Things to Do in Ranchi

Named after the great poet Rabindranath Tagore, Tagore Hill is the perfect spot to admire the city from. It is said that Tagore used to frequently visit these hills in order to enjoy the solitude and write his books. Situated at a height of about 300 feet, it is famous for adventure sports like rock climbing and trekking. As it is located away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it is an ideal spot for family picnics as well.

Visitors have to climb around 200-250 stairs in order to reach the top.  Once you reach the top, the view of the distant mountains is unrivaled. Visitors can also enjoy a bird’s eye view of Ranchi from the top of the hill. The lush greenery surrounding the hill also adds to its beauty. Not to mention, the breathtaking sunsets that can be enjoyed from up there. At the base of the hills is the famous Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, along with the Agrarian Vocational Institute and a center for Divyayan.

Location: Near Albert Ekka Chowk, 4 km towards the north of Ranchi.

Best Time to Visit: Winter months of October to February, when the weather is pleasant.
It is recommended that you visit early in the morning or late in the evening in order to enjoy the sunrise and sunset respectively.

A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, this scenic place of worship stands at an altitude of 2140 feet. Even though devotees have to climb around 300 steps to reach the temple, the breathtaking view of the entire city makes the climb absolutely worth it. Hundreds of devotees flock to this hilltop temple every year, especially around the time of Shravan, which typically falls between the months of July and August.

It is widely believed by the devotees that Pahari Mandir has the power to fulfill their wishes. At the foot of the hill is the Ranchi lake which hosts a ghat where visitors can cleanse themselves before they climb the steps towards the Pahari temple.

Location: Near Ratu Road, 8 km from Ranchi Railway Station.

Timing: 4:30 am to 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Best Time to Visit: July-August.

Located right next to the famous Rock Garden, Kanke dam is one of the best places to visit in Ranchi. Whether it is an outing with friends or a couple’s getaway you are looking for, Kanke dam has got you covered. With crystal water surrounded by sprawling hills, it is truly the ideal place to unwind after a long day at work. Take a boat ride along the calm waters as you enjoy the beauty of the setting sun. Boating is open to visitors from 9 am to 5 pm, every day.

If you prefer to admire its beauty from the safety of the land, you can enjoy a picnic with a striking view of the water. If you are lucky, you might even be treated with a glimpse of the occasional bird catching a fish. The dam is quite a popular spot for bird watching. While you are there, don’t forget to indulge in the delicious local cuisine served near the dam. The foodie in you will thank you for it!

Location: Gonda foothills, 7 km from Ranchi Railway Station.

Timing: 8 am to 8 pm.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning and late evening, so that one can enjoy the sunrise and sunset respectively.

One of the most popular historic landmarks of the city, this hilltop temple is definitely worth a visit. Its origins can be traced back to 1691. The temple is beautifully decorated with intricate carvings and colorful stones, forming a small replica of the famous Jagannath temple in Puri. Unlike most temples in India where idols are made of clay or stone, the idol of Lord Jagannath in the Ranchi Jagannath temple is made of wood, making it one of a kind.

Once you climb to the top, you will be treated with a view to remember. Even though the temple attracts devotees all year round, it sees huge crowds during the festival of Rath Yatra,  which is the only occasion where the idols are taken out of the shrine.

Location: 10 km from Albert Ekka.

Timing: 5:00 am to 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Best time to visit: June-July.

An urban park located near Raj Bhawan, Nakshatra Van is definitely a crowd-puller. As the name suggests, the park is based on the concept of Nakshatras or stars.  It is believed that each Zodiac sign corresponds to a tree that has medicinal, aesthetic, social and economic value. Divided into various sections based on these nakshatras or zodiac signs, they offer a unique experience to those visiting.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore the park based on your zodiac sign and find out more about yourself! Set in the middle of the park is a fountain worth mentioning. You can sit under the beautiful musical fountain or explore the surrounding scenic pathways. To make the experience even more special, grab a picnic lunch and share it with your loved ones.

Location: Near Raj Bhawan.

Timing: 9:30 am to 6:30 pm (Closed on Mondays).

Best time to visit: Evenings.

Located at the base of the picturesque Ranchi hills, the Ranchi lake is the perfect spot for a lazy brunch or a relaxing afternoon boat ride. Constructed in the year 1842 by Colonel Onsely, its charm still remains intact, making it one of the best places to see in Ranchi. The fact that it is quite well maintained further adds to its appeal.

Whether it is a quiet evening by yourself or a gossip session with friends you are looking for, Ranchi lake is the perfect spot for you. Spread over 52 acres, it offers a few moments of peace to its visitors. Most locals and tourists enjoy indulging in a picnic at the banks of the Ranchi Lake, especially during the winter months when the sun acts as a respite from the cold.

Location: Near Upper Bazar.

Timing: Open 24*7.

Best time to visit: Mornings and nights.

