The story behind the name “Ranchi”
The name Ranchi is derived from the previous name of the Oraon village at the same site, “Archi” derives from the Oraon word for bamboo grove or stave. According to legend, after an altercation with a spirit, a farmer beat the spirit with his bamboo stave. The spirit shouted archi, archi, archi and vanished. Archi became Rachi, which became Ranchi. Another etymological evidence suggests Ranchi be derived from ‘rici’ (Mundari for Black Kite Milvus migrans), as the modern-day landmark of Ranchi city, the Pahari Mandir, is also known as Rici Buru – the hill of the kites.
Ranchi is a very gorgeous and vast city, it nearly covers 652 km². So it also has many historic and attractive places to visit.
Best time to visit Ranchi
The best season to visit Ranchi is the winter season. In this season, the temperature remains comfortable and is apt for sightseeing and other pursuits. The best months to visit Ranchi are September, October, November, December, January, February, March, April, and May.
Winter season: November to February is the winter season in Ranchi with an average temperature ranges between 1°C – 30°C. The temperature drops down to as low as 1°C in the month of January accompanied by dense fog.
Monsoon Season: Monsoon generally hits Ranchi in the month of July and lasts till September. The region receives moderate rainfall during this season.
How to reach Ranchi
By Air: Ranchi airport, located at Hinoo, is about seven km away from the city center. Patna, Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai are connected to Ranchi by regular flights. Kolkata is the nearest international airport, which is well-connected to many cities in India and abroad.
By Train: Nearest station is Hatia. Ranchi railhead is well-connected to all important cities in India.
By Road: Ranchi is well connected to several cities in Jharkhand and Bihar by state road transport corporation buses. Bokaro (110 km), Chaibasa (130 km), Dhanbad (170 km), Patna (340 km) and Jamshedpur (140 km) are all connected to Ranchi. Private tourist bus services are also available from Kolkata to Ranchi.
Now Coming to top attractions, here are the must-see places in Ranchi.
1. Panchghagh Falls
Panch (means five) Ghagh Falls is a stunning tourist destination which has five waterfalls cascading through tall and steep hills near the scenic village of Khunti. The foot of the waterfalls has a very calm and serene atmosphere and is an ideal location for picnics and weekend getaways.
Opening days: Open all days of the week
Distance from Ranchi Junction: 50 km
Ideal for: Picnic, relaxation
Entry fee: NA
2. Ranchi Lake
Located at the base of the majestic Ranchi hill, this lake was constructed in the year 1842 by a British National Colonel Onsely. It is centrally located and has boating facilities. Being well-maintained by the authorities, this is the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxed evening and is ideal for picnics. The Ranchi hill itself is a popular tourist destination, it also has a Shiv Mandir at its top and one can get a panoramic view of the entire city from there.
Opening days: Open all days of the week
Distance from Ranchi Junction: 4 km
Ideal for: Picnic, relaxation
Entry fee: NA
3. Sun Temple
“The Sun Temple of Ranchi” is a religious attraction of Ranchi, located on the Tata Road near Bundu Village on the National Highway-33, about 40kms south of Ranchi and serves as one of the highlights of the city in Jharkhand. The ‘Sun God’ is the Presiding Deity of this temple seen seated on a lotus flower having four hands.
Opening days: Open all days of the week
Distance from Ranchi Junction: 13 km
Ideal for: Religious Purpose, Relaxation, family
Entry fee: NA
4. Birsa Zoological Park
The Birsa Zoological Park, also known as Birsa Jaivik Udyan houses a wide variety of wild animals like lions, tigers, various kinds of deer etc. It is located on the Ranchi-Patna National Highway near Ormanjhi and is a must-visit for all wildlife enthusiasts.
As part of the animal adoption program, you can also adopt an animal and contribute to the wildlife preservation drive of this park.
Opening days: Open all days of the week; 9:00 am to 04:00 pm
Distance from Ranchi Junction: 13 km
Ideal for: Relaxation, family, Recreational purpose
Entry fee: NA
5. Tagore Hill
Tagore Hill is situated at an altitude of 200 feet in an isolated location where one find to spend time in some peace and quiet. It is named after the famous poet, Nobel Laureate Rabindra Nath Tagore.
