Jharkhand, the state carved out of the southern part of Bihar is located in the eastern part of India and shares its borders with Bihar in the North, Chhattisgarh and Uttar Pradesh in the West, West Bengal in the East end Odisha in the South.
The statue, also known as “The land of forests” is adorned with mesmerizing beauty. The rich variety of flora and fauna, the hills and mountain ranges, the rivers flowing across the state is a great delight to a nature lover and a person who loves to travel.
Here, in this article we present you with 20 most beautiful and safe picnic spots and tourist destinations in Jharkhand that a person would love to visit again and again.
20 Best and safe Picnic Spots near Jharkhand for School, College students and Families:
1. Netarhat Sunrise Point
Nothing would be better to view the most spectacular sunrise and nature’s glory at its best at Netarhat sunrise point. Just half to one kilometer in distance from the Netarhat bus stand lies the tourist bungalow, Hotel Prabhat Vihar from where you can not only meet the rising sun but also cherish the beautiful moonrise on full moon days. Netarhut is around 156 km from Ranchi and is actually the place where nature’s heart lies with dense forests, serpentine roads and cool calming breeze.
2. Magnolia sunset point
A 10 km pleasant drive from Netarhat bus stand magnolia sunset point presents one of the most beautiful and unforgettable sunset views. It has a couple of pavilions and a watchtower to view the gradual sliding down of the red giant. It also has a small children’s park, a spacious parking area and a statue of magnolia with her love interest resting cosily that revives the age old tragic love story of the British girl and the local Shepherd. Even on cloudy days when it’s difficult to view the sunset the very location at Netarhat hills is worth watching and spend unforgettable time with family and friends.
3. Betla National Park
One of the best picnic spots, betla national park is the among the earliest tiger reserve of India. Situated around 170 km from Ranchi, 64 km from Latehar and 25 km from daltonganj betla national parks flaunts its rich biodiversity. Plenty of wild animals like elephants, tigers, hyena, panther, gaur, chital, rhesus monkey, langurs, Mouse Deer, Sambhar, Four-horned antelopes, Nilgai, Kakar, small Indian Civets, ant-eating Pangolin, porcupine and Mongoose can be commonly seen.
The birdlife includes the Hornbill, peafowl, red jungle fowl, black partridge, White-necked Stork, black ibis, swamp gray, quail, the pied Hornbill, wagtails, the harial, doves, Drongo, the crested serpent-eagle, forest owlets, the Papeeha and other birds. The famous Kamaldah lake attracts several varieties of water birds, including the common whistling and cotton teal, the comb duck, snipe and geese. The park is open throughout the year. However best time for wildlife sightings is from October to March. The only entry to betla national park is through betla village. The national park also has two historic forts as well as a number of hot water springs, worth mentioning is about Tattapani hot water spring situated around 11km from Latehar district. The hot water spring is rich in sulfur and believed to have High medicinal value especially for skin. The place is extremely beautiful and the locals and tourists enjoy the hot water bath at Tattapani.
4. Nakshatra van
In front of Raj Bhawan in Ranchi, Jharkhand forest department has created a unique park centered around a circle, divided into various arcs and each arc resembling a Nakshatra. The park is popularly known as Nakshatra van. The major attractions of this park are a musical fountain at the center of the circular park, trees planted according to specific social signs, various medicinal plants which include some rare varieties also, children’s amusement park, Flower garden, artificial waterfalls and bridge, sleeping statue of dhanvantri, boating area cafeteria and spacious parking area. Best time to visit the park is at early evening hours when it is beautifully lit up under the lights.
5. Trikut Parvat
Tricked parvat consists of three peaks. Each of the three peaks symbolizes the Trimurti form of Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh. It is a popular picnic spot as well as famous for trekking, wildlife adventure, ropeway and a place for pilgrimage. The parvat is located around 13 km from deoghar town on dhumka road. Around 1200 ft. above the ground level are a number of temples like a Trikutachal Mahadev temple, Sage Dayanand hermitage, Sage Bam Baba hermitage where he got penance and Bhagwati temple. It is also known as a flower garden of Lord Shiva and a number of pilgrims come at the month of shravan to collect wood apple leaves. From the top of the peak one can view the whole city of deoghar which is not only exciting but ravishing too. In the lower stretch of trikut hills are a lot of monkeys and one should be careful of them.