Surrounded by native vegetation and lush greenery, Biodiversity Park is one of the most popular tourist places in Ranchi. Constructed with the mission of protecting medicinal plants and herbs, the Biodiversity park is every Botanist’s dream. It is managed by the forest department of Ranchi and offers a variety of natural experiences such as trekking and hiking .

If you are interested in plants, head over to the park and spend some time reading up on your green friends. You can also grab a cycle and ride through the numerous trails. Spread across a vast area, it is divided into various sections such as the Rose Garden, the Aquatic Park and the Chinese Garden, all of which are worth visiting. It even has a children’s park to keep your young ones entertained. If you are lucky, you might even get to buy some delicious tidbits from the tribal women selling their fare.

Location: 15 km from Ranchi airport.

Timing: 10 am to 5 pm.

Best time to visit: Evenings and winters.

Built entirely from the rocks of Gonda Hill, Ranchi’s Rock garden is complete in itself with waterfalls, sculptures, art and unrivaled views. Located on a small hill by the Kanke Dam, it is an impressive place to relax during your free time. Surrounded by lush greenery, the view from the garden is striking.  Do not miss out on the sunset that will surely leave you wanting for more! The small statues and sculpture scattered liberally across the Rock Garden also adds to its beauty.

The main attraction, however, is the uniquely constructed iron footbridge which is supported only by two poles, a true example of architectural brilliance.If you are looking for some peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of the city, grab a book and spend a few hours amidst the greenery here. If you are interested in knowing more about its history, you can even hire a guide who will take you through the garden.

Location: Kanke Road, 4 km from Albert Akka Chowk.

Price: Nominal entrance fee.

Timing: 9:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Best time to visit: Evenings.

Built in the memory of Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu, this park is located just a few kilometers from the Ranchi railway station. Both Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu were leaders of the Santhal rebellion that started in the 1850s with the aim of fighting against both the British colonial authority and the zamindar system. Located right in the heart of the city, this park offers a breath of fresh air amidst the usual hustle and bustle.

Location: Morhabadi, 3 km from Ranchi Railway Station.

Timing: 9:30 am to 6:pm.

Forty kilometres away from Ranchi is the breath-taking Patratu Valley, with its lush greenery, mesmerising views and misty mountains. Visitors can see the Patratu Dam on one side and an expansive green belt on the other.  Almost as beautiful as the valley is the drive to this picturesque destination, where one can catch glimpses of the sparkling water and winding roads. Another attraction is the Patratu dam that offers boating services from 9 am to 5 pm.

Location: Kanke Patratu Road, Ramgarh District.

Timing: Throughout.

Best time to visit: October to March.

If you are a history buff, you will love the State Museum, which traces Jharkhand’s history through a series of paintings, sculptures and more, thus giving voice to the cultural, historical and archeological heritage of Jharkhand. Visitors can browse through their extensive library that can seat up to 300 people. The museum also contains an Ethnological Gallery that lets you learn about the tribal heritage of Jharkhand with the help of life-sized models. The Ethnological Gallery also displays  their houses, clothes and even musical instruments.

However, what makes the museum one of the best tourist places in Ranchi is perhaps the Sculptural Gallery, which boasts of artworks dating as far back as medieval times. Make sure that you check out the rare collection of artifacts belonging to the Harappan and Mohenjodaro civilization. You might even spot a few from your History textbooks!

Location: Hotwar.

Timing: 10:30 am to 4:30 pm (Closed on Mondays).

One of the city’s oldest temples, Maa Dewri temple is one of the most popular places to visit in Ranchi. It is known for the 700-year-old idol of Goddess Durga that it houses. Hundreds flock to the temple to witness the idol that has 16 hands, instead of the usual 8. Another unique feature of this temple is that no cementing material was used in its construction. Stones were simply placed on top of each other in order to build this temple.

It is widely believed that the Maa Dewri Temple has the power to make its devotees’ wishes come true, for which they tie yellow and red sacred threads on bamboo.  Once their wishes are fulfilled, they go back to the temple and untie the threads. As if this wasn’t reason enough to visit, it is also interesting to note that the Maa dewri Temple is the only temple where tribal priests offer prayers along with the Brahmin priests.

Location: Tamar, 60 km towards the south from Ranchi city center.

Timing: 5.00 am to 8.30 pm.

If marine life excites you, don’t hesitate to pay a visit to Ranchi’s Aqua World Machli Ghar. Spread across a vast area, it is much more than an aquarium. Apart from housing a wide variety of fishes, it is also home to turtles, ostriches and many other animals and birds.

Visitors will get to see fish from exotic places such as the Coral Reef in Australia and the Amazons. Once you are done admiring the marine creatures, you can head over to the amusement park and indulge in a few rides. Or you can have a picnic at one of the meticulously maintained lawns within the property. Not to forget their extensive gardens where beautiful flowers bloom every winter. The food court with its wide variety of food is also worth checking out. Be it a child or an adult, Aqua World has something for everyone, making it one of the most interesting places to visit in Ranchi.

