As one leave the outer city limits, the trapping of a modern town of Ranchi slip away the soul of the real Ranchi emerges. The road weave past small villages with small snack stalls, the land of a myriad tribes, whose heart beats with song of the river, the crash of a cascade and women with baskets on their heads and children strapped to their backs singling an unknown tune.

The inspiring green city is located in a valley of Chotanagpur at an altitude of about 700m. Once the summer capital of Bihar under the British, is specially allure travelers for surrounding waterfalls, hills and temples. In the recent development Ranchi has become an industrial hub, also it is famous for some illustrious educational institutes. Because it is gifted with rich mineral resources, Ranchi is also become a sought after destination for business travelers.

Sights And Activities

Gonda Hill And Rock Garden
It is located at a distance of 4 km from Ranchi town on Ranchi Kanke road. On the top of the hill a beautiful rock garden, which is carved out of the rocks. It is one of the favorite picnic spot, look out for Kanke Dam that lies at the base of the hill.

Tagore Hill
On the northern periphery of Ranchi and about 5km from the city center is its prime attraction, Tagore Hill. It is the place where the elder brother of nobel laureate Rabindra Nath resided. Some contend that he was inspired to pen down his literary classic Gitanjali right here. As you enter through the white washed, mural lined main gate and climb up the steps, the city of Ranchi begins to take form. the busy lanes disappear into a green landscape interruped by small hillocks,lakes and distant signs of habitation.

Jonha Falls
Named after the nearest village, Jonha is also known as Gautam Dhara as Lord Buddha is beleived to have bathed here. A temple and ashram dedicated to Budha was built atop Gautam Pahar by the sons of Raja Baldevdas Birla. Locals also call Jonha the Gunga Nala because the stream apparently comes from Ganga ghat. 453 steps take you down to the waterfall and to the farflung villages of Konardih and Duarsini on the other side of the stream.

Hundru Falls
Located about 45 km from Ranchi, the spectacular Hundru falls are created by the Swarnarekha river falling from height of over 320 feet. About 700 steps take you down to the base of the waterfall, an exercise that is sure to drench.

Panchgarhi
From Ranchi, head south on the road to Chaibasa, drive past Khunti and again drive 12 km to reach Panchghagh, which is located 55 km from Ranchi. It is the collective name for a group of five waterfalls formed in a row due to breaking up of the Banai river. If you descend further downstream, you will find a forest patch with a clearing that is a very popular picnic haunt.

Muta Crocodile Breeding Center
It is located 23 km from Ranchi on Ranchi Ramgarh Road near Ormanjhi.

Tribal Research Institute Museum
It is worth a visit to educate yourself with the history of numerous Jharkhand’s many tribal groups.