Jharkhand is a state in India that shares its borders with Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. The state is the 15th largest state in India by area. The state also houses a variety of flora and fauna and many rivers flowing through the state. Jharkhand region is rich in history and provides many exciting places to be visited and cherished by tourists. If you are interested in visiting places that hold historical and religious value, below are some of the places to visit in Jharkhand.

1. Jagannath Temple, Ranchi

The Jagannath temple is situated at the hilltop and has a rich mythological history. It is one of the most famous historic landmarks of Ranchi. The temple origins can be traced back to 1691. The temple is known to resemble the famous Jagannath temple in Puri. The most interesting fact related to the temple is that the idols are made of wood, unlike other temple’s idols which are made of clay and stone. The temple gathers a huge audience during the festival of Ratha Yatra when the idols are taken out of the temple.

Best time to visit: June-July.

2. Patratu Dam

Located on the side of Patratu Valley is Patratu Dam which stores the waters of the Nalkari River. Earlier, the underground tunnel of the dam connected two villages Labga and Hariharpur. The tunnel provided a thrilling experience for riders taking that route but it was closed due to security reasons. The dam still stands as one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in Jharkhand. One can spot several fish in the rivers in addition to watching the beautiful sunrise and sunset. To add to this attraction boating is also available. The dam provides water to the Ramgarh Cantonment area. Surrounded by greenery, water, and nature, the place is a must-visit place in Jharkhand.

3. Panch Gagh Falls, Ranchi

Panch Gagh Falls is the most fascinating tourist attraction in Jharkhand. The place has five waterfalls flowing down through tall and steep hills. It is located near the scenic village of Khunti. The place provides a calm and soothing environment which makes it a good place for a picnic.

4. Rajrappa Waterfall, Ramgarh

Rajrappa Waterfalls in Ramgarh District in Jharkhand is basically a pilgrimage center. The main attraction of the place is Chhinnamasta temple, dedicated to the headless deity Chinnamasta that stands on the body of Rati and Kamdev in the lotus bed.

 It is a scintillating waterfall where Bhera River and Bhairavi River falls and joins the Damodar River. The scenic beauty of Rajrappa Waterfalls and many other temples around makes the place a good place to visit when in Jharkhand.

5. Tagore Hill, Ranchi

Tagore Hill is named after the great poet, Nobel Laureate, Rabindranath Tagore. The hill is situated at an altitude of 200m. The calmness of the place is the perfect spot to cherish the beauty of the city. Rabindranath Nath Tagore himself used to enjoy the solitude in these hills to write his books. The hills provide adventure sports like trekking and rock climbing.
With around 200-250 stairs to reach, the top of the hills also provides a bird’s eye view of Ranchi city. Sunsets and sunrise can be enjoyed here.

Best Time to Visit: Winter

6. Murga Mahadev

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is located in Nuamundi mines, Kendujuhar district. The Murga Mahadev originated from 2 words Murugan which means Kartikeya and Mahadev which means Shiva in Dravidian languages. It is said that the temple was a place of worship by Tribal people, which later changed to a Hindu place of worship. The place gathers huge devotees during the month of shravaana, Kartik, and during the festival Shivratri. There is a waterfall nearby which brings it into tourist attention.

Best Time to Visit: During the month of shravaana, Kartik, and during the festival Shivratri.

7. Sun temple, Ranchi

With extremely eye capturing architecture, the temple is situated near the Bhundu Village on the Bhundu road. It is a religious place which is located around 39 km from the Ranchi city in Jharkhand. The most fascinating attraction at the Sun temple is the statue that has the shape of a giant vehicle with 18 wheels driven by seven horses.

Sun temple is the most frequently visited place in Ranchi has a pond that carries sacred resemblance for the Chhathavratis. The Sun Temple is absolutely worth a visit.

8. Pahari Mandir

Pahari Mandir is also a temple of Lord Shiva located in Ranchi city of Jharkhand. To reach the temple the devotees have to climb 300 steps as the temple stands at an altitude of 2140 feet. The top also provides an awe-striking view of the city. Devotees gather here in large numbers during the month of Shravan. The temple is believed to fulfill the wishes of the people.

Best Time to Visit: July-August

9. Kanke Dam

Kanke Dam is located near another famous tourist spot Rock garden. The place provides a beautiful view of greenery, sparkling water, and sunset. If you want to enjoy a wonderful time, this place serves as a good spot for a picnic with friends and family. The other attractions of this place are bird watching and boat riding.

