Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand, is located on the southern region of the Chhota Nagpur plateau and the city derives its name from the local bird “Rinchi”. It has quite a few picturesque waterfalls, lakes, and hills present close to the city which adds to the captivating surroundings of the city. The climate here is cool to pleasant for its hilly topography. The people here are mostly tribal as the area is quite remote. They gather during the Sarhul festival in Ranchi and organize a procession. The adjoining areas have 18% of the national mineral resources and so Ranchi is an industrial hub since there are numerous industries present in and around, thus making it a melting pot for people who flock here for work purposes.

How to Reach

You can take direct flights to Ranchi airport or you can avail trains to the nearest station which is Hatia. Taxibazaar has numerous taxi services at various prices in the city to take you to your desired destination. You can also book a cab from Taxibazaar for a 1 day round trip to Ranchi if you live nearby.

Tourist Attractions

There are numerous falls within 70 km from Ranchi which are all enthralling and will give you splendid photo opportunities.

Hirni Fall

It is also known as “Gautamdhara” and is located about 60 km away from the disturbances of the city on Ranchi-Purulia Road. You have to climb up 700 steps to reach the summit of the falls from which you can exhume a purely relaxing and tranquil vibe.

Dassam Fall

Located at a distance of 34 km from the city on Ranchi-Tata Road near the Taimara Village, it is one of the deadliest falls in India since it is popular for adventure sports like rafting. The waterfalls fall from a height of 144 feet the enchanting view will surely captivate you.

Hundru Fall

The Hundru Falls is the highest waterfall in the state and is situated on the course of Subarnarekha River, and is situated 40 km from Ranchi. You need to climb 750 steps up the hill to see the majestic falls dropping 320 feet. There is a stream flowing beneath the waterfall, which allows visitors to have a bath in it. The place is famous for trekkers and is a busy picnic spot during winters.

Sita Falls

One of the lesser-known falls, it originates from river Kanchi and is 43 km from Ranchi on outskirts of Jharkhand in the district called Ramgarh. 

Other tourist attractions include some natural parks, temples, and Tagore Hill.

Ranchi Rock Garden

It is situated at a distance of around 4km from Albert Ekka Chowk, Ranchi in Kanke Road. You can do many activities like boating and picnics here. The timings of the visit here are 09:00 am – 08:00 pm every day. 

Tagore Hill

The place was named after Bengali Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore to preserve his legacy since he wrote many of his literary works here. The view of sunrise and sunset from the hilltop are the things that must be on your bucket list when you visit Ranchi. Rising at a height of 300 ft, there is a shrine atop which has been converted into an art museum and can be reached through a flight of easy steps.

Birsa Zoological Park

It is a gorgeous natural park, around 28 km from Ranchi railway station, covering an area of 104 hectares. You can find an array of wild animals here like snakes, deer, gharial, tigers, and other colourful birds. The lustrous greenery and the splendid animals will make you gaze in awe. It also comprises a beautiful garden with various bush sculptures. You can enjoy the pristine beauty of nature by taking a safari ride here. It is located along the Ranchi-Patna National Highway.

Ranchi Lake

It is located at the foot of the majestic Ranchi hill at the centre of the city and hence quite popular. The lake was built way back in 1842 and also houses a Shiva Temple. It is an ideal retreat as the landscape of the lake is mesmerizing with mountains in the backdrop. Boating facilities are also available in this venue.

Sun Temple

Also called the Surya Mandir, it is an elegantly designed modern temple with extremely fascinating architecture and resembles the shape of a giant vehicle with 18 wheels driven by seven horses. It is based on the Konarak Temple in Puri and is dedicated to the same deity. A pond is present which is adorned by Hindus and people from other religions alike. The atmosphere here is serene with the lush green and beautiful lake, which will indeed make you feel a step closer to heaven.

Famous food

Some of the traditional famous dishes of Jharkhand are Dhuska, Litthi Chokha, Chura Bhunja and Rugra. The desserts and sweets include Malpua, Pittha, Arsa, Mitha Khaja and Thekua, which is made as prasad during the Chatth Puja. Other famous delicacies include Aloo Chokha, Til Barfi, Bhel Puri and Laung Lata.

Handicrafts

The locals who are mostly tribal are expert artisans and they make artefacts made of bamboo, wood products, toys, and metal craft which very beautiful and are must-buys for souvenirs. The traditional ‘Paitkar’ paintings and stone carvings are the ones you should look out for as they are indigenous to this place.

Festivals

Sarhul festival is one of the important festivals of Ranchi which is celebrated during the spring season, i.e., the month of February-March that marks the beginning of the local New Year. A big procession cum carnival is brought out on the treets of Ranchi. During this time the famous Sal trees get new leaves and flowers which are abundant here. Festivals like Basant Panchami, Holi, Diwali, Chath, Jityya Bhaiya are celebrated here with the full fiesta and cherish.

Cultural Art

Traditional folk music, instruments, and dances are mostly performed by the tribals which have been preserved by them since ages. Ranchi is famous for the Dokra art form. Some of the popular dance forms are Chhau and Santhal, which are group dances performed by the Santhali tribe found here. Karma is also a popular folk dance performed during the Karma festival in August.

Traditional Attire

The traditional clothing for women in Ranchi is saree and blouse. Men here put on a single piece of cloth called ‘Bhagwan’. They also wear kurta-pyjama and dhoti. During festivals and special occasions, men wear sherwani or kurta but the attire remains the same for women with changes in the material of sarees as Tussar silk sarees are generally reserved for occasions.

Author’s Section

Name- Abhishek Dey

Hi, I am a college student pursuing a b.tech in engineering from National Institute of Technology, Durgapur. I am a passionate writer and an avid knowledge seeker besides learning engineering.