Jharkhand Travel Guide: All You Need To Know

Jharkhand is a state in eastern India, located in the Chota Nagpur Plateau region. It was created in 2000 by carving out the southern part of Bihar state. Jharkhand is known for its natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and mineral resources. Some of the popular tourist destinations in Jharkhand are:

• Ranchi: The capital city of Jharkhand, Ranchi is famous for its natural beauty and waterfalls, such as the Hundru Falls and the Jonha Falls. It is also home to the iconic Jagannath Temple and the Ranchi Lake.
• Hazaribagh: Hazaribagh is a picturesque town known for its natural beauty and wildlife sanctuaries. The Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary and the Hazaribagh Lake are popular tourist attractions here.
• Jamshedpur: Jamshedpur is a well-planned industrial city that is also known for its green spaces and cultural attractions. The Tata Steel Zoological Park, the Jubilee Park, and the Bhuvaneshwari Temple are some of the popular attractions here.
• Deoghar: Deoghar is a holy city and a major pilgrimage site for Hindus. The Baidyanath Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India, is located here. Deoghar is also known for its natural beauty and waterfalls.
• Netarhat: Netarhat is a scenic hill station known for its panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It is also home to the Netarhat Vidyalaya, one of the oldest and most prestigious schools in India.

Jharkhand is also known for its tribal culture, handicrafts, and cuisine. Some of the popular tribal festivals in Jharkhand are Sarhul, Karma, and Sohrai. The state is also known for its delicious cuisine, which includes dishes like Dhuska, Chilka Roti, and Handia.

Best Time To Visit Jharkhand

The best time to visit Jharkhand is during the winter months, from November to February, when the weather is cool and pleasant. The temperature during this time ranges from 10°C to 25°C, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The winter season is also the best time to visit the wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in Jharkhand, as the weather is conducive to wildlife spotting.

The summer season, from March to June, can be hot and humid in Jharkhand, with temperatures reaching up to 45°C in some places. However, if you’re planning to visit the hill stations in Jharkhand, such as Netarhat or Dalma, the summer season can be a good time to visit as the weather is cooler than the surrounding areas.

The monsoon season, from July to October, can be unpredictable in Jharkhand, with heavy rainfall and occasional floods. While the rains can bring out the natural beauty of the state, they can also make travel difficult, especially in the hilly regions.

Overall, the best time to visit Jharkhand is during the winter season, when the weather is pleasant and the natural beauty of the state is at its best.

Things to Do in Jharkhand

Jharkhand offers a range of things to do for travelers. Here are some of the top activities and experiences to enjoy in Jharkhand:

• Visit the Baidyanath Temple: The Baidyanath Temple in Deoghar is one of the most important Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is believed to have healing powers.
• Explore the wildlife sanctuaries: Jharkhand is home to several wildlife sanctuaries, including the Palamau Tiger Reserve and the Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary. These sanctuaries offer opportunities to spot rare species like tigers, leopards, and elephants.
• Trek to Netarhat: Netarhat is a scenic hill station in Jharkhand that offers several trekking opportunities. The trek to Magnolia Point is particularly popular, as it offers stunning views of the valley below.
• Visit the tribal villages: Jharkhand is home to several indigenous tribes, including the Santhal, Munda, and Oraon. Visiting the tribal villages is a great way to learn about their customs, traditions, and way of life.
• Enjoy water sports: Jharkhand has several waterfalls and rivers that offer opportunities for adventure sports like white-water rafting and kayaking. The Hirni Falls and the Jonha Falls are particularly popular for these activities.
• Attend the local festivals: Jharkhand is known for its vibrant culture and festivals. The Sarhul, Karma, and Sohrai festivals are particularly popular, and offer a glimpse into the state’s rich cultural heritage.
• Visit the Tata Steel Zoological Park: The Tata Steel Zoological Park in Jamshedpur is home to several species of animals, including tigers, lions, and elephants. It also has a botanical garden and a lake, making it a great place for a family outing.

Overall, Jharkhand offers a range of experiences for travelers, from cultural immersion to adventure sports and wildlife spotting.

