view of the entire city. What makes Ranchi a good option for spending a vacation are the city's well-manicured parks with serene walking trails, colourful fountains and rich biodiversity. Places like the Rock Garden and the Nakshatra Van are some of the most interesting spots in the city where tourists can have a truly relaxing time with their loved ones. A delight for shopping lovers, Ranchi is known for its exquisite handicrafts made by the tribal communities of Jharkhand. Its Tussar silk, bamboo and dokra art products make for great takeaways. Even though Ranchi is a commercial hub, it will not disappoint the traveller in you with its tourist-friendly stopovers. Amadubi Village Amadubi Rural Tourism Village is home to talented tribal artists who are known for the traditional Paitkar Scroll Paintings. The village is home to around 54 chitrakar families who are skilled in painting scenes from epics, folklore and village life on scrolls made from leaves and barks of trees. A visit to this artists' hub makes for an enriching experience for tourists as they can directly visit the homes of the artists and choose from a wide selection of attractive Paitkar Scroll Paintings. The artists have been following this age-old traditional art and their skill and finesse are unparalleled. You can buy some amazing paintings to take back home as souvenirs. The village lies in Dhalbhumgarh block of East Singhbhum and is a hub of ethnic artists of Jharkhand. Angrabari (Amreshwar Dham) The scenic village of Khunti near Ranchi is home to the popular Angrabari Temple. The temple complex houses different shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Lord Rama, Lord Ganesha and Lord Hanuman. The most striking feature of the temple is the shivling, which is believed to have originated on its own under a mango tree. The temple draws scores of devotees during the Hindu calendar month of Shravan (July/August). It is a popular custom among devotees to carry water from the Swarnarekha river and offer it to the shivling. The best time to visit the temple is during the Shivaratri festival, which is celebrated with great religious and festive fervour. Khunti lies at a distance of 33 km from Ranchi and a visit to the Angrabari Temple is a must-have experience during a trip to Ranchi. Betla National Park One of the earliest tiger reserves in the country, Betla National Park is home to fauna like panthers, leopards, chital, sloths, wild bear, sambar, mouse deer and langurs. Spread over a hilly terrain of 250 sq km, the park is dotted with pristine waterfalls, natural hot springs and a smattering of monuments. The best way to explore the park is on an elephant ride, which generally starts at 5 am. The park remains open throughout the year but the ideal time to visit is between the months of November and March. Tourists can also visit the museum and library at the Nature Interpretation Centre, which is a storehouse of information about the national park and various flora and fauna. Another unmissable experience is attending the screening of video films and 16mm films that are shown at the park providing tourists with an amazing insight into wildlife. Bokaro Noted for housing the country's largest steel plant, this industrial city makes for the perfect tourist stopover with its scenic parks, hills, dams and important temples. Lying amidst picturesque views of the Parasnath Hills and the nearby Satanpur Hillocks, the steel city attracts visitors with its mango, sheesham, kendu, jackfruit and sal trees. Bokaro lies on the southern bank of the Damodar river and has some great picnic spots. Perched at a height of 1,070 m, Lugu Pahar is the highest peak of Bokaro that offers panoramic views of the city. Start your trip in Bokaro with a visit to the scenic Garga Dam, which is located on the outskirts of the city. Another must-visit stop in Bokaro is City Park, which offers a range of activities for tourists. The well-maintained park houses an artificial lake where tourists can enjoy boat rides with their loved ones while admiring the beauty of the three islands lying within the lake. Take a toy ride in the park or just relax at the guest house and restaurant near the lake. An annual fair known as the Basant Mela is also organised at the park every year during the month of February. Bokaro is located at a distance of 110 km from Ranchi and can be easily reached by road. Deori Temple Located about 60 km from Ranchi, Deori Temple gained immense popularity after Indian cricketer, Mahendra Singh Dhoni, made repeated visits to it to seek Goddess Durga's blessings. Dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries, it stands as a proud reminder of the rich heritage of Jharkhand. The grand architecture of the temple is a visual treat for visitors as its sandstone walls are decorated with intricate bas-reliefs featuring various deities. Locals refer to the temple as Solahbhuji Temple as it houses an idol of the 16-armed Goddess Durga that is said to be 700 years old. The best time to visit the temple is during the festival of Holi during March, which is celebrated with great pomp and show. Gonda Hills And Rock Garden The Rock Garden at Ranchi's Gonda Hills is a popular picnic spot where tourists can indulge in a number of recreational activities like boating, space riding and witnessing a horror show. An ideal place to go with kids, the beautiful park has been carved out of a single rock and offers splendid views of the surrounding Kanke Dam Lake. The park is home to a small hanging bridge and a man-made waterfall, which are its most striking features. The best time to visit the park is during the early morning and evening hours when one gets to witness ethereal sunrises and sunsets from here. The sunset point in the park is its most visited area and makes for a great photography point. The park has a special playground for children, numerous joy rides and a food parlour as well. The most thrilling