Jharkhand Cities :- Ranchi

Introduction
The city of Ranchi is situated in a valley of Chotanagpur at an altitude of 2140 feet. Ranchi is one of the best places to study the tribal ways of life in India. This capital is always under some kind of political influence with this part of India being an important part of the India constituency. The city of Ranchi surrounded by some of the most popular waterfalls in India.

Situated picturesquely in the heart of Chhotanagpur, at an altitude of 2, 140 ft. above sea level, Ranchi is the nucleus of the region. Once the summer capital of Bihar, Ranchi is well known for its scenic attractions, waterfalls, barren rocks & hillocks. It has a number of industrial complexes, which are very important in the industrial life of the country.

While on one hand, beautiful and exciting waterfalls are scattered around this town, on the other hand, huge industries can also be seen there, which do attract visitors. There are many scenic attractions in and around Ranchi, which hold tourists for days together. It is also an important place for the study of tribal ways of life and offers an ideal opportunity to those interested in Anthropology. Bihar Tribal Research Institute and museum are well worth a visit, for those seeking to know more about the tribes of Bihar. Due to its good climate, lot of people use to come here for health sake too.

Ranchi is situated on National Highway No.23 & 33 in eastern parts of India.

Best time to visit
Altitude : 2,140 ft.
Rainfall : 1530 mm annual
Temperature (deg C) : Summer- Max 37.2, Min 20.6; Winter- Max 22.3, Min 10.3.
Rainfall : 1530 mm (61.2 inches) annual.

How To Get There
Air :
Regular Indian Airlines services directly connect Ranchi with Patna, Calcutta and New Delhi.
Rail :
By rail also, it is very well connected with major cities of the country falls on South Eastern Railways.
Road :
Ranchi is a junction or N.H.23 and 33 and there are good roads around it. There are regular bus services from here to all important places or the State. BSTDC is also running its coaches, From Patna - Ranchi - Patna daily.

Attractions
Ranchi Hill and
Ranchi Lake :
The scenic attractions of the town have much to offer to its visitors. The landmark of Ranchi is a hill, bearing a temple of Shiva on its summit, with a lake at its foot, known as 'Ranchi Lake'. One can have a panoramic view of the town and the surroundings from the top of the hill.

Tagore Hill :
On the periphery of Ranchi is "Tagore Hill", named after Rabindra Nath Tagore, who is believed to have written a part of his famous Gitanjali here, besides other poems. Ram Krishna Ashram is situated at the foot of the attractive hill.

Kankedam & Jagannath Temple :
On one end of Ranchi is the 'Kanke Dam' which is ever crowded with tourists. It is a popular picnic spot. Few kilometers from the dam and 10 kms from Ranchi is the 17th century "Jagannath Temple" where the annual Rath Yatra (car festival) is held in the month of June/July.

Hathia Dam :
There is another beautiful dam known as 'Hatia Dam". It is about 12 kms from the city.

Ranchi Hill, Tagore Hill (Moradabad Hill) 4 kms, Kanke Dam 4 kms, Ranchi Lake, Tribal Research Institute & Museum, Heavy Engineering 11 km, Hatia Dam 12 kms, Jagannath Temple 10 kms, Mental Hospital 9 kms.

Excursions
Hundru falls :
'Hundru Falls' (45 kms on Ranchi - Purlia road) where the Subarnarekha river cascades down from an altitude of 320 feet is a sight not to be missed especially in monsoon or when the wind sets the motion. The pools at the base of the falls are favorite picnic and bathing spots.

Johna Falls :
'Johna Falls' 40 kms on Ranchi - Purlia road) also known as Gautam Dhara, is another enchanting retreat amidst rich flora and fauna beside the Kanchi river. The scenery around it is very picturesque and it is a popular picnic spot. To admire the fall one is required to descend 500 pared steps.

Sita and Dassam Falls :
Adjacent to Jonha falls is Sita falls which can be seen at its best early in the morning. Afternoons may best be saved for the Dassam Falls (34 kms on Ranchi - Tata Road) where river Kanchi falls from a height of 114 feet.

Hirni Falls :
'Hirni Falls' is another fascinating water fall with beautiful surroundings. It is situated 75 kms from Ranchi.

Breeding Center :
23 kms from Ranchi is the Mutta Muggar Breeding centre in Ormanjhi which took off with 3 Bihari muggars (crocodiles) & 2 from Chennai. Today they account for over fifty Nearby is the biological park replete with valuable samples of wild-life.

Mc Cluskieganje :
Mc Caluskieganje, 60 kms from Ranchi on Highway 41 is a sleepy hamlet amidst green forests. The name evokes nostalgia and one gradually discovers that the place was once popular with Angle-Indian community. During the 1950s there were no less than 100 Anglo-Indian families with their typical cottages, clubs and shops.
Hundru Falls (320 ft.) 45 kms, Johna Falls (140 ft.) 40 kms, Dassamghagh Falls (144 ft.) 34 kms, Hirni Falls 75 kms, Netarhat 156 kms.