SHUBHANGI SHIFA
Ranchi, Dec 21: With Christmas and New Year just around the corner and a world full of fascinating destinations, choosing a perfect vacation spot can present a challenge. The world is filled with such a wide variety of wonderful destinations and beautiful places to visit, it can be difficult to compile a list of the best ones.
Here’s a list of the top ten places in Jharkhand to visit this vacation season for weekend visits and picnics.
Khandoli
Khandoli is a famous centre of adventure sports in Jharkhand. It is situated at a distance of about 8km North-East of Giridih. The hill, the dam, and the green landscape lure thousands of migratory birds each year. Tourists from different parts of the country visit Khandoli for bird watching and to take part in various adventure sports.
The Jharkhand Tourism Department has upgraded Khandoli to important tourist destination status. Every year, thrill seekers from all across the nation travel to the location. Only a few locations—including Khandoli—in all of India provide all adventure sports, including those that are based in the air, sea, and sky. Both fans of the outdoors and adventure can find everything they need there.
Maansingh Dalan Rajmahal
Sanghi Dalan is a historical place and is located at the heart of the city of Rajmahal in the Sahibganj district. It is the remains of a palace, which was constructed by Raja Maan Singh. The palace was made up of marble during the time period between 1580 and 1600 A.D.
This town lies on the right bank of the River Ganges and used to be the seat of the government during the Mughal period. Apart from this Rajmahal, the town is home to several other monuments too like Singhi Dalan, Akbari Masjid, Tomb of Maina-Bibi and Tomb of Miran.
Netarhat
Falling in the Latehar district of Jharkhand, Netarhat is the highest point of the Chotanagpur plateau, popularly known as the Queen of Chotanagpur. It is best known for the sunrise and sunset views it offers. When travelling by road from Ranchi to Netarhat, you will cross seven hills on your way and a little more than 96 miles. Most visited places in the region include Betla National Park, Upper Ghaghri Waterfalls, Lower Ghaghri Waterfalls, Magnolia Point and Pine forest in Netarhat.
Netarhat comes under the tag of lesser-known tourist places. Netarhat is around 156 km to the west of Ranchi and 210 km from Daltonganj. It is also notable for the renowned Netarhat Residential School which was started in the year 1954.
MccLuskieganj
Famously known as Mini London, MccLuskieganj is a small town located 65 kilometres northwest of Jharkhand’s capital Ranchi. Built by Anglo-Canadian businessman Ernest Timothy Malkusky with villages such as Chama, Ramdagado, Kedlal, Duli, Konka, Mayapur, Mahulia, Hesal and Lampra, this area creates a separate identity with 365 bungalows. There was a unique confluence of Western culture and civilization.
Walks along the streets of this city give sight of many colonial houses with their rich architecture. Some such Anglo-Indian houses have now also been converted into guest houses. But apart from these, there are some places tourists like to visit during their leisurely stay at McCluskieganj including a trek to the Highest Point, while others visit Duli Village, Jagriti Vihara, McCluskieganj Forests, and Dugadugi River.
Rajrappa Temple
The temple, also known as Chinnamastika Temple has its own religious significance but it has also nature loving attraction Point. There are food, stay and boating facilities available.
Chhinnamastika Temple dedicated to Goddess Chinnamasta is a hindu pilgrimage centre and located in Rajrappa, in Ramgarh district of Jharkhand. The Chhinnamasta temple is popular for its Tantrik style of architectural design. Apart from the main temple, there are ten temples of various gods and goddesses such as the Surya (Sun God), Hanuman and Lord Shiva.
There is also the Rajrappa waterfall nearby at the confluence of River Bhairavi and river Damodar. The river Bhairavi drops from a height of 30 feet to meet the River Damodar flowing underneath.
Palamu Tiger Reserve
It is one of the first nine tiger reserves to be set up in the country and the only one that exists in the state of Jharkhand. It occupies an area of 1026 sq km on the Chota Nagpur Plateau and encompasses the famous Betla National Park and the Palamau Sanctuary in the core area.
Other areas around the park worth visiting include the Palamu Fort which has two forts including the Purana Kila and the Naya Kila. These forts were elevated during the beginning of the Mughal period by the Chero chiefs Medani Roy and Pratap Roy. Other spots are Lodh Waterfalls and Shahpur, which is famous for a white temple and sandstone buildings. These structures were constructed in the 18th century by the King of Palamau, Gopal Rai.
Deori Mandir
Dedicated to the ferocious 16-armed Goddess Kali, the Deori Mandir was originally built by a tribal devotee of the goddess with nothing but sandstone. Holding tremendous religious significance, the temple gained popularity when news broke out that famous cricketer MS Dhoni visits the temple on a regular basis.
Patratu Valley
Patratu valley, located in Jharkhand, is a valley town, known for its enchanting environment, hill beauty, and dam. This is a perfect destination for weekend getaways and fun, where one can come with family and friends, surrounded by lush green forests, which make the curved roads attractive.
This hill station is also quite popular for its Patratu power plant. There are several resorts nearby along with the Patratu lake resort, which is surrounded by a lake from three sides and is a great spot for boating among several other activities.
Maithon Dam
Considering the fact that Maithon is one of the most beautiful places in and around the region of Dhanbad, it is also known as the Kashmir of Koyalanchal as the region is rich in coal mines. Located on the banks of river Barakar, Maithon is immensely popular for Maithon Dam, which is said to be one of the most successful river valley projects in India.
As the temperature remains bearable throughout the year, it is becoming popular amongst tourists too, who come here to take a break and escape the busy, crowded cities. Another beauty, located in the midst of Maithon Lake, Spoon Island is certainly a place which you must visit to feel the essence of calmness and tranquillity in Dhanbad. Resembling the shape of an inverted spoon, this small yet picturesque island is definitely a treat to experience.
Waterfalls around Ranchi
The capital city of Ranchi is known as the ‘City of Waterfalls’ as it is surrounded by water falls including Hundru Falls, Dassam Falls, Jonha Falls, Hirni Falls, Panch Ghagh and Sita falls which are between 30 km to 75 kms away from the state capital.
