We all know that the word Jharkhand means “land of forests”. The state of Jharkhand can be called an underrated tourist spot from the point of view of tourism. Jharkhand is a great holiday destination filled with natural beauty like its forests, hills, mountains and waterfalls. This article will help you better understand some of the best tourist places in Jharkhand to plan your next vacation. There are many beautiful places to visit in Jharkhand which are still unknown to tourists.
What are the top 15 tourist places in Jharkhand?
Jharkhand has multiple tourist spots that cater to the needs of multiple tourists. As some of the best waterfalls in India are located in this state like Jonha, Dasham or Lodh Falls, so are the hill towns like Netarhat. Here are the top 15 places to visit in Jharkhand.
1. Ranchi
Known as the “city of waterfalls”, Ranchi is the capital of Jharkhand and one of the top tourist spots in the state. It is surrounded by waterfalls, forests and the beautiful Suvarnarekha River. Moreover, Jharkhand is home to nearly 40% of India’s mineral reserves. The town of Ranchi is known as the “Queen” of this Chotanagpur plateau.
- Best time to visit: September-March would be ideal to visit this place. Monsoon season may not be pleasant weather for vacationing here.
- Ideal vacation duration: 2 to 3 days.
- Places to Visit: Dasham and Jonha Falls, Thakur Hill, Jagannath Temple, Birsa Zoological Park, Rock Garden
- Things to do: Tourists usually prefer sightseeing around waterfalls and forests. You can go trekking in the mountains and visit temples for peace of mind.
- How to reach Ranchi: Ranchi airport is 7 km from the city center. Ranchi-Hatia rail hub is very well connected with all major cities of India. Ranchi is very well connected by road with every part of the state. Roads are smooth and well maintained. To visit any destination of Jharkhand the best option is to start with Ranchi by road.
2. Deoghar
Deoghar offers quite an adventure for the tourists to explore. If you are a religious person, Deoghar will be one of the best places to visit in Jharkhand for you. Apart from having numerous Hindu temples, it is mainly popular for housing one of the 12 Jyotirlingas or Baidyanath. The month of Shravan sees a huge influx of tourists as devotees visit the temple to perform the Rudravishek ceremony.
- Best time to visit: July-March would be ideal to visit this place to avoid the monsoon crowds.
- Ideal holiday duration: 1 or 2 days
- Places to visit: Vasukinath, Trikuta Hills, Satsanga Ashram, Harila Jori, Nandan Hills
- Things to do: You can visit temples and participate in sacred rituals. Otherwise, you can go trekking or sightseeing.
- How to reach Deoghar: Ranchi to Deoghar distance is 250km. By car it may take 6 hours.
3. Jamshedpur
Jamshedpur is the largest city in Jharkhand, also known as “Steel City of India”. Jamshedpur is situated at the confluence of Subarnarekha and Kharkai rivers. Jamshedji Tata founded Jamshedpur, making it home to his “Tata Steel”. It is a well-planned city and has multiple tourist attractions.
- Best time to visit: November-February is ideal, as winters are pleasant in the region.
- Ideal holiday duration: 1 or 2 days
- Places to visit: Dalma Hills, Jubilee Park and Lake, Jayanti Sarovar, Tata Steel Zoological Park, Tribal Culture Centre, Hudko Lake, Jubilee Lake, Jubilee Park, Bhubaneswar Temple
- Things to do: The best things to do are sightseeing and enjoying the surrounding greenery
- How to reach Jamshedpur: Jamshedpur is very well connected with railway network. You may take train to Tatanagar station. Distance from Ranchi is around 125km. By car it may take 2 hr 30 min
4. Dhanbad
It is the fastest growing city of Jharkhand, also known as the ‘Coal Capital of India’. However, it is only popular for coal mining. It is surrounded by stunning valleys and lush green forests, making it one of the top places to visit in Jharkhand for its serenity. This place has several big temples, mesmerizing hills, roaring waterfalls, sacred rivers, dams, forests, gorgeous lakes and many more for the tourists.
- Best Time to Travel: October-March usually has the most pleasant climatic conditions for a perfect vacation.
- Ideal vacation duration: 1 to 2 days
- Places to Visit: Topchanchi Lake, Maithon and Panchet Dam, Birsa Munda Park, Bhatinda Fall, Charak Pathar
- Things to do: You can enjoy sightseeing by sitting by the beautiful lake to appreciate the natural beauty.
- How to reach Dhanbad: It takes 4 hour by car from Ranchi to cover 162 km.
5. Hazaribagh
The name Hazaribagh itself is beautiful, where Hazari means ‘thousand’ and Bagh means ‘garden’. If you are a nature lover, Hazaribagh will surely win your heart. It is close to the Chota Nagpur plateau and is mainly known for its beautiful dense forests and natural formations of rocks and lakes. Hazaribagh is a perfect representation of thousands of luscious gardens and some alluring rock formations. The forests here are undiscovered and underrated, giving you the experience of seeing greenery in its purest form.
