Day 106 - Ranchi

Ranchi is the state capital of the Indian state of Jharkhand and is known for its large mineral contents, which forms 18% of the total mineral content of India. This is why it is called the ‘Manchester of the East’. It is also called the ‘city of waterfalls’ for comprising many small and big waterfalls in its premises. Ranchi has derived its name from an Oraon village called ‘Archi’ present in the area. Archi means bamboo grove or stave in Oraon language. Ranchi is the headquarters of Ranchi District and was earlier known as Lohardaga. It was also an important administrative and military base of eastern India, during the British rule. Ranchi is also referred to as the ‘vegetable bowl’ due to thick vegetation of green vegetables in its villages. Ranchi is famous for its divine hospitality; exquisite tribal culture and the enchanting beauty of the nature merge together here in Ranchi to provide a real lifetime experience to its visitors. Really Ranchi is a gift of nature and Mother Earth.


How to reach here:

By Air: Ranchi airport is located at Hinoo, nearly 7 km away from the city center.

By Rail: Ranchi rail-head is well connected to important cities all over the country.


Best time to visit: September to May.


Languages spoken: Nagpuria, Oraon, Bengali, Hindi, English.


Must eat:  Litti and Chokha.


Famous Restaurants: Planet Masala, The Nook.


Places you must visit:

The Jagannath temple was constructed in the 17th century, 1691 by king of Barkagarh, Jagannathpur Thakur Ani Nath Shahdeo. It is situated at 10 km from the city, on a hill top near Firayalal Chowk. The architectural style of this temple is same as that of a fort presenting a miniature of the famous Puri Jagannath temple. It is most popularly known for its Ratha Yatra held every year whose concept has been taken from the original Puri temple.





Ranchi Lake is situated in the heart of the city, at the base of Ranchi Hill. It lies near G.P.O. and was excavated by a British agent named Colonel Onsley in 1842. The place is also a popular picnic and boating spot.





Hundru Falls is one of the most popular waterfalls of Ranchi. It is the 34th highest waterfall of India and falls from a height of 320 ft. It is created on the course of Subarnarekha River. The fall also has a nearby pool that serves as a bathing place as well as a picnic spot. The different rock formations made by the waterfall due to its constant falling is also one of the attractive features of this place.





The Ranchi Museum was established in 1974. It display items include prehistoric implements, terracottas, stone sculptures, arms, numismatics and ethnological objects.



Sun temple is another significant religious attraction of Ranchi, located at 39 km from the city. It lies on the Tata road in Bhundu, near the Bhundu village. Its main attraction is a statue of a chariot present in its premises with 18 wheels and 7 horses. This temple was built by Sanskrit Vihar and presently is managed by Shri Ram Maroo. A dharamshala and pond also lie near this temple. This pond also serves as a sacred place for Chhathavratis.



The Johna Falls also known as Gautamdhara Falls is a popular waterfall situated at 40 km from Ranchi. This waterfall lies at the edge of Ranchi Plateau and comes amongst the hanging valley falls. It gathers water supply from River Ganga and Raru to form the fall. It drops water from a height of 43 m. To see the surrounding areas of this falls,  a decent of 500 stairs is required.The premise of this waterfall also includes a rest house, which encloses a Buddhist shrine, dedicated to Lord Gautam Buddha. There is also a nearby temple and ashram dedicated to Lord Buddha, situated on the Gautam Pahar. This temple was built by the sons of Raja Baldevdas Birla.



Gonda Hill  has a water reservoir and Kanke Dam Lake located on its top. The lake of Kanke Dam is said to have originated many decades ago. Along with this lake, Gonda hill is also home to a rock garden. This rock garden is a scenic hillock situated near the Albert Ekka Chowk in Ranchi. The hill is also a popular picnic spot as it of clean air and panoramic views of surrounding valleys and mountains.





The Dassam Falls is situated at 34 km from the city of Ranchi on Ranchi-Tata road near the Taimara village. The place is also known as Dassam Garh. The major water source of this waterfall is River Kachni, which falls here from an altitude of 144 feet. The unique feature of this fall is that when the waterfall is seen, 10 water streams are also seen falling.



The Panch Gagh Falls provides a view of five cascades in a row, which is also suggested by its name. It lies on the Ranchi-Chakradharpur road, at 6 km from the Khunti village. The five cascades present in this waterfall originate from high altitudes. Its serene surroundings also make the place a popular picnic spot.



The Hirni Falls of Ranchi is situated at 20 km from Khunti village, in the West Singhbhum. It lies at the edge of Ranchi Plateau around Bandgaon. The fall is formed by Ramgarha River that falls here from a height of 37 m in a broad torrent. Its surroundings comprise a dense forest.



Tagore Hill also known as Moradabad Hill is a 300 ft high hill located near the Albert Ekka Chowk. This hill is named after the famous poet, Rabindra Nath Tagore. According to a legend, Rabindra Nath liked this hill for to its serene beauty and thus he used the place a lot for writing his renowned literary works. Centre of Divyayan and Agararian Vocational Institute along with the Ramakrishna Mission Ashram is also located in the premises of this hill.



Pahari Mandir is a temple of Lord Shiva located on the top of a Ranchi hill having an altitude of 2140 ft from the sea level. This hill was earlier known as Phansi Tongri as in ancient times, freedom fighters were hanged here. To remember the sacrifice of these freedom fighters, national flag is also hosted here on Republic Day.The way leading to this temple comprises 300 steps. The temple is said to have powers of blessing its devotees with the desired wishes. The site of this temple also provides a bird’s view of the entire city of Ranchi. Its surroundings comprise different species of trees.





Angrabadi temple complex is another popular temple of Ranchi situated near its Khunti village. This temple was renamed as Amreshwar Dham by the Sage Shankaracharya Swami Swarupananda Saraswathi. This complex comprises several temples dedicated to Hindu deities like Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Ram-Sita, and Lord Hanuman. Devotees come to this place to offer their prayers as well as for spiritual enhancement.



The Birsa zoological park also known as Birsa Jaivik Udyan, is an eco friendly site. It lies near Ormanjhi, on the Ranchi-Patna National highway. This park is involved in providing more information on mammalian fauna along with providing a sight of nature’s wild life in its own habitat.Most popular species of fauna present at this park includes tigers, monkeys and deer. An animal adopting program is also a part of this park, which was started to improve public awareness about the importance of wild life protection and conservation.







Nakshatra Van is a park situated in front of Jharkhand Raj Bhawan, created by Jharkhand Forest Department. This park comprises various Nakshatras, each of which is associated with a Zodiac and celestial bodies. According to Hindu astrologers, each constellation is associated with a tree that are of medicinal, aesthetic, social and economic value.The premise of this park is divided into various sections that represent various Nakshatras(stars) surrounding a circle. This circle is divided in arcs according to precise angles representing zodiacs subtend on earth. The centre of this circle also has a musical fountain with a huge pot collecting all its water. It also has various species of flowers planted along its pathway. Its centre also has a sleeping statue of Dhanvantari.