Best Time to Visit: Morning and Evening

10.  Nakshatra Van

Located near Raj Bhawan, Nakshatra Van is an urban park and a good tourist spot. The beautiful part of this park is that it is based on the concept of Nakshatras or stars. In Hindu Mythology, each Nakshatra is associated with a Zodiac and each Zodiac sign is associated with a tree. These trees have medicinal, economic, social, and aesthetic value.

The place has interesting facts which lure tourists towards. One can explore the park based on their zodiac sign and can find some interesting facts about themselves.

Best time to visit:  In Evening

11.  Ranchi Lake

Ranchi Lake adds to the beauty of the Ranchi hills. This provides a mesmerizing view of the eyes. It can be considered as a perfect spot for a picnic. Ranchi lake was dug up by the British Colonel Onsely. The relaxing boat rides make it one of the must-visit places in Jharkhand. The place becomes more calm and soothing during the months of winter when the sun gives warmth near the beautiful lake.

Best time to visit: Mornings and nights on any day: mostly winter

12.  Biodiversity Park

Biodiversity Park is surrounded by lush greenery and is one of the most popular tourist places in Ranchi. It was constructed to protect medicinal plants and herbs. If you have an interest in Botany, the park will act as a dream. The park comes under the management of the forest department of Ranchi. Other attractions of this place are trekking and hiking.

Best time to visit: Evenings and months of winters.

13.  Rock Garden

The rock garden is built from the rocks of Gonda Hills. Garden is located near Kanke Dam and provides a scintillating experience with waterfalls, sculptures, and art. Sunset here is the most beautiful part that makes tourists come again and again. Guides are available to guide you through your way to the garden and beautiful sculptures.

Best time to visit: Evenings.

14. Sidhu Kanhu Park, Ranchi

Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu were leaders of the Santhal rebellion who fought against British colonial authority and the Zamindar system. The park was built in the memory of these freedom fighters. This park provides an escape from city life. The park is located in Ranchi. The place houses garden, fountains, beautiful flowers, walking trails, and water bodies having water plants.

15. The Crocodile Park, Muta

The Crocodile Park is located at Ormanjhi-Sikidiri Road at Muta. It was made during the year 1987, under the IUCN program of conservation of endangered species. The place houses many crocodiles. In the 1960s, in Bhera River, Marsh crocodile was first spotted. The place is located 35km from Ranchi.

16. Patratu Valley, Ranchi

The Patratu valley is one of a kind. The place provides a scenic view and is a treat to the people who love nature. The valley is surrounded by a Dam on one side and greenery on the other side. Driving through Ghat of the Patratu Valley proves to be a memorable ride. It lies 40 km outside Ranchi.

17. Hundru Falls

Hundru Falls is located on the Ranchi Purulia Highway. It is the 34th highest waterfall in India. Falling from a height of 98 meters, it is also the highest waterfall in the state. Hundru falls has an elevation of about 456m. The water from the falls takes an intimidating form during rainy reason but serves as a pleasing place during dry seasons.

The falls makes a pool at the base of it and acts as a beautiful spot for picnic during summers.

18. Dassam Falls

Dassam falls are located near Tamara village, Bundu police station of Ranchi. One interesting thing to know about the name of this place is that it is derived from the changed version of Da: song, which in Mundari Language means the act of pouring water. The word Da: means water and song mean pouring. The name was kept because the waterfall resembles like someone is pouring water. Earlier the name was Da: song. The water from the Kanchi River falls from a height of 44 meters.

Best time to visit: October to January

19. Jonha Falls

The Jonha Falls is also called Gautamdhara Falls. Falling from the height of 56ft, the name of the fall is named after the local village. There is a temple dedicated to Lord Budha. The waterfall is an example of a knick point where the river has a sharp change in channel slope. The beauty of the river fall is a sight to behold. You can spend your day to enjoy the waterfall and spend some peaceful time in the Buddha Temple. A fair is also organized by people here on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Best Time to visit: Tuesday and Saturday of a week

20. McCluskieganj

McCluskieganj is a small hilly town located around 60km from Ranchi. The place is famous for being a home for the Anglo-Indian Community. The community declined gradually but left its mark considerably. The place lies on a hilltop and is a good place for tourists to visit in Jharkhand.

The most attractive part of this place is Temple, Mosque, Church, and Gurudwara all lying in the same complex promoting harmony and unity: McCluskeiganj Gurudwara and Temple, McCluskeiganj Mosque, and St. John’s Church.

21. Sita Falls

Sita falls is located on Ranchi-Purulia road or NH-32. The Randhu River falls from the height of 43.9m making its way through steep rocks making it a picturesque view. The waterfall is located near another famous Jonha Falls, so if you are taking a visit to Jonha you must take a visit to this waterfall as well for a mesmerizing experience.

