The
state of Jharkhand consists of the southern districts of Bihar and was
formed in the year 2000 when it was separated from Bihar by a bill passed by
the Indian Parliament. Having its capital at Ranchi, the newly formed state
has an area of 79714 sq km.
The industrial state of Jharkhand is abundant in mines and minerals along
with wild life sanctuaries. The state rich in steel, iron ore is more
commonly known because of its industrial cities like Bokaro steel city and
mine city Dhanbad. The state is mainly a tribal belt and it is still
occupied to about eighty percent by the tribals.
Climate
The state has a humid subtropical monsoon climate with temperature in
summers rising above 40º C. The state's mean annual rainfall is 1,270
mm. The best time to visit the place is from October to March.
Major Attractions
» Ranchi - The capital of Jharkhand is placed in the heart of Chotanagpur and is
popular for the water falls, rocks and the industrial houses. The place
throws some interesting lights on the way of life of the tribals and is a
great place to study anthropology. Today, it is the industrial hub of the
state and has a lot of excitement to offer to its visitors.
» Dassam falls - The Dassam falls are at a distance
of 40 km from Ranchi on Tata Road. The Kanchi river flows near the fall
which makes the place a charming one for sight seeing. The fall flows down
from a height of 144 ft and is therefore not suitable for bathing. The fall
can be seen from a village by the name of Tamarind situated nearby.
» Ranchi hill - Ranchi is a sacred place of
pilgrimage situated at an altitude of 21,40 ft above the sea level. From the
top of the hills, a panoramic view of the city can be taken. The Shiva
temple situated on the top of the hill is another attraction not to be
forgotten. The temple assumes significance during the shravanmas.
» Sun Temple - The elegant Sun temple is found near
the place of Bundu which is 39 km from Ranchi. The temple is decorated with
a huge chariot with 18 wheels and is carried forward by seven life like
horses. The temple was constructed by Sanskrit Vihar headed by Shri Ram
Maroo. Surrounding the temple, there is a pond serving as a place of worship
for the Chhathavratis.
» Baidyanath Dham - The Baidyanath Dham situated in
the Santhal Parganas of Jharkhand has turned out to be a great pilgrim
Center. Also famous due to the the temple of Shiva-Baidyanath of the Hindus,
it can be termed as a popular holiday destination.
» Jamshedpur - A major industrial centre, it is
popularly known as the steel city of India. The city bounded with
picturesque surroundings has a plethora of multiple manufacturing
industries. Also known as Tatanagar after the industrial conglomerate of the
Tatas, it is a well-planned model township. The Jubilee Park in the heart of
the city is modelled on the lines of the Vrindavan Gardens in Mysore.
Near Jamshedpur is the Dalma Sanctuary favoured by elephants to spend their
summers since it continues have a moderate temperatures.
» Netarhat - Named as the Queen of Chhotanagpur,
the place of Netarhat lies at a distance of 154 km west of Ranchi. The
plateau is at a height of 3700 ft and covered by thick forest. A breath
taking view of the sunrise and sunset can be had from the plateau.
» Wild Life
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Hazaribagh National Park - The park lying on the hilly terrains has to
its credit an abundance of wild life that are protected from the masses due
to fears of extinction. Some of them include wild boar, sambar, nilgai,
chital, sloth bear, tiger and panther. The census report of 1970 has
established the presence of 14 tigers, 25 panthers and 400 sambars inside
the national park.
Shopping
Khadi and hand looms can be bought from the Gramodyog centers available
around the state.
Accommodation
Some of the prominent hotels in Jharkhand that provide a comfortable stay
are hotel Ranchi Ashoka, hotel Chinar and hotel Capitol Hill. All these
hotel have the facilities of luxury with a greater sense of hospitality.
How to Reach
» By Air - The nearest airport lies at Ranchi which
is connected by regular flights with Kolkata, Patna, Mumbai & New Delhi.
» By Rail - Ranchi is on the South Eastern Railway
and well connected with cities like Patna, Rourkela etc.
» By Road - Ranchi is situated on NH 23 while a
network of roads connects it within the state. Ranchi is directly connected
by regular bus service with all main places in the state.