6. Rock Garden
Situated in the heart of the capital city, Ranchi, rock garden is one of the most visited place of not only Ranchi but also the state. It is located at a distance of 4 km from Albert akka Chowk and can be easily reached by hiring, taxes, auto rickshaws and by other public transport means. Beautifully cut from the rocks of the Gonda hill the garden is a famous picnic spot where people spend quality time under the gentle touch of nature. The magnificent sculptures and artificial waterfalls, the lake of the kanke dam near the garden is a real beauty to watch. The horror house with creepy sounds can send shivers down the spine.
7. Nandan Pahar
Nandan pahar is a small hill located in the Deoghar district of Jharkhand. It is 4.3 km from Baba Baidyanath Dham railway station. There is a small temple of Nandi where one can offer prayers, an amusement park for children to go for various joy rides and also has theme houses which is a great fun not only for children but for adults too. On one side is a small lake where one can enjoy boating and sunrise and sunset are lovely to watch. A perfect picnic spot and a must visit place if you happen to go to Deoghar.
8. Tata Steel Zoological Park
Tata steel zoological park known for its safari park is located inside the cornermost region of Jublee park in Jamshedpur. If you want to spend a nice time for 3-4 hours under the hands of serene beauty and like to see the wildlife in their most pristine form then you are at the right place. The animals like jungle cats, tiger, lion, elephants, leopard, deer, etc. have been kept in their natural habitat. Butterfly garden, jungle safari, Jayanti Sarovar that runs along the length of the park where people can do boating, restaurants inside the zoo are other major attractions. It is open at all day from 8 in the morning till 6:30 evening except on Mondays.
9. Panchghagh Falls
Located around 40 km from Ranchi in Kunti district of Jharkhand, Panchghagh falls as the name suggests, is the amalgamation of five different streams of the beautiful river Banai falling from a height and providing a beautiful panoramic view. The fifth stream is the largest but the little bit inaccessible. The second fall is the most popular one among the tourists. The best time to Witness the amazing waterfall is during the monsoons however the huge crowd is seen during winters and springs. If you happen to visit Ranchi then do visit the place, have a box packed with lunch and extra pair of clothes . The pathway to falls is well cemented so Don’t miss to take a bath In the freshwater beneath the waterfall.
10. Maithon Dam
A part of the Damodar valley project this dam is one such dam built to tame the Sorrow of Bengal- the Damodar river. It is located at a distance of 46 km from Dhanbad. Nearest station is Kumardhubi. One can unwind the stress, even in the midst of the water. In its vicinity lies the famous kalyaneshwari temple. There are lots of small places where one can enjoy boating, swimming, do water activities, have a picnic and click photographs. The deer park is one such add on. The famous island known as Chamach pahar is an amazing place to do fishing and boating and spend a memorable holiday with family.
11. Lodh Falls
Counted among one of the highest waterfalls of the country this 468 foot waterfall located on the bare river with its gushing roar is like a miracle that nature has created. One can hear the thundering noise of the water even from a distance of 10 km. It is also known as Buddha ghagh falls has a Buddha temple nearby. Ranchi and Netarhat are the nearest places that will provide connectivity to lodh falls. If you want to have breathtaking views and spend some time in the pure and natural environment do visit the Lodh falls which is nestled in the Palamu division of Jharkhand about 70 km from netarhat. Surrounded by lush greenery, it’s a real treat to the eyes, and makes an amazing picnic spot.
12. Jonha Falls
Situated at a distance of 49 km from Ranchi, Jonah falls is also known as Gautamdhara. The premise includes a Buddhist shrine, temple and an ashram dedicated to Lord Buddha. One has to go down 500 steps to see the water cascading down the valley. The fall takes water from river Ganges and Rau. There is sufficient space for a picnic and much safer than other waterfalls. You need to hire taxies to reach the destination and it is advisable to carry your own food.
13. Baidyanath Dham
A visit to Jharkhand without paying homage in Baidyanath Dham would indeed make the trip incomplete. Although not a true picnic spot but it is the place where one can find solitude amidst the chaos of urbanization. Baidyanath dham is one of the twelve jyotirlingas of India and is located in deoghar district of Jharkhand. During the monsoons the pilgrims carry Ganga jal from Sultanganj for about 108 km barefooted to offer it to Lord Shiva. The place is blissful with thousands of saffron clad devotees. Within the premises of main temple surround twelve other temples of different gods including Lord Shiva.