22. Chandil Dam

Chandil Dam is located in Chandil is built on the Subarnarekha River. It occupies the list of most visited places in Jharkhand. Chandil dam was built between both the rivers, the Subarnarekha River and the Karkori River. The dam is about a height of 220 meters and the water level is about 190m. The other attraction of this place is a museum located just next to the dam which has scripts written on rocks about 2000years old.

Best Time to visit: Winters

23. Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary

Chandil town also homes wildlife which adds to the beauty of the place. Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary has located around 10 km from Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. The sanctuary was inaugurated by Indian politician, Sanjay Gandhi in the year 1975. It is spread over the area of 145km2. The place also homes elephants, sloth bear, barking deer, and porcupines. If one has an interest in a variety of flora and fauna, this place is a must-visit.

24. Navratangarh

Navgarh or Doisagarh was once the capitals of the Nagvanshi dynasty that was known to have ruled the parts of Jharkhand. The fort was constructed in the 17^th century by King Durjan Sal.

The fort was constructed after the King’s release from Mughals. It’s a five-storeyed structure. It has a kiaclmy, a treasury house, and a prison cell. Fort is surrounded by rivers and dense forests; the lush greenery makes it a beautiful place to visit.

25. Megaliths of Hazaribagh

The megaliths of Hazaribagh resembles that of Europe and western Asia. The megaliths are believed to be the earliest surviving man-made monuments. Megalith word is derived from the Latin; Mega which means large and Lilith which means stone. The most famous part of this place is observing the Equinox. Tourists, locals, researchers, and scholars believe that the place serves as a great spot to view sunrise and sunset throughout the annual Solstice. It is located at Pankuri Barwadih, Hazaribagh.

26. Baba Baidyanath Dham

Baba Baidyanath Dham is also known as Vaidyanatha Jyotirlinga temple or Baidhyanath Dham. It is one of the 12 linga of Lord Shiva across the country. The place holds religious importance in Hindus and is much visited during Mahashivratri. The temple homes 12 other temples along with the main temple of Lord Shiva. The name of the temple is derived from the story of Ravan. The demon king worshipped Shiva at this site and offered his head as a sacrifice, which was then cured by God himself. As he acted as a Vaidhya(Doctor), hence the name Baidhyanath. The place gathers huge devotees throughout the year but mostly during Shravan Mela and Mahashivratri.

27. Parasnath

At the height of 1365 m, Parasnath is known to be the highest mountain peak in the state of Jharkhand. It is also believed that these mountains can be seen by direct line of sight from Mount Everest over 450 km to the north on any clear sky day. It is located in Chota Nagpur Plateau in the Giridih district. Named after the 23rd Tirthankara, Lord Parshvanatha, this mountain peak is considered as one of the holiest and respected sites for the Jain community. It is a huge pilgrimage site and homes 20 Thirthankaras of Jains on Parasnath Hills.

28. Naulakha Mandir, Deoghar

The temple is situated at a distance of 1.5 km from Baidyanath Temple. Rani Charushila of Pathurighat royal family of Calcutta spent 9 lakh rupees on building it, thus the name Naulakha. The temple houses the idols of Lord Krishna and Goddess Radha.  It is believed that the queen built the temple on the advice of a saint Balananda Brahmachari while grieving for the loss of her husband and son. The temple also houses the idol of the saint. This temple is a delight to the ones interested in archeological history.

29. Tattapani

Tattapani is a hot water spring located in Jagram village which is about 11 Km away from Latehar, Jharkhand. The hot water is believed to have medicinal value and is enjoyed by locals and tourists. People come to take bath in this hot spring. The water from different sources joins the river bed of Tattapani.

30. Betla National park, Palamu district

The Betla National park hosting a variety of wildlife is located in Chota Nagpur Plateau of Palamu district in Jharkhand. In 1974, it became the first national park to become a tiger reserve under Project Tiger. It is spread over the area of 1252km². The place is a home for many animals such as sloth bear, panther, wolf, jackal langurs, monkeys, sambhar deer, four-horned antelopes, Indian Giant squirrels, mouse deer, nilgai, ant-eating pangolin, porcupine, Kakar, small Indian civets, and mongoose. Birds like black partridge, white-necked stork, black ibis, swamp grey, hornbill, peafowl, red jungle fowl, dove, drongo, crested serpent eagle, and many more lives here. The park also has other attractions like waterfalls, hot springs, and forts.