How to Get Around in Jharkhand

Jharkhand has a well-developed road network, and the easiest way to get around the state is by road. Here are some of the ways to get around in Jharkhand:

• By Bus: Jharkhand State Road Transport Corporation (JSRTC) operates a network of buses that connect major towns and cities in the state. Private bus operators also run services on some routes.
• By Taxi: Taxis are available for hire in most major towns and cities in Jharkhand. You can hire a taxi for the day or for a specific journey.
• By Auto-Rickshaw: Auto-rickshaws are a popular mode of transport for short journeys within towns and cities in Jharkhand. Fares are usually negotiable, so it’s a good idea to confirm the fare before starting your journey.
• By Train: Jharkhand has a number of railway stations that connect it to major cities across India. Some of the major railway stations in Jharkhand are Ranchi, Dhanbad, Jamshedpur, and Bokaro.
• By Air: Jharkhand has several airports, including Ranchi Airport, which is the main airport in the state. Other airports in Jharkhand include Jamshedpur Airport and Dhanbad Airport.

It’s important to note that while the road network in Jharkhand is well-developed, some of the roads in rural areas can be narrow and poorly maintained. It’s also a good idea to plan your travel in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak tourist season, as transport services can get busy.

Where to eat in Jharkhand

Jharkhand is known for its rich cuisine, which is influenced by the state’s tribal culture and its location in eastern India. Here are some of the best places to eat in Jharkhand:

• Jharkhand Food Court: Located in Ranchi, Jharkhand Food Court offers a range of local and regional dishes, including Litti-Chokha, Handia, and Pittha.
• Parwati Bakers: Parwati Bakers is a popular bakery in Ranchi that serves a range of baked goods, including cakes, pastries, and cookies.
• The Pind Balluchi: The Pind Balluchi is a popular restaurant chain that serves Punjabi cuisine. The Ranchi location is known for its dal makhani, butter chicken, and tandoori dishes.
• Little Italy: Little Italy is a vegetarian restaurant chain that serves Italian cuisine. The Ranchi location is known for its pizzas, pastas, and garlic bread.
• Narayani Continental: Narayani Continental is a multi-cuisine restaurant located in Jamshedpur. It offers a range of Indian and international dishes, including Chinese and Continental.
• Dosa Plaza: Dosa Plaza is a popular chain of restaurants that serves a range of dosas and other South Indian dishes. The Ranchi location is known for its Masala Dosa and Rava Masala Dosa.
• The Yellow Sapphire: The Yellow Sapphire is a popular restaurant located in Ranchi that serves a range of Indian and Chinese dishes. It’s known for its biryanis, kebabs, and soups.

Overall, Jharkhand offers a range of dining options for travelers, from local and regional cuisine to international dishes. It’s also a good idea to try the street food in Jharkhand, which includes chaat, samosas, and litti-chokha.

Famous street stalls in Jharkhand

Jharkhand has a vibrant street food culture, and there are many popular street stalls that serve a range of local and regional dishes. Here are some of the most famous street stalls in Jharkhand:

• Ram Babu Paratha Bhandar: Located in Hazaribagh, Ram Babu Paratha Bhandar is a popular street stall that serves a range of parathas, including aloo paratha, paneer paratha, and gobi paratha.
• Singhara and Chaat Stalls: Singhara (water chestnut) and chaat stalls are common in Jharkhand, and they serve a range of snacks, including aloo tikki, dahi bhalla, and papdi chaat.
• Dhanbad Samosa: Dhanbad Samosa is a popular street food in Jharkhand. The samosas are filled with a spicy potato and pea mixture and are usually served with chutney.
• Bihari Litti: Litti is a popular dish in Jharkhand, and the best place to try it is at a street stall. Bihari Litti is a popular street stall in Ranchi that serves litti, a type of bread made with wheat flour and stuffed with sattu (gram flour), and is usually served with chokha (a spicy mashed vegetable side dish).
• Bara Handi: Bara Handi is a popular street stall in Ranchi that serves a range of local and regional dishes, including rice, dal, and vegetables, served in traditional handis (clay pots).
• Rama Maharaj Chat Bhandar: Rama Maharaj Chat Bhandar is a popular street stall in Jamshedpur that serves a range of chaat dishes, including aloo tikki, dahi bhalla, and sev puri.
• Shahi Lassi: Shahi Lassi is a popular street stall in Ranchi that serves a range of lassi (a sweet yogurt drink) flavors, including mango, strawberry, and plain.

