Jharkhand is the 28th state to our country which was formed on the 15th of November in the year 2000. It was initially a part of the state Bihar. Ranchi was declared as its capital city.
Ranchi is located in the southern part of Chota Nagpur plateau, which is the eastern section of the Deccan plateau. It is also known as the CITY OF WATERFALLS. It is a very beautiful place with a very cool climate condition. You can plan your trip to this beautiful place any time in the year but a trip during the winter defines its beauty more elegantly and magnificently.
A trip to this place is incomplete if you don’t travel to these places :
JAGANNATH TEMPLE
We all have heard of the famous Jagannath temple of Puri, Odisha but the one in Ranchi is the replica of this temple but on a small scale. It was built by the king of Barkagarh- Jagannathpur Thakur Ani Nath Shahdeo. It is located about 10 km from the main town on a small hillock. The view of the city from the top is breathtaking. The temple is open on all days from 5 am to 12 pm and then again from 3 pm to 6 pm.
Similar to the Rath Yatra in Puri, an annual fair cum Rath Yatra is held in the temple in the month of Aashaadha, attracting thousands of followers.
PAHARI MANDIR
The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Shiva. This temple is situated at an altitude of 2140 feet from the sea level. This temple has some relation with the freedom fighters of Ranchi. It is believed that the freedom fighters were hanged to death on this hill only, so the hill was also known as Phansi Tongri. The highest Indian flag adorns this hill.
SUN TEMPLE
The Sun Temple was situated about 9 km from Ranchi on Ranchi-Tata road. It has got a very beautiful architecture. It is designed in the form of a chariot with 18 richly decorated wheels 9 on each side is driven by 7 life-like white horse. The temple is situated in a very calm and peaceful environment. It has a pond in its complex which serves as a sacred place for Chhathvratis. It is believed that by taking a dip in the holy pond one can be relieved of all their sins.
DEORI MANDIR
Deori Mandir is located on the Ranchi-Tata highway. It is a very ancient temple of goddess Durga. It is made of big stones put one over the other without any cementing material. The main interest of this temple is that the idol of goddess Durga has 16 arms which is a very rare thing to see. It is believed that whatever you wish here comes true. This temple even came into the limelight after frequent visits by our ODI skipper M.S.Dhoni.
DASSAM FALL
Dassam fall is located about 40 km from the main town of Ranchi. It is a natural fall which develops from the Kanchi River, a tributary of Subarnarekha River. The water falls from a height of about 44 meters. There are ten small waterfalls which make the Dassam fall. The water is very clean and clear. It is a very famous picnic spot amongst the people.
JONHA WATERFALL
Jonha fall is situated about 40 km from the main town of Ranchi. It is situated at the edge of the Chota Nagpur Plateau. It is an example of the hanging valley fall. The Ganga River hangs over its master stream, Raru River and forms the fall. Water falls from 43 meters. One needs to climb down 772 steps to reach the fall.
HUNDRU FALL
It is 45 km from the main town of Ranchi located on the Ranchi-Purulia road. It is the 34th highest waterfall in India and the highest one in the state of Jharkhand. It is created on the course of Subarnarekha River. It is 98 meters in height. The beauty of this place multiplies much fold during the rainy season.
Other places of interest in this beautiful town Ranchi are Tagore hill, Rock Garden, Nakshatra Van, Ratu Palace, Kanke Dam, and Patratu.