Jharkhand Reviews

Overview of the destination
I travelled the sector: Delhi - Ranchi - Lohardaga - Netarhat - Palamau Tiger Reserve - Ranchi - Delhi. The destination overall is very beautiful, unexploited nature, wildlife and smiling people. However the infrastructure needs improvement. (It was a budgeted travel).

Food, sight-seeing and shopping
Ranchi has good hotels and restaurants. Pahari Mandir (Old Shiva Temple on top of the hill) in the centre of the town is beautiful. The view of Ranchi City from there is impeccable. The Jagannath Temple near Ranchi town is worth visiting. The falls near by are breathtaking and ideal for adventurous people. I liked it as it has not yet been commercialised. (Stayed at a friend's place but could see lot of hotels on Main Road). Lohardaga, Has only one good hotel (Novelty) with good food the stay inclusive meals was with a grand per night. Visited the bauxite mines area called Bagru Hill to see the origin of light metal that we use very extensively. Another famous Shiva Temple and a beautiful lake site at a place called Bhandra. Stayed one night and full day. Netarhat, a beautiful hill station and totally raw, inhabited only by locals. The only accommodation is provided by Prabhat Lodge (State Owned). Heard that this place is frequented by tourists from West Bengal and neighbouring towns in Summer. Could see wildlife around and helpful people. Sun Rise and sunset is amazing, it seems as if the sun is rising from the lap of a cluster of mountains and setting at the same place in the evening. The sunrise and sun set points are different. Stayed two nights for two hundred and seventy five per night. Meals extra Palamau-Tiger reserve - is the first tiger reserve, could see the wildlife and heard the existence of Tiger but could not track it. Stayed in a forest lodge (state owned) for two nights worth Rs three hundred per night meals inclusive. Returned back to Ranchi after exploring the unexplored Reserve to Ranchi and then to Delhi. It was really memorable as you have a fresh feeling visiting the places still to be frequented and spoiled by crowd. Not to be missed - the falls near Ranchi, Bauxite mines, sunrise and sunset, the tiger reserve.

Activities & things to do
Visit the ancient temples. Lakes and falls, cool in summers and explore wildlife.

Travel tips, How to reach, travel warnings etc.
Delhi to Ranchi by flight or express train. I took a flight (air Deccan). Hired an indica at Ranchi to cover the other areas just for a sum of Rs six thousand (not too sure if i was over charged or charged less) to cover the entire area. Hotel accomodation in general hotels. Pls do not carry valuables in the interiors, in the wildlife have someone from the forest lodges or guide accompanied. Be friendly to all but keep limitations.