Jharkhand is an eastern Indian state known for its natural beauty and rich tribal culture. It features stunning waterfalls like Jonha, Dassam, and Hundru, as well as wildlife in Betla National Park and Dalma Sanctuary. Ranchi, the capital, is home to the historic Jagannath Temple, Tagore Hill, and the State Museum. The Deori Mandir near Ranchi and Jamshedpur is a well-known Durga temple, while Jamshedpur itself boasts Jubilee Park and the Bhuvaneshwari Temple. In the north, the famous Baba Baidyanath Temple in Deoghar is a major pilgrimage site for Shiva devotees.
places to see in Jharkhand
Ram Mandir
Established in 1967–68 by Pt. Parma Nand Tripathi, this temple is dedicated to Lord Ram. It honors Ram as the King of Ayodhya and an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple is a peaceful place for worship and devotion. It draws many devotees throughout the year. Its architecture reflects traditional Hindu temple design.
Jagannath Temple (Ranchi)
Built in 1691 by King Anish Nath Shahdeo of Barkagarh, this temple is about 10 km from Ranchi. It resembles the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri. The temple features vibrant carvings and spiritual ambiance. It’s an important cultural and religious site in Jharkhand. The annual Rath Yatra festival is a major attraction here.
Jawaharlal Nehru Biological Park
Located in Bokaro Steel City, this is the largest zoo in Jharkhand. It is managed by the Bokaro Steel Plant under SAIL. The park houses a wide variety of animals, including big cats and birds. It also features boating facilities and lush green surroundings. It’s a favorite spot for families and school trips.
Baidyanath Jyotirlinga (Deoghar)
Baidyanath Dham is one of the twelve sacred Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. It’s located in Deoghar and is a major pilgrimage site in India. Devotees from all over the country visit, especially during the Shravan month. The temple has deep mythological and spiritual importance. It’s considered one of the holiest places in Jharkhand.
Maa Kali Shaktipeeth
This temple is located in the Karnibagh area and is also called Maa Kali Nagar. The goddess is worshipped here in the form of a Pindi (stone). It’s an important spiritual center for Kali devotees. The temple is known for its strong religious presence in the community. Special rituals are held during major Hindu festivals.
Palamau Tiger Reserve
Palamau Tiger Reserve is the only tiger reserve in Jharkhand and one of India’s original nine. It is part of Betla National Park and the Palamau Wildlife Sanctuary. The area is rich in biodiversity and dense forests. Tigers, leopards, elephants, and many birds live here. It’s ideal for wildlife lovers and eco-tourists.
Binduvasini Temple
This hilltop temple is dedicated to goddesses Durga, Kali, and Saraswati. Three stone idols represent the deities. It is believed that a drop of Sati’s blood fell here, making it a Shaktipeeth. The climb to the temple offers scenic views and spiritual peace. It is a significant religious site in the region.
Ranchi Science Centre
This is Jharkhand’s first science museum, located in Ranchi. It is managed by the Department of Science & Technology. The center features interactive science exhibits, a 3D theater, and educational displays. It promotes scientific learning among students and visitors. The place is both informative and entertaining for all age groups.
Tagore Hill
Tagore Hill, also called Morabadi Hill, is named after Rabindranath Tagore. It is believed that the poet’s elder brother spent time here. The hill offers beautiful views and a calm environment. It’s popular for walking, photography, and sunset views. It holds cultural and historical significance in Ranchi.
Sun Temple
This unique temple is built like a giant chariot pulled by seven stone horses. It is dedicated to the Sun God and features detailed carvings. Surrounded by peaceful natural surroundings, it’s a serene place for worship. The temple is a popular tourist attraction near Ranchi. Many visitors come for its beauty and spiritual vibe.
Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary
Located 10 km from Jamshedpur, this sanctuary was opened in 1975 by Sanjay Gandhi. It is famous for its large population of Indian elephants. The dense forests and hilly terrain make it a haven for wildlife. The sanctuary is also home to deer, birds, and sloth bears. It’s a great place for eco-tourism and trekking.
top destinations in Jharkhand
Ranchi
Ranchi is the capital of Jharkhand, located in the eastern part of India. Pahari Mandir, a Shiva temple atop Ranchi Hill, offers stunning views of the city. Nakshatra Van is a peaceful park themed around zodiac stars. The city is rich in tribal culture, showcased at the Tribal Museum. Ranchi is also a gateway to nearby waterfalls and wildlife areas.
Jamshedpur
Jamshedpur lies between the Subarnarekha and Kharkai rivers and is known for its greenery and industry. Jubilee Park, with its zoo, is a major attraction. The Bhuvaneshwari Temple sits on a hill with an ornate five-story tower. North of the city is Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, home to elephants and other animals. It is also India’s first planned industrial city, founded by the Tatas.
Hazaribagh
Hazaribagh is known as a health retreat due to its cool climate and forested surroundings. It is the headquarters of North Chotanagpur division in Jharkhand. The Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary attracts nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It has political significance and is represented by MP Jayant Sinha. The area combines natural beauty with historical importance.
Deoghar
Deoghar is a sacred city located by the Mayurakshi River. It is home to the famous Baba Baidyanath Temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Shiva. Shiv Ganga, a nearby holy pond, is where devotees take ritual baths. Naulakha Mandir is another beautifully carved temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. Harila Jori, with its white temple and water tank, adds to the town’s spiritual appeal.
Giridih
Giridih is a hilly district in Jharkhand whose name means “land of hills and lakes.” It is known for its scenic beauty and rugged terrain. The area is rich in minerals, especially mica. Pilgrims visit nearby Parasnath Hill, a Jain religious site. The district is a blend of nature, religion, and mining activity.
Sahibganj
Sahibganj is located in northern Jharkhand, bordered by the Ganges River and Rajmahal Hills. It lies near the border of West Bengal and close to the ancient Vikramashila University. The town has a mix of natural beauty and historic relevance. River cruises and heritage sites are major attractions. Sahibganj is an emerging location with both cultural and ecological importance.
Dhanbad
Dhanbad is known as the “Coal Capital of India” due to its vast coal mines. Major companies like Tata Steel and BCCL operate here. The city plays a key role in India’s energy and steel production. It also has educational institutions like IIT-ISM. Dhanbad combines industrial strength with urban development.
Bokaro
Bokaro Steel City is one of the major industrial cities of Jharkhand. It’s known for the Bokaro Steel Plant, operated by SAIL. The city is multicultural and planned, with residents from across India. Located at 210 meters elevation, it’s surrounded by districts like Dhanbad, Ranchi, and Giridih. Bokaro offers a mix of industry, education, and modern urban life.
Best time to visit Jharkhand
The best time to visit Jharkhand is from December to May, when the weather is more pleasant. Summers (April–May) can be hot and humid, with rising temperatures. The monsoon season lasts from June to September, bringing heavy rainfall and lush greenery. Winters are generally mild and comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Avoid peak summer and monsoon months if you prefer cooler, dry weather.