14. Basukinath Temple
The second most famous temple of Jharkhand after Baba Baidyanath Dham, Basukhinath temple is around 45 km from Deoghar on the road to Dhumka. It is said that the pilgrimage to Baba baidyanath Dham is unaccomplished if one doesn’t visit the basukhinath temple. Alongside the main temple many small temples have been built dedicated to various deities. At the center is a pond where devotees take bath before offering prayers to Lord Shiva. The temple remains open from 7:00 am till 7:00 pm.
15. Terracotta Temples of Maluti
Maluti, a small and unique temple village located in the Dumka district about 55 km from Dumka town is popular for exquisite terracotta temples. The outer walls of the temples are beautifully carved that depict the scenes of the epic Ramayana. Originally 108 in number these temples have been created by artisans of Bishnupur and named after female deities. The oldest among them is of Goddess Maulikshya. Around Maluti are a number of hot water springs that are said to have medicinal properties. These include hot water spring of Tatloi, Thariapani hot water spring, Dapatpani hot water spring, Nunbil hot water spring and many more. An additional tourist destination near maluti is Massanjore dam which is a popular picnic spot for locals. It is built over the river Mayurakshi and attracts a lot number of migratory birds during winter. The famous Hizla mela organized during the month of February draws a huge amount of crowd by its handicrafts and dance and music shows.
16. Parasnath Temple
Situated at the peak of the Parasnath hill, it is the most famous and a must visit place for Jain community. Out of 24 Tirthankaras, 20 of them attained Nirvana at this place. Considered as the holiest place amongst all other jain tirths, it is around 35 km from Giridih town. The beautiful hilly forest area extending about 9 km uphill is worth a watch for non worshippers too.
17. Amadubi – Panijiya rural tourism centre
Developed by Jharkhand tourism department and village tourism department this art village Situated at a distance of 65 km from Jhamshedpur is a real treat to the vacationers who want to take a real trip to rural India. Amadubi is well known for its Pathkar artwork in which artists draw paintings on scrolls and used papers by the help of bark and tree leaves Pathkar. The paintings depict the lifestyles of the tribes, customs and rituals followed by them and the mythological stories. Tourists enter the village and travel across in a well decorated bullock carts and can have a unique experience. There are a number of traditional cottages with all the facilities available for the tourists to spend a good time. One can listen to kirtans, watch the lively tribal dances and buy beautiful handicrafts. The adventure club in the village can provide you with plethora of adventure sports. If you want to spend your time in a different manner visit to amadubi will be a real delight.
18. Palamu Fort
Deep inside the Palamu tiger reserve, about 20 km South East of Daltonganj districts of Jharkhand lie the two majestic historical forts of Palamu constructed during the Mughal era. The ruined forts describe the story of the kingdom of chero tribe, the chief of whom defeated the Mughals and laid down the foundations of a strong dynasty. The Old fort and the New fort depict the Islamic architecture and although in a much ruined condition is still a major tourist attraction.
The old fort is built at the top of the hill with three huge double storied entrance gates in Nagpuri architectural style while the Naya Kila or the New Fort is incomplete and lies just a 2 km distance from the old one. Most of the parts have been badly ruined while some places need a minor repair work and the heritage can thus be preserved. The fort lies inside the betla forest so one may encounter wild animals. Langurs are found in large numbers and one must be careful not to intimidate them. Going to the fort is chargeable and tickets can be bought from the betla forest department. Palamau fort somewhat comes under the unexplored areas of Jharkhand but believe it or not these forts do remind us of the rich cultural heritage that once existed here. You would be headed back to the 17th century once you get to see the stunning fort.
19. Megaliths of Hazaribagh
Pankuri Barwadih is a home to large number of megaliths or huge stone observatory that are used for astronomical purposes. These group of megaliths are found on the left side of the road, close to Barkagaon that is about 25 km from the headquarters of Hazaribagh district. The megaliths are arranged in such a manner that two of the most distinguished megaliths create the alignment for the formation of an Equinox point. On every 21st March and 23rd September, many villagers, tourists and researchers visit this place to observe the Equinoxes. The observation takes place for 30 minutes. It is also known to offer great views of the sunrise and sunset throughout the annual Solstices.
20. Water and paragliding sports in Giridih
Why not add some spice of adventure to end the vacation in a more exciting way? Don’t forget to miss the fun of adventure sports like parasailing, rock climbing, kayaking, water sports and elephant and camel safari at about 8 km North-East of Giridih. The water reservoir and a 600 foot high hillock offer one of the best adventure sports that is worth remembering for a lifetime.