Ranchi: The city of waterfalls
Ranchi is home for both of us and even though Ranchi today is very different from the small town we were grew up in, we still enjoy coming back and cherish every minute we spend at home. We strongly encourage you to take some time out and explore Ranchi and its scenic surroundings, try the food served in some of our favorite restaurants here. We have provided below some useful information about our hometown.
History and Background
Although the steady stream of Bengali tourists have given Ranchi the reputation of a hill station, actually Ranchi is situated 676 meters above sea level on a plateau with small hills all around. So picturing a Himalayan hill station would be far off the mark. However, Ranchi is a quaint and pretty town which is locally known as the city of waterfalls due to the presence of numerous waterfalls nearby. Home to numerous indigenous tribal groups such as the Mundas, the Santhals and the Oraons, with a pleasant weather and beautiful historical monuments dotting the landscape, Ranchi is an interesting and offbeat tourist destination. Well, you don't have a lot of cities with more than 100 year old buildings shaped like aeroplanes and ships built by eccentric landlords of yore. Both the Aeroplane Building and Ship Building are conveniently located about 200 meters our house.
History and Background
Although the steady stream of Bengali tourists have given Ranchi the reputation of a hill station, actually Ranchi is situated 676 meters above sea level on a plateau with small hills all around. So picturing a Himalayan hill station would be far off the mark. However, Ranchi is a quaint and pretty town which is locally known as the city of waterfalls due to the presence of numerous waterfalls nearby. Home to numerous indigenous tribal groups such as the Mundas, the Santhals and the Oraons, with a pleasant weather and beautiful historical monuments dotting the landscape, Ranchi is an interesting and offbeat tourist destination. Well, you don't have a lot of cities with more than 100 year old buildings shaped like aeroplanes and ships built by eccentric landlords of yore. Both the Aeroplane Building and Ship Building are conveniently located about 200 meters our house.
Things to see in Ranchi
Hundru falls
One of the eternal beauty in earth, Hudru falls, is in the Subarnarekha river that flows through Ranchi. The river Subarnarekha has many waterfalls on its way and Hudru falls is most beautiful among those which fall from a height of 320 feet. Hudru falls makes a remarkable landscape and has emerged as most sought tourist place recently mainly due its natural enchanting beauty. The pools at the down fall give wonderful opportunity for bathing and the Hudru falls is a picnic and resting spot in summer. This is destination not to be missed while in Ranchi.
One of the eternal beauty in earth, Hudru falls, is in the Subarnarekha river that flows through Ranchi. The river Subarnarekha has many waterfalls on its way and Hudru falls is most beautiful among those which fall from a height of 320 feet. Hudru falls makes a remarkable landscape and has emerged as most sought tourist place recently mainly due its natural enchanting beauty. The pools at the down fall give wonderful opportunity for bathing and the Hudru falls is a picnic and resting spot in summer. This is destination not to be missed while in Ranchi.
Dassam Falls
A wonderful natural cascade, Dassam water falls, is situated in a beautiful cute village Taimara near Ranchi. The falls is in the renowned Kanchi River, it falls from a height of 144 feet, and the dashing waters splashing on the down earth is a marvelous sight.
The surrounding eye catching sceneries attract many tourists and are added attractions of the Dassam Water falls. It is also famed as Dasham Gagh adorned with pleasant and attractive scenic beauty. Visitors are steadily growing here, and many facilities for the visitors are available.
The surrounding eye catching sceneries attract many tourists and are added attractions of the Dassam Water falls. It is also famed as Dasham Gagh adorned with pleasant and attractive scenic beauty. Visitors are steadily growing here, and many facilities for the visitors are available.
Jonha Falls
Jonha Falls, also known as Gautam Dhara named after Gautam Buddha, is a beautiful water fall in Kanchi River. The falls are nestled in a heavily forested area. The picturesque surroundings are marvelous and one can step down nearly 500 steps to admire the beauty of the Johna falls. Nearby is a 1,500 year old Buddha temple, with an in situ carved Buddha statue.
Jagannath Temple
The Jagannath Temple in Ranchi was constructed by king of Barkagarh, Jagannathpur Thakur Ani Nath Shahdeo in 1691. It is built in the same architectural style as the world famous Puri Jagannath temple. The devotees including both traditional Sarna practising tribals as well as Hindus who are especially attracted to this temple during festival seasons. An Annual Rath Yathra, occurring simultaneously with that of Puri Jagganath temple, is celebrated with much pomp and vigor and a fair is also conducted together with this festival.
St. Paul's Cathedral
Construction of the Cathedral began in 1870 and its consecration ceremony was held on March 9, 1873. The Gothic cathedral — which can fit a 500-odd congregation at one go — has certain unique architectural features. It is a structure sans iron rods, held up by with sandstone pillars. Its wooden beams have never been replaced since it was built. The cathedral’s main attraction was its mammoth pipe organ, occupying 700 square feet space. The instrument, still in apple-pie order, is played with the church choir. The giant organ also has its own separate room.
St. Mary's Cathedral
Opened to the public in October 3, 1909, St. Mary's Cathedral is the center of the Roman Catholic Church in Jharkhand. A monumental structure, built in Neo-Romanesque style with domes 32m high, the cathedral had an initial holding capacity of around 3,000.
