Things to Do in Ranchi: Waterfalls, Hills, Temples & Tribal Heritage

See Hundru Falls

Hundru Falls, about 45 km from Ranchi, is where the Subarnarekha river drops about 98 metres off the plateau. Steps lead down to the base, where the water forms pools among rocks. It is most spectacular in and after the monsoon.

Best time

July to December

Good to know

Rocks are slippery; do not swim in strong flows

Visit Dassam Falls

Dassam Falls, about 40 km away on the Kanchi river, falls in a curtain of streams into a gorge. The name refers to ten streams. Swimming here is dangerous; stay on the viewing areas.

Good to know

Do not enter the water

Walk down to Jonha Falls

Jonha Falls, also called Gautamdhara after a Buddhist temple nearby, is reached by about 700 steps and has a pleasant pool at the base in the dry season.

See Hirni and Sita falls

Hirni Falls, surrounded by forest, and Sita Falls, near Jonha, are quieter falls often combined in a day trip.

Watch sunset from Tagore Hill

Tagore Hill, named after Jyotirindranath Tagore, elder brother of Rabindranath, who built a retreat here in the early 20th century, has a small pavilion at the top and views over the city.

Best time

Sunset

Climb to Pahari Mandir

Pahari Mandir, a Shiva temple on a hill in the city, was once the site where freedom fighters were hanged by the British. The national flag is raised here on Independence Day and Republic Day.

Relax at Kanke Dam and the Rock Garden

The Rock Garden, built on the hills beside Kanke Dam, has sculptures, waterfalls and views over the reservoir. It is a popular evening spot for families.

Good for

Families

Visit the Jagannath Temple

The Jagannath Temple, built in 1691 on a hillock, is modelled on the temple at Puri and holds its own Rath Yatra fair.

See the Birsa Munda memorial and museums

The Birsa Munda Museum and memorial, in the old Ranchi jail where he died in 1900, honours the tribal leader. The Tribal Research Institute museum displays tools, dress and art of Jharkhand's communities.

Good for

History lovers

Drive through Patratu Valley

Patratu Valley, about 35 km away, is known for its winding hairpin roads through forested hills, with viewpoints over the Patratu reservoir. Boating is available at the dam.

Patratu guide

See the Sun Temple at Bundu

The Sun Temple at Bundu, about 40 km away, is a modern temple built in the shape of a chariot with 18 wheels and seven horses, set by a pond.

Watch sunrise at Netarhat

Netarhat, about 150 km away at over 1,100 metres, is known as the queen of Chota Nagpur for its forests and viewpoints, especially Magnolia Point at sunset and the sunrise point.

Netarhat guide

Go on a safari at Betla

Betla National Park, in the Palamau Tiger Reserve about 170 km away, has elephants, gaur, deer and a ruined fort in the forest.

Betla guide

Eat Jharkhand food

Try dhuska (fried rice and lentil bread) with aloo, rugra (a local mushroom) in the monsoon, and pitha. Tribal festivals such as Sarhul in spring and Karma in autumn bring dances and music.

Good for

Food lovers

July to October

The waterfalls are at their fullest and the hills are green.

November to February

Cool, clear weather for excursions; the falls still flow in early winter.

March to June

Hot, and many falls reduce to a trickle.

What are the best things to do in Ranchi?

See Hundru, Dassam and Jonha falls, watch sunset from Tagore Hill, visit Pahari Mandir, Kanke Dam and the Jagannath Temple, see the Birsa Munda memorial, drive through Patratu Valley and visit the Sun Temple at Bundu.

When is the best time to see Ranchi's waterfalls?

From about July to December, during and after the monsoon.

How many days are enough for Ranchi?

Two to three days.

Why is Ranchi called the city of waterfalls?

Several large waterfalls lie within an hour or two of the city, where rivers drop off the Chota Nagpur plateau.