experience tourists can take in the park is entering the Bhoot Bangla or Horror House, which has been set up under an Egyptian pyramid-like structure. Hazaribagh Best known for the beautiful Hazaribagh Lake, the picturesque town of Hazaribagh is a popular tourist attraction. Surrounded by tall trees, the lake offers visitors a chance to witness unspoilt natural beauty. Boating facility is also available at the lake. Another popular attraction in the town is the Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a wide variety of animal species. Some of the common sightings here include cheetal, sambar, wild boar, nilgai and sloth bear. Hazaribagh is also home to numerous temples and the most visited of them all is the Rajrappa Temple. One of the 51 shaktipeethas (devotional shrines where the severed body parts of Goddess Shakti fell) in India, the temple draws devotees from all parts of the country. The grand and colourful shikhara of the temple is adorned with intricate carvings of various Hindu deities. Hazaribagh lies at a distance of 95 km from Ranchi and enjoys a pleasant climate throughout the year. Hazaribagh National Park This national park is home to a wide variety of animal species. Some of the common sightings here include cheetal, sambar, wild boar, nilgai and sloth bear. Itkhori The historic town of Itkhori is a popular Buddhist centre known for its ancient temples and archaeological sites. Various Buddhist relics dated between 200 BC and 1200 AD have been found here. The most popular attraction in Itkhori is the spectacular Maa Bhadrakali temple complex that dates back to the 9th century. Its statues stand as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the region. The temple adjacent to the Maa Bhadrakali Temple is known for its grand shivling, which is adorned with the carvings of as many as 1,008 shivlings. Another important attraction is an ancient stupa that has 104 images of Bodhisattvas and four principal Buddhas sculpted on its either side. There is also a stone slab that is believed to have the foot impression of the 10th tirthankara of Jainism, Sheetalnath. Legend has it that the aunt of Lord Buddha, who failed in her efforts to distract him from meditation, gave up here. As she lost at this place, it was named 'Itkhori', with 'it' meaning this place and 'khoyi' meaning lost. Jagannath Mandir Located on the outskirts of the city, this temple is one of the most revered sites in the state of Jharkhand. Its architecture looks a lot like the famous Jagannath temple in Odisha's Puri and this expansive white temple can be accessed via a long flight of steps. Since it is located on a hilltop, the climb can be arduous but it is worth getting to the top to get drenched in the spiritual fervour of the place. The scenery from the hilltop is absolutely breathtaking and one can also get a birds eye view of the city of Ranchi. In 1691 AD, the 100-foot-tall temple was constructed by Aninath Shahdeo. On the occasion of Rath Yatra or the Car Festival, lakhs of devotees gather at the temple to see the huge procession of the idol of Lord Jagannath seated on a chariot. McCluskieganj Nestled between lush forests and lofty hills, the scenic town of McCluskieganj exudes colonial charm. Speckled with sprawling old bungalows that were once the home of Anglo-Indian population earlier, the town is drenched with a rich history. Also known as the Little England of India, this town houses beautiful European-style bungalows with high roofs, large balconies and a portico. Tourists can book a stay in these bungalows and experience a truly English style of living. Tourists can also visit quaint churches scattered around the town. The nearby Duli Village also holds some prominent sites and tourists can pay their respects at the religious places here. Though most of the families left the country after World War II, some Anglo-Indians still call the town their home. McCluskieganj lies about 60 km from the city of Ranchi. Netarhat Located about 150 km from Ranchi, Netarhat is popularly known as the queen of Chota Nagpur Plateau. Known for spectacular views of sunrises and sunsets, Netarhat is the highest point of the plateau. The drive to Netarhat is itself an amazing experience as one comes across seven different hills. Tourists can also trek through the lush pine forests of Netarhat that offer a tranquil respite from the daily din of city life. While some locals are of the opinion that the British called it near to the heart or natures heart as the place reminded them of their homeland, others say it was named after 'netur haat' meaning a marketplace for bamboo in local language. Netarhat is home to a number of primitive tribes who, for generations, have been residents here. Panchghagh Falls Located around 55 km from Ranchi, Panchghagh Falls, made of five streams of River Banai, is a scenic and picturesque stopover. Though the water does not fall from a height, the roaring can be heard as one nears it because all the five streams hit the rocks turbulently. The best time to visit the waterfalls is during monsoon and winter season when it falls in all its glory. Head to the watchtower to get beautiful panoramic views of the surrounding area. The five rivulets of the Banai river make five small ponds, which one can see on the way to the waterfalls. It is said that these five ponds were used by the Pandavas of the epic Mahabharata to hide themselves in during the last year of their exile. Ranchi Hill A popular tourist stopover in the city, Ranchi Hill, at a height of 2,140 ft, offers panoramic views of the city. The main attraction is an age-old temple, which is locally known as Pahari Mandir. Devotees reach the temple of 'Pahari Baba' or Lord Shiva, who is worshipped here in the form of a lingam, after walking up a flight of 468 steps. Tourists can also visit the picturesque Ranchi Lake that lies at the base of the hills. Built in 1842 by a British national named Colonel