Gossner Evangelical Lutheran Church
It was built in 1855 by a German priest in the European Gothic style. Situated on the MG Road in Ranchi, it caters to the large Protestant population of the city. It stands towering in Gothic beauty, sheltering as its pride a 150-year Bible and cannons fired during the Great War of Independence of 1857 as part of the years of history it has witnessed and survived. Starting from the time the foundation stones were laid on November 18, 1851 by four Christian families who were sent to Ranchi by Johannes Evangelista Gossenor, who was a Berlin-based priest, followers continue to flock in faith.
Maa Anandamayee Temple
Ranchi was lucky to have hosted the great spiritual leader, Maa Anandamayee. In 1953, being invited by devotees, Ma came first to Ranchi. By chance, Ma was accommodated at the newly constructed house of a Bengali devotee. Afterwards the idea of offering the house to Ma arose in the devotee's mind and in October, 1954 the Durga Puja was performed in this house and the property was thus transformed into an ashram and donated to the Sangha. In November 1955, the image of Kali, made of eight kinds of metals, was consecrated at the time of Kali Puja which is worshiped here till date.
Tagore Hill
Tagore hill, also known as Moradabadi Hill, is a 300 feet altitude hill located in the beautiful haven of Morabadi in Ranchi and is named after the world famous poet, Nobel laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore. The local history reveals that the hill has close relations with the Tagore family; it is assumed that the poet liked this hill due to its serene beauty and the extraordinary calmness and was a place for his literary work. The mansion that the Tagore family built still stands half-way up the hill and in currently being converted into a Tagore museum.
Originally inhabited by Bengalis from Kolkata who settled here because of the cooler climate, they've left behind a number of bunglows which gives the area a great sense of space and opulence. A centre of Divyayan and Agararian Vocational Institute and the famous Ramakrishna Mission Ashram is also located at the foot of the Tagore hill. This is a good place for hill climbing and spends some time at the top of the hill in seclusion. The now abandoned Sarasvati temple at the top gives a good view of the Bariatu and Chuttupalu hills around.
Originally inhabited by Bengalis from Kolkata who settled here because of the cooler climate, they've left behind a number of bunglows which gives the area a great sense of space and opulence. A centre of Divyayan and Agararian Vocational Institute and the famous Ramakrishna Mission Ashram is also located at the foot of the Tagore hill. This is a good place for hill climbing and spends some time at the top of the hill in seclusion. The now abandoned Sarasvati temple at the top gives a good view of the Bariatu and Chuttupalu hills around.
Rock Garden
Rock garden is carved out of the rocks of Gonda Hill. At the base of the hill is Kanke dam. The Rock Garden is a picturesque picnic spot with boating and other activities as well. The spot is conveniently located less than a kilometer away from Sid's house and is a personal favourite. The winter months brings winged visitors from far off Central Asia and Europe, please do make sure you spot the Siberian ducks that make home in the Kanke Dam during the winter months.
Places to Eat
For a small town Ranchi has some really good restaurants that we would highly recommend you all try out:
There are several newer and nicer places that have come in Ranchi. The Radisson hotel (www.radissonblu.com/hotel-ranchi) has the Great Kebab Factory, Hotel Capitol Hill (www.hotelcapitolhill.com/) and Hotel Arya (www.hotelarya.in/) have good restaurants serving excellent meals that you all may also want to try. One thing we would recommend you try out is the ‘softie’ ice cream outside Firayalal. Trust us when we say you won’t get the same flavor anywhere else in India.
- Hangul, Chinar Hotel: Multi cuisine restaurant in the Main Road. Must try items; Chicken Kassa and Kasturi Kebab. (Main Rd, Ranchi, India. Tel: +91 651 220 7780, Website: hotelchinar.com)
- Seventh Heaven: Vegetarian restaurant with amazing Dosas and a killer Paneer Chilly. (Shrilok Complex, Hazaribagh Road, Ranchi -834001. Tel: +91 651 2215990/3292438)
- Neel Kamal Dhaba, Ormanjhi: The original dhaba on the Ormanjhi road that serves delicious Chicken bharta and naan. Their red coloured chilly chicken is not found anywhere else in India. (Neel Kamal Motel. N H 33, Ormanjhi, Ranchi – 834001, India. Tel: +91 651 2756541)
- Ranchi Gymkhana Club: Neha’s personal favourite for its Paneer Chilly and Dosas. The Gymkhana is a members only club. Their masala chanas are excellent as well. (Booty More, Ranchi. Tel: +91 651 2275667/3291390/2275668, Website: http://www.ranchigymkhana.com)
- Elora Bar & Restaurant: Dark and old restaurant but they serve a killer Chicken Chilly. (Hotel Yuvraj, Doranda, Ranchi 834002.)
There are several newer and nicer places that have come in Ranchi. The Radisson hotel (www.radissonblu.com/hotel-ranchi) has the Great Kebab Factory, Hotel Capitol Hill (www.hotelcapitolhill.com/) and Hotel Arya (www.hotelarya.in/) have good restaurants serving excellent meals that you all may also want to try. One thing we would recommend you try out is the ‘softie’ ice cream outside Firayalal. Trust us when we say you won’t get the same flavor anywhere else in India.
