Home to splendorous hills, enchanting waterfalls, tribal settlements, and even colonial hill stations, the forested state of Jharkhand is a sheer paradise for nature lovers. We bring you some of the best road trips from Ranchi. By Karan Kaushik
Road trips from Ranchi for a blissful getaway
Hundru and Jonha Falls
View this post on Instagram
Of the many small and big waterfalls that dot Jharkhand’s picturesque landscapes, the Hundru and Jonha falls make for a fun-filled road trip. Located 45km from Ranchi, the Hundru Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in India. A lush hike takes you to the waterfalls. When here, you can also enjoy zip-lining and other adventure sports. The Jonha Falls are around 40km from Ranchi. They are quite a sight to behold. So are the forests around them. From Jonha Falls, you can also visit the nearby Sita Falls, which are equally blissful.
Distance from Ranchi: 45 km (Hundru), 37km (Jonha)
Khunti
View this post on Instagram
If you are looking for an offbeat experience, visiting the megaliths of Khunti could be a nice option. Jharkhand is one of the few places in India where megalithism is a living tradition. Megalithism is practiced by the tribal communities of Jharkhand to mark important occasions by erecting large stones outside their houses. A road trip from Ranchi to Khunti’s Bhut village could be enriching. Taking an early morning walk through the village, interacting with the locals, and getting to know about megaliths is a good way to spend a holiday. When in Khunti, you must also visit the gorgeous Dassam Falls, Panchghagh Falls, and the serene Angrabari Shiv Temple.
Distance from Ranchi: 33km
McCluskeyganj
View this post on Instagram
Named after Earnest Timothy McCluskie, an Anglo-Indian businessman from Kolkata (then Calcutta), McCluskieganj is perhaps Jharkhand’s best-kept secret. It was developed as a homeland for the Anglo-Indian community during the early 20th century. Some Anglo-Indian families of the 400 that called it home still reside in old colonial-style bungalows. Dotted with Sal and Mahua forests, McCluskieganj offers a pleasant getaway in the great outdoors. Visit the ruins of Gothic bungalows here. Soak in the colonial charm at St. John’s Cathedral, which dates to 1940. There’s a new cathedral too. Duga Dugi and Sarva Dharma Sthal are other prominent attractions you may visit.
Distance from Ranchi: 64km
Betla National Park
View this post on Instagram
One of Jharkhand’s biggest attractions, the Betla National Park was carved out of the Palamau Tiger Reserve in 1986. The national park spans an area of 1,135 sqkm, which includes the Mahuadar Wolf Sanctuary. Besides the majestic tiger, you can spot different kinds of deer, elephants, rhesus monkeys, gaurs, langurs, sloth bears, wolves, and other animals here. Birdwatchers can keep an eye for hornbills, doves, black partridges, red jungle fowls, and serpent eagles, to name a few. You can opt for either a jeep safari or an elephant safari. The Madhuchua Watchtower is a prominent vantage point in the park and offers spectacular views of the jungle. Other important attractions in Betla are the two Palamau Forts, the Naya Qila and the Purana Qila.
Distance from Ranchi: 173km
Netarhat
View this post on Instagram
One of the calmest and most idyllic places in Jharkhand, Netarhat is also called ‘the queen of Chotanagpur.’ Its narrow roads and forests are perfect for rejuvenating nature walks and picnics. Netarhat is also famous for its stunning sunsets and sunrises. Start your day by witnessing a gorgeous sunrise from the Sunrise Point near Hotel Prabhat Vihar. The Magnolia Point in Netarhat is known for its sunsets. Named after a young British girl, the point celebrates her love story with a tribal boy. Netarhat Dam and Koel Viewpoint are also must-visit spots in Netarhat. You can also visit some wonderful waterfalls from Netarhat. These include Upper Ghagri Falls, Lower Ghagri Falls, and Lodh Falls.
Distance from Ranchi: 151km
Hazaribagh
View this post on Instagram
Steeped in history and surrounded by verdant forests, Hazaribagh is a lovely little town with a laid-back rustic charm. The Circuit House here is a beautiful British-era building and is more than a hundred years old. Another iconic place in Hazaribagh is the Hazaribagh Central Jail. It was used to house prominent Indian freedom fighters during the 19th and 20th centuries. The Hazaribagh Lake was first excavated in 1831 and has now been turned into a cluster of artificial lakes. Beautiful roads lined with trees run by the lakeside and also feature colonial-era bungalows. You must also visit St. Columba’s College, the first residential college in the erstwhile Bengal province. Other attractions include Canary Hill, Dublin Mission Church, and Budhwa Mahadeo Temple.
Distance from Ranchi: 95km
Giridih
View this post on Instagram
Known as the ‘Land of Hills’ in Jharkhand, Giridih is a great place for short treks and hikes. The Parasnath Temple here is a prominent Jain pilgrimage and also makes for a beautiful hike. Then there’s Usri Falls, 14km from Giridih. Surrounded by a heavily forested area, the waterfall is perfect for unwinding. Other popular attractions include Khandoli Dam and Lake. Named after a nearby hillock, the dam and lake can be viewed from a viewpoint atop the hillock. There’s a small amusement park, too, which promises a fun-filled day by the lakeside. Khandoli also offers good opportunities for rock climbing, trekking, and rappelling. You can also try kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, and other water sports here.
Distance from Ranchi: 181km
Jamshedpur
View this post on Instagram
The beautifully planned industrial town will charm you with its lush greenery. Even though Jamshedpur is an industrial town, it offers lovely surprises for tourists as well. Nestled amidst plentiful forests of the Chotanagpur Plateau, Jamshedpur is also one of the cleanest cities in India. Main attractions here include Jubilee Park, Dimna Lake, Hudco Lake, Bhuvaneshwari Temple, and the Beldih Club. You may also fancy a day’s excursion to Dalma Hilltop Wildlife Sanctuary, 34km from Jamshedpur. The pristine Chandil Dam is another prominent attraction near Jamshedpur and must be included in your itinerary.
Distance from Ranchi: 125km
Maluti
View this post on Instagram
The quaint village of Maluti, 20km from Tarapith in West Bengal, is famous for its ancient terracotta temples. Most of these are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Scattered across the village, the temples feature intricate carvings based on folklore and mythology. They boast hut-like roofs, and their architectural style is distinctly indigenous to eastern India. You can start your temple run from the Mouliksha Temple, also known as Bamakhepa’s Temple. The temples are divided into four clusters and can be explored on foot.
Distance from Ranchi: 332km
Burudih Lake
View this post on Instagram
Flanked by lush green hillocks, the Burudih Lake is located in the Ghatshila Block in the East Singhbhum district. The tranquil lake serves as a popular picnic spot. On this road trip from Ranchi, you can also indulge in a range of water sports and adventure activities like banana boat rides, surfing, and pedal boating. The forests that encompass the lake are home to elephants. From here, you can also visit the Amudhabi Rural Tourism Village in the Dhabhumagarh block and meet ethnic artists who practice the traditional art of Pyatkar scroll paintings.
Distance from Ranchi: 173km
Karan Kaushik
Most popular
Most popular