Onsely, the lake is the tourist centre of the city. Tourists can explore its surrounding beauty through boating in the pristine waters. Tourists can picnic along the banks and soak in the peace and serenity. Ranchi Lake Lying at the foothills of the verdant Ranchi Hill, Ranchi Lake is a prominent tourist site in the city. An ideal retreat, it provides visitors boating opportunities, a perfect way to explore the natural beauty of its surroundings. The lake was built in 1842 by a British national, named Colonel Onsely. Tourists can also hike to Ranchi Hill, which houses a Shiva temple. From here, tourists can get a panoramic view of the surrounding scenery. Tourists can also enjoy a picnic on the banks of the lake. The best time to visit the lake is during monsoons, when it looks like a pristine diamond set into a crown of emerald green. Offering a beautifully unique experience, Ranchi Lake is a must-visit spot while visiting the city. Shopping Tribal Crafts The tribal communities of Jharkhand are involved in creating various handicraft items. The city offers a number of options to locals and tourists who want to buy ethnic handicrafts. The Indian Government's Ministry of Tribal Affairs runs a store called Tribes India, which is located in Sainik Market on Ranchi's Mahatama Gandhi main road. The store offers a wide range of products exclusively crafted by local tribals of Jharkhand. The Gandhi Khadi Bhandar located in Ranchi's upper bazaar is also a must-visit store if you wish to shop for genuine handicrafts made by local artisans. The Jharkhand State Co-operative Lac Marketing and Procurement Federation Ltd has also set up a store known as Kusum Emporium, which is one of the best places to shop for tribal artefacts. Tourists can also shop for exquisite tribal jewellery in Ranchi, including necklaces, rings, bangles, bracelets and anklets made in beautiful design and patterns. State Museum Established in 2009 with an aim to preserve and display the centuries-old cultural, historical and archaeological heritage of Jharkhand, the State Museum at Hotwar has seven amazing galleries. The museum was set up on the premises of the Tribal Research Institute in 1974 but was later shifted to Hotwar. The museum also houses a library which has a sitting capacity of 300 people and contains books on a range of subjects like art, culture and archaeology. The Ethnological Gallery of the museum introduces visitors with the tribal lifestyle through life-sized models. From their physical features and houses to costumes and musical instruments used by them, you will come across everything that displays the lifestyle of the tribal communities. The Sculptural Gallery at the museum displays sculptural pieces belonging to the early medieval period. The museum also exhibits a rare collection of pottery artefacts belonging to Harappa and Mohenjodaro civilisations. Tourists can also visit the paintings gallery, which displays collections from renowned artists of the region. Surya Mandir Designed in the form of a large chariot with elaborately decorated 18 wheels and 7 horses in action, the grand Surya Mandir or Sun Temple is a prime attraction around Ranchi and draws devotees in large numbers. Famous for its unique architecture, the temple lies at a distance of 40 km from Ranchi and makes for a great excursion. The temple is known for its sacred pond and it is a popular belief among devotees that taking a dip in the calm and clean water will relieve them from their sins. The best time to visit the temple is during the Chhath Puja festival, when pilgrims from all parts of the state arrive here to worship the Sun God and take a holy dip in the sacred pond. Tagore Hill Standing at a height of 300 ft, Tagore Hill is a prominent tourist stopover that offers surreal views of sunrises and sunsets. The beauty of the hill is such that it is said that Rabindranath Tagore's elder brother, Jyotindranath Tagore, who visited the hill in 1908, was left smitten with the scenery. Soon, he set up his camp home at the hill after which it came to be known as Tagore Hill. Tourists can also visit the Ramkrishna Mission Ashram, located at the base of a hill, which is the centre of Agrarian Vocational Institute and Divyayan. The Tagore Hill can be easily reached from all parts of Ranchi. It is a delight for trekkers and hikers as the hilltop offers a 360 degree view of the city. Tribal Jewellery The tribal groups of Jharkhand wear a variety of jewellery made from bell-metal, brass and other natural materials. The ornaments mostly include necklaces, rings, bangles, bracelets and anklets made in beautiful design and patterns. Most of these ornaments feature motifs of berries, flowers and leaves. The Santhal women of Bihar and Jharkhand wear subtle ear rings, a waist belt called kardhani and bangles known as chudha. Their foreheads are adorned with the attractive tikuli. The tribal communities also use wild grass to design ethnic jewellery items like necklaces. Sometimes, the ornaments are made with Germal Silver that gives them a permanent shine. Tourists can buy a fine selection of tribal jewellery from various stores in Ranchi or try their luck at the bustling street markets. Wooden Crafts Thanks to a rich forest cover, Jharkhand has an abundance of wood, which is used by people of various tribal groups to make household articles. Some of the exquisite items tourists can buy include wall hangings, key hangers, fruit baskets, utensils, candle stands, flower vases, pen stands and toys. The locals also use wood to make windows, doors, boxes and wooden spoons. The intricately carved designs and patterns of the articles represent the rich tribal heritage of Jharkhand that makes them a great choice for home decor. The tribal communities have a great respect for trees, which is why they use only the branches to create artefacts rather than cutting down the entire tree.
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