Jharkhand Summer Tourism Boost: Anand Mahindra's Influence Drives Eco-Tourism Push

Ranchi: The state govt is sharpening its summer tourism push after industrialist Anand Mahindra drew national attention to the state’s lesser-known destinations with an April post on X.

“When I did some more checking about Jharkhand, I found it has Netarhat’s famous sunrises, Betla National Park, the waterfalls around Ranchi and the ancient Saranda forest itself. Somehow, it still gets overlooked,” Mahindra wrote, sharing photographs of Meghahatuburu in West Singhbhum.

With school vacations underway, the state tourism department is promoting Netarhat, Meghahatuburu, Betla National Park, Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary and Patratu Valley as nature-based getaways. Officials are pitching forest stays, wildlife experiences and comparatively cooler landscapes than the plains, aiming to position Jharkhand more firmly as an eco-tourism destination.

The govt has allocated ₹361.67 crore in the 2026-27 budget for tourism development. Planned work includes tourist corridors, visitor amenities, viewpoints and eco-tourism facilities, officials said.

Tourism minister Sudivya Kumar said, “The govt is expanding infrastructure while linking tourism growth to local livelihoods. More tourism initiatives will be introduced to ensure better facilities for visitors. Expansion of safari and eco-tourism infrastructure will improve accessibility, enhance visitor experience and strengthen local development, particularly in regions like Dalma and Ghatshila.”

Alongside safari expansion in Netarhat and Dalma, the department is also promoting eco-cottages and homestay models involving local communities.

Visitors say the appeal is the state’s quieter, less commercial feel. “Summer vacations are usually when families look for a break close to nature, and Jharkhand has that advantage. Places here feel quieter and less commercial,” said Shweta Verma, a Ranchi resident spending the weekend in Patratu.

A Jamshedpur resident visiting Dalma, Naresh Ram, said, “The forests, hills and open landscapes offer experiences that people remember when they return home.”