Ranchi is the capital city of Jharkhand, a state located in eastern India. The city is 651 metres above sea level, and its geographical coordinates are 23.35°N latitude and 85.33°E longitude. Ranchi is noted for its rich history, art, culture, language, gastronomy, handicrafts, and natural beauty. Ranchi is situated near the Tropic of Cancer and is a hilly region with dense forests, resulting in pleasant weather throughout the year. If you plan to visit Ranchi, choose any time between September and May.
History: Ranchi's vast history extends back to the Stone Age. It was part of the Magadha Empire during ancient times and later became a princely kingdom under the British Raj. After India attained independence in 1947, Ranchi became the capital of Bihar and was later declared the capital of Jharkhand when the state was created out of Bihar in 2000.
Art & Culture: Ranchi has a dynamic culture represented in its art, music, dance, and festivals. The city is recognised for its tribal art and handicrafts manufactured by the indigenous people of Jharkhand. The most prominent dance form in Ranchi is Chhau, performed during festivals and other cultural occasions.
Language: The official language of Ranchi is Hindi. However, people also speak other languages like Bengali, Urdu, and English.
Food: Ranchi boasts a diversified cuisine that includes vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. Some popular meals in Ranchi are litti chokha, Sattu Paratha, aloo chop, dhuska, sattu drink, and pitha.
Handicraft: Ranchi is noted for its tribal handicrafts, which include pottery, bamboo craft, woodcraft, and metal craft. The tribal people of Jharkhand are talented in manufacturing these handicrafts, which are marketed in local markets and exported to other regions of India and overseas.
Connectivity: Ranchi is well-connected by bus, railway, and air. The city has a large railway station that connects it to other regions of India and a domestic airport that connects it to important cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata.
Notable Places to Visit: Ranchi has various tourist attractions that attract travellers from all over the world. Some prominent attractions in Ranchi are Jagannath Temple, Rock Garden, Dassam Waterfall, Tagore Hill, and Ranchi Lake. Widely known for its natural wonders creates great opportunities for trekking and hiking. Besides, Ranchi houses many cascading waterfalls, namely Jonha Falls, Panch Gagh falls, Dassam Falls, Hundru falls and many more. Other places to visit include Tagore Hill, Birsa Zoological Park, Eclectic Rock Gardens and much more. Activities like picnics, shopping and sightseeing are quite popular among people.
Ranchi is a wonderful city with a rich history, culture, and natural beauty. It is an ideal place for individuals who like to discover the tribal culture, sample regional food, and appreciate the tranquil beauty of nature.
Drop-Off Points in Ranchi
Some of the prominent drop-off points in Ranchi are
- Radhe Krishna Travels
- Bus Stand Khadgarha
- Shivnath Travels ITI Bus Stand
Places to Visit in and around Ranchi
On a visit to Ranchi, make sure you visit these 10 places:
- Tagore Hill: Named after Rabindranath Tagore, the hill is believed to have been frequented by the poet himself. The hill is 300 ft high and is known for being an adventure sports centre.
- Kanke Dam: Located adjacent to the Rock Garden, the Kanke Dam has crystal-clear waters and sprawling hills. A boat ride on these waters is calming during the sunset, making it the perfect picnic spot.
- Johana Falls: Nestled amid lush greenery, the Johana Falls stands at a majestic height of 45 m. The waters of rivers Ganga and Raru make these waterfalls.
- Nakshatra Van: This urban park has been planned on a constellation of stars. Each zodiac sign corresponds to a tree with medicinal, economic, social, and aesthetic value.
- Rock Garden: This man-made garden was built from the rocks of Gonda Hill. It has sculptures, waterfalls, picture-perfect views, and art displays.
- Dasham Falls: Close to Taimara village, the spectacular Dasham Falls is made from a tributary of the Subarnarekha River. The water falls from a height of 144 ft.
- Patratu Valley: About 33 km from Ranchi, you will find this valley of sparkling water from the Patratu Dam on one side and dense trees on the other.
- Deer Park: In this park, you will find over 15 deer species, ranging from the Spotted Deer to the Sambhar. The huge shrubbery and tall Sal trees make for the ideal natural habitat for these deer.
- Birsa Zoological Park: Located about 25 km from Ranchi, on the Ranchi-Patna highway, this park is a treat for wildlife lovers. It is home to many animals like lions, tigers, deer, and others
- Sun Temple: This exquisitely designed Sun Temple is located about 9 km from Ranchi. It is designed as an 18-wheeled giant vehicle drawn by seven horses. A holy lake found here is highly regarded by the devotees.