- Best time to visit: October-March is considered the ideal time to visit here, as the winters are pleasant.
- Ideal vacation duration: 2 to 3 days
- Places to visit: Canary Hill, Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, Suryakund, Rajrapa Temple, Konar Dam.
- Things to do: You can go hiking or trekking in the hills. Moreover, you can also enjoy wildlife and rare species of birds.
- How to reach Hazaribagh: Ranchi to Hazaribagh is about 105 km. It takes a little more than 2 hours by car.
6. Giridih
Giridih can be mentioned among the most famous places in Jharkhand. It is mainly popular for its mining town and green hills. You will see beautiful green forest full of trees like bamboo, sal, semal, mahua, palash. Madhuban in Giridih is a significant place for the cultural and religious aspects of Jainism.
- Best time to visit: September-February is the best time to visit. Giridi is dry and pleasant in winter.
- Ideal vacation duration: 1 to 2 days.
- Places to visit: Parasnath Pahar, Samsaran Temple, Bhomiaji Asthan, Surya Temple, Jharkhandi Dham, Harihar Dham, Devari Temple, Langta Baba Samadhi Sthal, Ushri Fall
- Things to do: You can enjoy the sightseeing and natural beauty of the region. Moreover, long walks in the forest are also peaceful.
- How to reach Giridih: Distance from Ranchi is 191km. You can reach in nearly 4 hours by car.
7. Bokaro
Bokaro city is mainly known for its steel and coal industry and metropolitan lifestyle. Its lakes, greenery and beautiful parks have attracted nature lovers and religious devotees. River Damodar flows around the city, making it mysterious and picturesque. Also, there are temples, parks, dams and other landscapes that suit every traveler’s needs.
- Best time to visit: You should visit between October to March to enjoy the pleasant winter season.
- Ideal vacation duration: 1 to 2 days.
- Places to visit: Bokaro Steel City, Gargah Dam, Jawaharlal Nehru Biological Park, City Park, Jagannath Temple
- Things to do: You can go sightseeing and take a long walk around the beautiful lake in the evening.
- How to reach Bokaro: From Ranchi to Bokaro is 119km. It takes nearly 3 hours by car.
8. Palamau
While listing the most beautiful places in Jharkhand, Palamau deserves a mention. It is popular for its rich biodiversity, dense forests and dense foliage. Palamu is popular for a large wildlife sanctuary, which houses multiple species of animals like tigers, leopards, elephants, rabbits, monkeys, rat deer, sloth bears and many more.
- Best time to visit: October-March is ideal to enjoy the pleasant weather.
- Ideal holiday duration: 2-3 days
- Places to visit: Main attraction of Palamour. Betla National Park, Lodh Falls, Palamu Tiger Reserve, Shahpur Village, Palamu Fort, Kechki, Kulka, Gulgulpat, Amjhari.
- Things to do: You can go sightseeing and observe wildlife from the sanctuary. Tourists enjoy wildlife photography in this area.
- How to reach Palamu: Ranchi to Palamu distance is about 182km. Travelling by car may take 4 and half hours.
9. Netarhat
If you prefer hilly terrain, you can visit Netarhat, the highest point of the Chotanagpur plateau. Netarhat is a hidden paradise in the heart of Jharkhand. Its serene environment and scenic views have helped it become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Jharkhand. The beautiful forest-covered hills help you escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
- Best time to visit: Although it is pleasant all year round, winter between October and March is generally preferred.
- Ideal vacation duration: 1 to 2 days.
- Places to visit: Netarhat Hill, Quail View Point, Sadni Falls, Magnolia Sunset Point, Upper and Lower Ghaghari Falls.
- Things to do: Tourists enjoy the sights and serenity of nature. You can watch the stunning sunset from Quail View Point.
- How to reach Netarhat: Ranchi to Netarhat distance is 152km and by car it takes around 4 hours.
10. Ghatshila
It is another beautiful tourist spot in Jharkhand located in East Singhbhum district. Here, you will find meandering rivers and serene waterfalls like Ranchi. Also, there are several religious places for Hindu tourists. It often hosts various types of festivals related to Indian culture.
- Best time to visit: October-March is the best time to visit this location to avoid adverse weather conditions.
- Ideal holiday duration: 1 or 2 days.
- Places to Visit: Phuldungri Hills, Dharagiri Falls, Burudih Dam, Narwa Forest, Five Pandavas
- Things to do: You can enjoy sightseeing around the falls and take a long walk in the green valley.
- How to reach Ghatshila: It is 167km from Ranchi to Ghatshila and takes around 3 hours by car.
