Places to Visit in Jharkhand

Named after the great poet Rabindranath Tagore, Tagore Hill is the perfect spot to admire the city from. It is said that Tagore used to frequently visit these hills in order to enjoy the solitude and write his books. Situated at a height of about 300 feet, it is famous for adventure sports like rock climbing and trekking. As it is located away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it is an ideal spot for family picnics as well.

Visitors have to climb around 200-250 stairs in order to reach the top.  Once you reach the top, the view of the distant mountains is unrivaled. Visitors can also enjoy a bird’s eye view of Ranchi from the top of the hill. The lush greenery surrounding the hill also adds to its beauty. Not to mention, the breathtaking sunsets that can be enjoyed from up there. At the base of the hills is the famous Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, along with the Agrarian Vocational Institute and a center for Divyayan.

Location: Near Albert Ekka Chowk, 4 km towards the north of Ranchi.

Best Time to Visit: Winter months of October to February, when the weather is pleasant.
It is recommended that you visit early in the morning or late in the evening in order to enjoy the sunrise and sunset respectively.

A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, this scenic place of worship stands at an altitude of 2140 feet. Even though devotees have to climb around 300 steps to reach the temple, the breathtaking view of the entire city makes the climb absolutely worth it. Hundreds of devotees flock to this hilltop temple every year, especially around the time of Shravan, which typically falls between the months of July and August.

It is widely believed by the devotees that Pahari Mandir has the power to fulfill their wishes. At the foot of the hill is the Ranchi lake which hosts a ghat where visitors can cleanse themselves before they climb the steps towards the Pahari temple.

Location: Near Ratu Road, 8 km from Ranchi Railway Station.

Timing: 4:30 am to 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Best Time to Visit: July-August.

Located right next to the famous Rock Garden, Kanke dam is one of the best places to visit in Ranchi. Whether it is an outing with friends or a couple’s getaway you are looking for, Kanke dam has got you covered. With crystal water surrounded by sprawling hills, it is truly the ideal place to unwind after a long day at work. Take a boat ride along the calm waters as you enjoy the beauty of the setting sun. Boating is open to visitors from 9 am to 5 pm, every day.

If you prefer to admire its beauty from the safety of the land, you can enjoy a picnic with a striking view of the water. If you are lucky, you might even be treated with a glimpse of the occasional bird catching a fish. The dam is quite a popular spot for bird watching. While you are there, don’t forget to indulge in the delicious local cuisine served near the dam. The foodie in you will thank you for it!

Location: Gonda foothills, 7 km from Ranchi Railway Station.

Timing: 8 am to 8 pm.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning and late evening, so that one can enjoy the sunrise and sunset respectively.

One of the most popular historic landmarks of the city, this hilltop temple is definitely worth a visit. Its origins can be traced back to 1691. The temple is beautifully decorated with intricate carvings and colorful stones, forming a small replica of the famous Jagannath temple in Puri. Unlike most temples in India where idols are made of clay or stone, the idol of Lord Jagannath in the Ranchi Jagannath temple is made of wood, making it one of a kind.

Once you climb to the top, you will be treated with a view to remember. Even though the temple attracts devotees all year round, it sees huge crowds during the festival of Rath Yatra,  which is the only occasion where the idols are taken out of the shrine.

Location: 10 km from Albert Ekka.

Timing: 5:00 am to 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Best time to visit: June-July.

Built entirely from the rocks of Gonda Hill, Ranchi’s Rock garden is complete in itself with waterfalls, sculptures, art and unrivaled views. Located on a small hill by the Kanke Dam, it is an impressive place to relax during your free time. Surrounded by lush greenery, the view from the garden is striking.  Do not miss out on the sunset that will surely leave you wanting for more! The small statues and sculpture scattered liberally across the Rock Garden also adds to its beauty.

The main attraction, however, is the uniquely constructed iron footbridge which is supported only by two poles, a true example of architectural brilliance.If you are looking for some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the city, grab a book and spend a few hours amidst the greenery here. If you are interested in knowing more about its history, you can even hire a guide who will take you through the garden.

Location: Kanke Road, 4 km from Albert Akka Chowk.

Price: Nominal entrance fee.

Timing: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Best time to visit: Evenings.

Built in the memory of Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu, this park is located just a few kilometers from the Ranchi railway station. Both Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu were leaders of the Santhal rebellion that started in the 1850s with the aim of fighting against both the British colonial authority and the zamindar system. Located right in the heart of the city, this park offers a breath of fresh air amidst the usual hustle and bustle.

Location: Morhabadi, 3 km from Ranchi Railway Station.

Timing: 9:30 am to 6:pm.

Forty kilometres away from Ranchi is the breath-taking Patratu Valley, with its lush greenery, mesmerising views and misty mountains. Visitors can see the Patratu Dam on one side and an expansive green belt on the other.  Almost as beautiful as the valley is the drive to this picturesque destination, where one can catch glimpses of the sparkling water and winding roads. Another attraction is the Patratu dam that offers boating services from 9 am to 5 pm.

Location: Kanke Patratu Road, Ramgarh District.

Timing: Throughout.

Best time to visit: October to March.

One of the city’s oldest temples, Maa Dewri temple is one of the most popular places to visit in Ranchi. It is known for the 700-year-old idol of Goddess Durga that it houses. Hundreds flock to the temple to witness the idol that has 16 hands, instead of the usual 8. Another unique feature of this temple is that no cementing material was used in its construction. Stones were simply placed on top of each other in order to build this temple.

It is widely believed that the Maa Dewri Temple has the power to make its devotees’ wishes come true, for which they tie yellow and red sacred threads on bamboo.  Once their wishes are fulfilled, they go back to the temple and untie the threads. As if this wasn’t reason enough to visit, it is also interesting to note that the Maa dewri Temple is the only temple where tribal priests offer prayers along with the Brahmin priests.

Location: Tamar, 60 km towards the south from Ranchi city center.

Timing: 5.00 am to 8.30 pm.

If marine life excites you, don’t hesitate to pay a visit to Ranchi’s Aqua World Machli Ghar. Spread across a vast area, it is much more than an aquarium. Apart from housing a wide variety of fishes, it is also home to turtles, ostriches and many other animals and birds.

Visitors will get to see fish from exotic places such as the Coral Reef in Australia and the Amazons. Once you are done admiring the marine creatures, you can head over to the amusement park and indulge in a few rides. Or you can have a picnic at one of the meticulously maintained lawns within the property. Not to forget their extensive gardens where beautiful flowers bloom every winter. The food court with its wide variety of food is also worth checking out. Be it a child or an adult, Aqua World has something for everyone, making it one of the most interesting places to visit in Ranchi.

Location: Moradabadi.

Price: INR 20 for adults and INR 10 for children.

Best time to visit: October to March.

Constructed across an area of 13 acres, the Ranchi Science Centre was inaugurated in the year 2010. It boasts of being the first science center of the state and  features a museum that houses numerous exhibits related to fields such as astronomy and evolution. The life-sized structures depicting the evolution of dinosaurs is a must-see.

Another interesting thing about the museum is the depiction of the coal mine fields that are a unique feature of Jharkhand. For those interested in technology, it also sports a special section that traces the evolution of technology over the years. With a wide array of interesting experiences to offer, the Ranchi Science Center would make the perfect addition to your Jharkhand trip.

Location: Temple Road, Moradabadi.

Price: INR 20.

Timing: 10 am to 5 pm.