Danmantic Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand and the erstwhile summer capital of Bihar nestles at an altitude of 2,140 feet in the heart of the charming Chhotanagpur plateau. The bracing climate and lush landscape teeming with wonderful waterfalls have made the beautiful town a popular health and holiday resort. It is also an important place for the study of tribal ways of life. It has some industrial complexes.
Ranchi Hill and Lake: The ‘Ranchi Hill’ dominating the skyline of the town is crowned by a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. At the base of the hill is the pristine Ranchi Lake, which was excavated in 1842, Colonel Onsely, British agent Boating facilities are available.
Tagore Hill: The 300 f. high hill is named after poet and Nobel laureate, Rabindra Nath Tagore, who is said to have penned many poems here.
Gonda Hill & Rock Gardens: This another attractive hillock of the town is set on the Kanke road, about 4 kms. from the G.P.O. The popular big lake called Kanke Dam is at the foot of the Gonda Hill near the Albert Ekka Chowk.
Other interesting sites are – Digambar Jain Temple, Rani Sati Temple, and Tribal Research Institute & Museum.
Around Ranchi
Angrabadi
This temple complex amidst scenic surroundings has shrines of Lord Ganpati, Ram Sita, and Hanuman, and Shiva.
Hathia Dam (12 kms.)
Popular picnic and excursion point.
Mutta Muggar Breeding Centre & Birsa Zoological Park (23 kms.)
This crocodile breeding center and zoo are worth visiting.
Jagannathpur Temple & Hill (10 kms.)
This sacred hill-top temple of Lord Jagannath was built in 1691. The annual Rath Yatra held here in June/ July attracts a large number of devotees.
Hundru Falls (28 kms.)
Subarnarekha river plunges from a height of about 320 feet over here, creating one of the most picturesque waterfalls. Other important falls are Dassam Falls (40kms.), Jonha Falls or Gautamdhara (34 kms.), and Hirni Falls (70 kms.), etc.
Mc Cluskieganje (40 kms.)
The tiny idyllic hamlet amidst lush forests lies on the N. H. 47, was originally set up for the Anglo – Indians, during the 1950s. Today, this cool haven with a colonial ambiance has perfect settings for a quiet holiday.
Ratu (17kms.)
It was the scat of the erstwhile Maharaja of Chhotanagpur and is now well known for the Durga Puja’ and ‘Rath Yatra’ celebrations. Bhorra, the origin point of the river Koel is located nearby.
Sun Temple, Bundu (39 kms.)
This magnificent shrine located on the Tata Road near Bundu was built in the form of a huge chariot by the Sanskrit Vihar. Ornately carved 18 wheels and seven life like horses pulling the chariot are noteworthy.