Also Read: Tour Jhargram with Ghagra, Ketki and Kankrajhor
11. Sahibganj
Sahibganj is an impossibly beautiful place situated at the foot of the Rajmahal Hills. Sahibganj is one of the most unexplored areas of Jharkhand. What could be better than feeling the exhilarating, pleasant breeze wash over your face while sailing on the waters of the holy Ganges? Sahibganj is an incredible, mesmerizing spot for all off-beat travelers and enveloped in serenity all around! You will have the opportunity to continue the adventure-filled journey as long as your heart desires. There are several forts and monuments in Sahibganj, which will help you explore Indian culture and heritage. Moreover, you can explore the art with the rich tapestry handcrafts of the tribal people.
- Best time to visit: Unlike other regions, the monsoon season between June and September is the best time to visit Sahibganj.
- Ideal holiday duration: 2-3 days
- Places to visit: Moti Jharna, Sivagadi Temple, Palamau Tiger Reserve, Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary, Teliagari Fort
- Things to do: You can go sight-seeing across the green valleys and monuments. Moreover, you can enjoy shopping for beautiful handicrafts.
- How to reach Sahibganj: its around 432km from Ranchi. By car it generally takes 10 hours.
12. Shikharji
If you prefer a hill station for a holiday, Shikharji can win you over. It is the highest mountain in Jharkhand, located in Parashanath Hills. It rises to a height of 1,350 meters, which helps you enjoy magnificent views. Apart from the natural beauty of the area, Shikharji is also popular for being a sacred pilgrimage site for Jains.
- Best time to visit: October-March would be the best time to visit this region to enjoy a pleasant climate.
- Ideal holiday duration: 1-2 days
- Places to Visit: Bhomiaji Temple, Gandhara Temple, Kunthunath Temple, Gandharva Nala Flow.
- Things to do: You can go hiking or trekking in the hills. Moreover, you can also visit ancient Jain temples.
- How to reach Shikharji: From Ranchi the distance is 177km. By road it would take 4 and half hours.
13. McCluskiganj
McCluskeganj is a land covered with dense green of shal-mahua around 65 km from Ranchi with a small railway station like a picture, a mountain river, fresh clean air and a lot of history or memories that still exist in Calcutta or Bengali manse. McClusky’s attraction is not the dazzling beauty, but the sweetness of the forested environment and the comfort of the eyes and the mind amidst the greenery in absolute peace.
Ernest Timothy McCluskey, a property dealer in Calcutta, built this settlement during the British period. From 1933, Anglo Indians started living in McCluskeganj. At one time, Saheb Subod used to travel to this town, but after independence, most of the Anglo-Indians started moving to countries like England, Scotland or Australia.
- Best time to visit: September-March is considered as the ideal time to visit McCluskegunge.
- Ideal holiday duration: 2-3 days
- Places to visit: Many famous old European style houses, Kanti River and Kanti Falls, ‘Chula Pani’ can be visited.
- Things to do: Walk the paths of nearby villages, get to know the lifestyle here. Explore nearby rivers and waterfalls with Toto.
- How to reach McCluskiganj: From Ranchi it is 65km only and by road you will reach in 1hr 30min.
14. Patratu Valley
It is a beautiful unexplored valley just 40 km from Ranchi. You will find lush greenery offering mesmerizing views of the surrounding misty mountains. There is an extensive green belt on the other side of the Patratu Valley.
- Best time to visit: September-March would be ideal to visit this place, avoiding heavy rains.
- Ideal holiday duration: 1 or 2 days.
- Places to visit: Patratu Dam, Birsa Zoological Park, Rock Garden, Hill Temple, Nakshatra Van.
- Things to do: You can go sightseeing or enjoy the mesmerizing scenery. Moreover, you can enjoy photography in this area.
- How to reach Patratu: It is 46km from Ranchi and You can reach Patratu in an hour.
15. Massanjore
Massanjore is a small town in Jharkhand. It is located on the Suri-Dumka road and can be an important tourist spot in Jharkhand. Apart from the natural beauty, this place is mainly popular for Massanjore Dam. This dam spans the Dumkar Mayurakshi river. Canadian Aid built the dam in 1956, which is why it is often called the “Canada Dam”
- Best time to visit: You can visit anytime, as the climate here is generally pleasant. But October-March is ideal to avoid rain.
- Ideal holiday duration: 1 or 2 days.
- Places to Visit: Masanjore Dam, Ramrekha Dham, Chhinda Falls, Bhairo Baba Hill, Bhanwar Hills
- Things to do: People enjoy visiting the dam and picnicking around. They love rock climbing and swimming in this area.
- How to reach Massanjore: Ranchi to Massanjore is 297km. Expected time to reach by car is 7 hours.
As you can see, there are many beautiful tourist places in Jharkhand. Most of the places are unexplored, allowing you to experience nature in its raw and purest form. Moreover, vacationing in this region will also be budget-friendly. These regions have a beautiful valley, mysterious mountains and lakes, which can provide a healthy vacation.