Unique Jharkhand experiences for a first-timer

Come November, Jharkhand will complete 22 years of its statehood! In 2000, Jharkhand separated from Bihar and became a state rich in its unique cultural and natural heritage. Jharkhand is also called The Land of Forests. Etymologically it means ‘forest or bush region’. Jharkhand is a pleasant mix of hills, forests and cities, and this has a big influence on people’s cultures. Not only that, the state has a rich biodiversity as well.

Let’s explore some of the best experiences one can have only in Jharkhand.

Netarhat is a quaint hill station in the Latehar district. The very lovely hill station is also lovingly called the Queen Of Chota Nagpur Plateau. After the monsoon shower, Netarhat turns into a beautiful shade of green with sal, mahua and kendu trees everywhere. It’s a sight to behold. Netarhat is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the state. It is also home to Jharkhand’s highest waterfall – Lodh Falls.

Did you know that Betla National Park is one of the earliest tiger reserves in the country? To say that Betla has a rich wildlife, would be an understatement. Betla National Park is home to animals like tiger, leopard, chital, sloth, sloth bear, bison, mouse deer, to name a few. Betla is actually an acronym for Bison, Elephant, Tiger, Leopard and Axis Axis (spotted deer). Interesting, isn’t it? If you can find some time off wildlife, do visit Palamu Fort ruins just three km from Betla.

The Steel City of India is a unique experience. Also the largest city in Jharkhand, Jamshedpur is where it all began for Tata Steel. The city was founded in 1919 as per the plans of Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata. At present, Jamshedpur is one of the most well-planned cities in India. When in Jamshedpur, you can explore Jubilee Park, Dalma WildLife Sanctuary, Dimna Lake, Tata Steel Zoological Park, the Jamshedpur marine drives, to name a few.

Hazaribagh literally means city of a thousand gardens. One expects the city to be beautiful, and that’s exactly how Hazaribagh is. The city does not disappoint. Hazaribagh is dotted with hills, lush forest and plenty of waterfalls, all points towards it being a perfect destination for nature lovers. Canary Hill, Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary, Isko Village (for rock art), Konar Dam and Suryakund are some of the best places to experience when in Hazaribagh.

Did you know that Rajmahal Hills dates back to the Jurassic Age, a period much before the Himalaya? Rajmahal Hill is a popular destination among trekkers. It is not at all a difficult trek, but is unique for sure. Rajmahal Hill is home to many plant fossils which are 68 to 145 million years old.

Deoghar is one of the important pilgrimage destinations in India. One of the 12Jyotirlinga temples called Baidyanath Dham, is located here in Deoghar. Thousands of devotees throng the temple every year for the Rudrabhishek ritual (holy bath) in the temple. The devotees walk for days and bring the holy water for the ritual. They are called Kanwariyas. Also, Trikut Pahar, situated 10 km away from Deoghar is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the state. There's a rope way that takes you to the Trikut hill. The view from top of the hill is what you should come here for.

The capital city of Jharkhand is unlike most capital cities in India. Ranchi is a very pleasant mix of modern and natural world. The capital city is mostly known for the many beautiful waterfalls and forest areas by the Subarnekha river. Ranchi is also called the City of Waterfalls. Jonha Falls and Dassam Falls are two most famous waterfalls in Ranchi.