These are just a few examples of the many street stalls in Jharkhand that serve a range of local and regional dishes. It’s a good idea to explore the local markets and streets to find hidden gems and try new dishes.

Where to stay in Jharkhand

Luxury accommodation

Jharkhand has a number of luxury accommodations to choose from, especially in the cities of Ranchi and Jamshedpur. Here are some of the best luxury accommodations in Jharkhand:

• Radisson Blu Hotel Ranchi: This luxury hotel is located in the heart of Ranchi, and offers a range of rooms and suites with modern amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and swimming pool.
• The Sonnet: The Sonnet is a luxury hotel located in Jamshedpur, and offers a range of rooms and suites with modern amenities, including a fitness center, swimming pool, and spa.
• Chanakya BNR Hotel: This heritage hotel is located in the heart of Ranchi, and offers a range of rooms and suites with modern amenities, including a spa, fitness center, and restaurant.
• The Boulevard Hotel: The Boulevard Hotel is a luxury hotel located in Ranchi, and offers a range of rooms and suites with modern amenities, including a fitness center, swimming pool, and restaurant.
• Fortune Park Centre Point: This luxury hotel is located in Jamshedpur, and offers a range of rooms and suites with modern amenities, including a fitness center, swimming pool, and restaurant.
• Capitol Residency: Capitol Residency is a luxury hotel located in Ranchi, and offers a range of rooms and suites with modern amenities, including a fitness center, swimming pool, and restaurant.

These are just a few examples of the luxury accommodations available in Jharkhand. There are also a number of high-end resorts and guesthouses located throughout the state that offer luxurious amenities and services.

Budget accommodation

Jharkhand has many budget accommodations for travelers, especially in the cities of Ranchi and Jamshedpur. Here are some of the best budget accommodations in Jharkhand:

• Hotel The Raso: This budget hotel is located in the heart of Ranchi, and offers clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities.
• Hotel Crystal Residency: Hotel Crystal Residency is a budget hotel located in Jamshedpur, and offers clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities.
• Hotel Arya: This budget hotel is located in the heart of Ranchi, and offers clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities.
• Hotel Joy: Hotel Joy is a budget hotel located in Jamshedpur, and offers clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities.
• Hotel Blue Diamond: This budget hotel is located in the heart of Ranchi, and offers clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities.
• Vistara Inn: Vistara Inn is a budget hotel located in Jamshedpur, and offers clean and comfortable rooms with basic amenities.

These are just a few examples of the budget accommodations available in Jharkhand. There are also a number of guesthouses, hostels, and lodges located throughout the state that offer affordable options for travelers. It’s a good idea to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to ensure availability and the best rates.

Travel Tips Jharkhand

If you’re planning to visit Jharkhand, here are some travel tips to help make your trip more enjoyable:

• Plan your itinerary ahead of time: Jharkhand is a large state with many interesting places to visit. Plan your itinerary ahead of time to ensure you make the most of your trip and don’t miss out on any must-see attractions.
• Be prepared for the weather: Jharkhand experiences extreme weather conditions, with hot and dry summers and cold winters. Be prepared for the weather by packing appropriate clothing and accessories, especially if you plan to visit during the summer or winter months.
• Respect local customs and traditions: Jharkhand has a rich cultural heritage and customs that are unique to the state. Respect local customs and traditions, and be mindful of the local culture when you’re interacting with people.
• Try the local cuisine: Jharkhand has a unique cuisine that is different from other parts of India. Be sure to try the local dishes, such as the famous litti chokha, while you’re in the state.
• Be cautious when traveling at night: Jharkhand has some remote and rural areas, and traveling at night can be risky. If you’re traveling at night, be sure to take extra precautions and travel in groups or with a trusted guide.
• Book accommodations in advance: Jharkhand is becoming an increasingly popular destination for tourists, and accommodations can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. Book your accommodations in advance to ensure availability and the best rates.
• Take care of your belongings: Like in any other tourist destination, it’s important to take care of your belongings and be cautious of theft or pickpocketing. Keep your valuables close and secure, and avoid carrying large sums of money or expensive items.

By following these travel tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Jharkhand.