Location: Moradabadi.

Price: INR 20 for adults and INR 10 for children.

Best time to visit: October to March.

Constructed across an area of 13 acres, the Ranchi Science Centre was inaugurated in the year 2010. It boasts of being the first science center of the state and  features a museum that houses numerous exhibits related to fields such as astronomy and evolution. The life-sized structures depicting the evolution of dinosaurs is a must-see.

Another interesting thing about the museum is the depiction of the coal mine fields that are a unique feature of Jharkhand. For those interested in technology, it also sports a special section that traces the evolution of technology over the years. With a wide array of interesting experiences to offer, the Ranchi Science Center would make the perfect addition to your Jharkhand trip.

Location: Temple Road, Moradabadi.

Price: INR 20.

Timing: 10 am to 5 pm.

Located away from the city on Ranchi-Khunti Road, this deer park breeds two types of deer- Sambar and Chital.  You can spot herds roaming far and wide. Bhagwan Birsa Mrig Vihar boasts of housing 45 sambar deer and 129 chital deer. Numerous viewing points have been constructed inside the park for visitors to observe the wildlife. The panoramic view of the park from these towers is breathtaking. Spread across an area of 23 ha, the park also houses a wide variety of trees such as Sal, Bel, Neem and Ber.

If you are visiting with children, do check out the Children’s Park located near the entrance. It also has a canteen and other facilities to ensure a comfortable experience. Don’t forget to visit the Ranchi River which is next to the park for a relaxing experience. If you are a nature buff, the Bhagwan Birsa Mrig Vihar will quickly become one of your favourite places to visit in Ranchi.

Location: Ranchi-Khunti Road, 23 km away from Ranchi.

Timing: 9 am to 5 pm (Closed on Thursdays).

Known for its unique architecture, the Surya Temple has become one of the most popular places to visit in Ranchi. Shaped like an 18-wheeled giant chariot driven by seven horses and surrounded by lush greenery, the temple is not just a sight to behold, but also an ideal spot to catch some downtime (because we all deserve a little breather).

Not to mention the intricate sculptures of Gods and Goddesses that add to its whimsical charm. It also sports a beautiful pond where you can take a dip before offering your prayers. A perfect example of the typical Sun Temple architecture, this hilltop temple is definitely worth a visit. Even the road that leads to the temple is picturesque, offering glimpses of the Chhota Nagpur Plateau region.

Location: 20 km from the city center.

Timing: 6:00 am to 7:30 pm.

If you are interested in the Tribal population of Jharkhand, the Tribal Museum located in Moharabad will provide you with detailed information about all 32 tribal societies found in different parts of the state. You will get to know everything from their culture and history to their eating habits. You will also come across model structures of the different tribes that depict the timeline of their history, from the Bronze age to the Modern era.

Apart from this, visitors can also view exhibits such as jewelry, instruments, handicrafts and ancient hunting weapons used by the tribals. However, perhaps the most fascinating among them all is the unique collection of sculptures discovered during excavations. These sculptures are extremely rare and hold great historical significance. However, since it is one of the major tourist places in Ranchi, you can expect a crowd at all times.

Location: Moharabad.

Timing: 11 am to 2:30 pm.

Best time to visit: All year round.

Located in the outskirts of the city, Dassam falls, one of the best places to see in Ranchi, is a tributary of the Subarnarekha River. Here, the water falls from a height of  144 ft. However, the most stunning feature of the waterfall is that you will find 10 streams of water falling into the plunge pool, making for a unique sight. For the social media fanatic in you, the photo ops here are aplenty, which is quite obvious from the large number of photographers who come here to hone their skills. The scenic beauty of the waterfall and the surrounding areas, however, make up for this mild inconvenience. To add to its charm, you have to climb a flight of steps to reach the falls. Don’t forget to click a few photos there as it offers a breathtaking view.

Location: 41 km from the City Center.

Best time to visit: Sunrise.

Standing at a height of around 45 meters, the Johana falls is nestled in the midst of lush greenery. Water from the rivers Ganga and Raru merge together to form these striking waterfalls.  Despite being one of the best places to visit in Ranchi, it does not get too many visitors, which means that  you might even get to enjoy this hidden gem all by yourself. Don’t hesitate to check out the Buddhist shrine nearby. Make sure that you  carry some food with you. After all, it doesn’t get much better than enjoying a picnic overlooking the roaring waters.

Location: 43 km from the City Center.

Price: Rs 7.

Situated around 30-35 kms away from the city center, Panch garh falls offers a unique sight with five individual waterfalls flowing downhill in a row.  Located in the picturesque village of Khunti, it provides a much needed respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors often take a bath at the foot of the falls. The fresh water coming from the mountain is always fresh and cool. Panch Gagh falls is also a popular picnic spot among both tourists and locals alike.

Location: 30-35 km from the City Center.

Best time to visit: From February to May and from september to January.