It is known that he used to come here to write and the found the serene atmosphere at the top of the hill inspiring for his creativity. A center of Divayan and Agararian Vocational Institute and a Ramakrishna Mission Ashram is situated at the foot of Tagore Hill.
Opening days: Open all days of the week; 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Distance from Ranchi Junction: 8 km
Ideal for: Relaxation, Recreational purpose, Trekking, camping.
Entry fee: NA
6. Jagannath Temple
The Jagannath temple was constructed in the 17th century, 1691 by the king of Barkagarh, Jagannathpur Thakur Ani Nath Shahdeo. It is situated 10 km from the city, on a hilltop near Firayalal Chowk. The architectural style of this temple is same as that of a fort presenting a miniature of the famous Puri Jagannath temple. It is most popularly known for its Ratha Yatra held every year whose concept has been taken from the original Puri temple.
Opening days: Open all days of the week; 05:00 am to 12 noon and 03:00 pm to 06:00 pm
Distance from Ranchi Junction: 10 km
Ideal for: Relaxation, family, Religious purpose
Entry fee: NA
7. Dassam Fall
The Dassam Falls has situated 34 km from the city of Ranchi on Ranchi-Tata road near the Taimara village. The place is also known as Dassam Garh. The major water source of this waterfall is River Kachni, which falls here from an altitude of 144 feet. The unique feature of this fall is that when the waterfall is seen, 10 water streams are also seen falling.
Opening days: Open all days of the week
Distance from Ranchi Junction: 34 km
Ideal for: Relaxation, Recreational purpose, Trekking, camping.
Entry fee: NA
8. Ramakrishna Mission Ashram
Sri Ramakrishna also was known as the prophet of harmony for all religions is behind the twin organizations of the Ramakrishna Mission as well as the Ramakrishna Math. The ashram today has branches all across the globe and has been duly registered under the Society Registration Act XXI of 1860. All the branches of the ashram are engaged in a variety of activities that relate to the field of the rural, cultural, spiritual, medical, tribal upliftment, educational, social and disaster management or the relief and rehabilitation. This branch center at the Morabadi in the Ranchi city of Jharkhand was initiated in the year 1927 by Swami Vishuddhanandaji Maharaj. Srimat Swami Vishuddhanandaji Maharaj was then the eight President of the Ramakrishna Order.
Opening days: All days of the week except Sunday; 8:00 am to 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Distance from Ranchi Junction: 8 km
Ideal for: Relaxation, family
Entry fee: NA
9. Ranchi Museum
Way back in 1974, Ranchi Museum was established in the premises of the Tribal Research Institute at Morabadi. The scarcity of space and other infrastructure facilities was a trammeling constraint. The display of exhibits and expression of galleries in ideal condition were the causalities. The need of expression of the museum and improvement in its display facilities led to the formation of the State Museum at the new building at Hotwar. This was founded with the objective of preserving and displaying the archaeological, historical and cultural heritage of Jharkhand. Eventually, on the 10th September 2009, State Museum at Hotwar was inaugurated by His Excellency Vice President of India Mohammad Hamid Ansari.
Opening days: All days of the week except Monday; 10:30 am to 04:30 pm
Distance from Ranchi Junction: 8 km
Ideal for: Relaxation, family, History
Entry fee: INR 10/Person for Indian & INR 50/Person for Foreigner (NC)
10. Dhurwa Dam
Dhurwa dam, Ranchi is a perfect destination for a great time with your dear ones. Enjoy the attractions of this popular tourist spot. With so much to lure your senses and offer you recreation at its best, get drenched in the spirit of adventure that you get to explore at dhurwa dam, Ranchi. Enjoy together all the points of popular interests and bring back several memorable moments. dhurwa dam, Ranchi is not just the place for sightseeing, but it also enables you to steal a self-indulgent moment for yourself as well. So, check out the dhurwa dam tourist spot for all the attractions that are on offer and visit this spot on weekends for a rejuvenating time. World standards, extraordinary architecture, innovative layouts, and well-thought execution make the place a highly coveted point of tourist interest.
Opening days: Open all days of the week
Distance from Ranchi Junction: 15 km
Ideal for: Relaxation, Recreational purpose, Picnic
Entry fee: NA
Explore these amazing places to see in Ranchi and share your amazing experience with us!
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