Ranchi

Ranchi, capital of Jharkhand, was once the summer capital of Bihar. The city is located at a height of 2100 ft above sea level in the heart of the Chotanagpur tribal country. Ranchi attracts tourists for its proximity to beautiful waterfalls, lakes and hills. It is also a centre for the study of tribal ways of life. Today it is a fast growing city with industries like Bharat Heavy Engineering Plant and major educational institutes (Interactive map of Ranchi).

Places of Interest in Ranchi

Jagannathpur Temple & Hill

Located 10km. south west of Ranchi is the 17th century Jagannath Temple on a hillock at Jagannathpur. The temple was built in 1691 and its architectural styles resembles the Jagannath temple of Puri. Rath yatra or Car festival similar to that of Puri is held every year in the months of June/July. It attracts thousands of devotees both tribal and non-tribal.  

Tribal Research Institute and Museum

The museum located at the Tribal Research Institute building at Morabadi Road has a collection of stone sculptures, terracottas and arms as well as ethnological objects. It also exhibits life and history of tribal people of Chotanagpur.

Ranchi University Museum

The department of Anthropology, Ranchi University has a museum. The exhibits include ethnographic collections of central Indian states and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. 

Ranchi Lake

Ranchi Lake, situated in the heart of the city was excavated by Col. Onsely, a British Agent in 1842. It is located near  Ranchi Telephone Exchange. The lake has boating facilities. 

Ranchi Hill

Situated at an altitude of 2140 feet from sea level, Ranchi Hill with a Shiva temple on top is a place of pilgrimage. One can have fantastic views of the city from the top of the hill. The greenery around especially during rainy season makes it an attractive place.  

Tagore Hill

Tagore hill named after the famous Tagore family is located near Ram Krishna Mission Ashram at Morabadi. It is said that Ravindra Nath Tagore wrote several of his books at the top of the hill which is at a height of around 300ft. Besides the Ramakrishna Mission Ashram, the Centre of Divyayan and Agararian Vocational Institute is also situated at the foot of the hill. 

Baidynathdham 

Baidynathdham or Babadham is a famous Hindu pilgrimage center. There is a famous temple of Lord Shiva. In Shrawan month, huge number of devotees come on foot from all over India to pay homage to Lord Shiva. 

Machali Ghar

This aquarium is located near CCL headquarters on Kanke Road. There is a several species of fish here. 

Gonda Hill 

Situated 9 km north of Ranchi, the pleasant and calm Gonda hills is an ideal place for a picnic.  There is rock garden here with several structures or statues made of stone. It is similar in design to the Rock Garden of Jaipur. At the foot of the hill, there is a big lake known as Kanke Dam.